Google Keep

Google Keep FAQ

The most frequently asked questions about Google Keep

What is Google Keep?

Google Keep is Google's web based note-taking service. Some consider it to be an alternative to Evernote - Google Keep focuses around quick note-taking – and the various accoutrements you expect from a web based system. This include photos, checklists, annotations and voice notes. Google announced Google Keep on 20 March 2013.

On which platforms is Google Keep available?

Google Keep thankfully runs on a variety of computer equipment - it is a PC- or Mac- based browser web application and is available on the Android mobile platform. You will need Android version 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or above. It works best in Google Chrome Browser.

There is not currently an iOS or Windows Phone app available, but hopefully there will be apps available in the near future.

Where do I get Google Keep?

To install Google Keep on your Android device, go to Google Play.

To install Google Keep on an iOS device go to the Apple App Store.

To install Google Keep into Chrome, go to Google Keep in the Chrome Store.

Google Keep in the Google Play Store
Google Keep in the iOS App Store.

What can I do with Google Keep?

You can type notes, create lists, add tick boxes to lists, add photos and even create notes using voice recordings.

If you are using the Android app, you can take photos and edit them before adding them to a note.

How do I access my Google Keep notes?

If you are using Google Keep on your Android device, just open the app. You can also install homescreen and lockscreen widgets to your Android device to make it even easier to quickly add notes.

To access Google Keep on your computer, open the Google Keep app that you added to Chrome, or go to https://keep.coogle.com

Your notes are automatically saved and synced across all devices.

Google Keep saves all your notes to the Google cloud, so everything is backed up and available, should anything happen to the original device or computer on which the notes were made.

What options are available for customising my Google Keep notes and how I view them?

You can choose a colour for each note from the following options: white, red, orange, yellow, green, teal, blue and grey. This allows you to assign certain colours to specific areas of your life, such as work, shopping and chores.

How does Google Keep compare to rival apps like Evernote and OneNote?

Depending on your note-taking needs, Google Keep offers most of the basic functionality of the free versions of Evernote and OneNote. The best part is though Google Keep fits in with your whole Googley digital life style - no extra login or hassle.

Are there any Google Keep extensions available?

There aren't currently any official Google Keep extensions available, but developers have already started developing extensions, like this panelised extension, which allows you to have Google Keep open in a separate window.

Can I use Google Keep offline?

Yes, you can. As long as you are using the Google Keep Chrome app, any changes made to your lists while you aren't connected to the Internet will be synced once you are online again. These changes will be synced across all the devices that you have Google Keep installed on. This is particularly useful if you have a Chromebook.