6 (+1 bonus) Types of Note-Taking Methods - Quick Guide

We have all had our fair share of note-taking during meetings or classes. And many of us have struggled with it. Because it’s not always easy to pay attention, take notes, and learn at the same time. Not only that, but how can you be sure your notes are actually helpful and comprehensive? Well, there is a method. In fact, there are several. In this article, we review 6 (+ 1 bonus) types of note-taking and how to make the most of each of them.

Cornell Method

The Cornell Method is probably the best-known type of note-taking method. And there’s a reason for that. If you master this method, you will nail your note-taking every single time.

The Cornell Method consists of a page divided into three sections:

• A column on the left, called Cues.
• A slightly bigger column on the right, called Notes.
• And a summary section at the bottom of the page.

In the note-taking area (right column), you should jot down important information using bullet points, short sentences, little boxes, or any written visual resource that works for you.

After the session is finished, go to the Cues section of the page on the left and write down questions, keywords, ideas, and anything that helps you to quickly locate relevant points.

Finally, in the summary (bottom), add a brief, and some conclusions.

The Cornell Method can be regarded as a more structured approach to note-taking than the other methods we’ll see below.

Pros of the Cornell Method

• Organized layout.
• Efficient review.
• Active engagement.

Cons of the Cornell Method

• Requires post-class review time.
• May slow you down during fast lectures or meetings.

Tips

• Highlight key points.
• Use abbreviations.
• Review regularly.

Mapping Method

With the Mapping Method for note-taking, you start with the main idea at the center of the page and then draw branches out to subtopics, ideas, and more. Then, you can draw extra lines out of the subtopics for further details. Feel free to use color-coded themes and add boxes with different shapes. This way, you get a diagram that allows you to connect ideas in a more visual way.

The Mapping Method is great for lectures or meetings that follow a logical flow.

Pros of the Mapping Method

• Big-picture view.
• Relationship focus.
• Memory boost.

Cons of the Mapping Method

• Can take lots of space.
• Prep Required.
• Time-Consuming.

Outlining Method

With the Outlining Method you organize your notes in a hierarchical way from top to bottom. You should start big with the main topics at the top and then indent subtopics and extra info beneath them. When you start to add sub-points, you should indent slightly more to the right to respect the hierarchical structure of the Outline Method.

Pros of the Outline Method

• Crystal-clear structure.
• Relationship mapping
• Review-friendly.

Cons of the Outline Method

• Brainpower required.
• Not ideal for lightning-fast talks.
• Possible over-condensation.

Sentence Method

The Sentence Method is the simplest of all —just write each new idea in a different sentence. Each sentence corresponds to a single idea —don’t add more than one idea per sentence. It’s advisable to number the sentences so you can reference specific lines later.

Pros of the Sentence Method

• Speedy note-taking.
• Comprehensive notes.
• Flexible.

Cons of the Sentence Method

• Hard to differentiate between big and small ideas.
• Editing overhead.
• Reviewing takes more effort.

Tips

• Ideal for fast-moving sessions.
• Do a post-session cleanup

Charting Method

With the Charting Method for note-taking, you turn your page into a mini-spreadsheet. Basically, you just add the main topics at the top of each row, then all the details that pop up during a meeting or lecture beneath, and that’s it. It requires a little bit of preparation because you should determine the main themes beforehand (concepts, examples, definitions, etc).

Pros of the Charting Method

• Keeps you organized.
• Speeds up the review process.
• You’ll write less and listen more.

Cons of the Charting Method

• Needs prep.
• Is less flexible than other methods.
• Not ideal for free-form speeches.

Flow-Based Method

The Flow-Based Method explains by itself, right? You start capturing ideas and taking notes anywhere on the page, without a clear structure or hierarchy, as with other methods. You flow with the ideas, and the notes will mirror how your brain processes information in real time. Draw lines from one idea to the other if needed, and group related concepts. You can use bolding, stars, boxes, circles, and more.

Pros of the Flow-Based Method

• Boosts your creativity.
• Captures the big picture instead of fixating on irrelevant details.

Cons of the Flow-Based Method

• Takes some practice.
• Slower in fast sessions.
• Might need some tidying up.

Tips

• Use it in creative sessions.
• Ideal for complex, non-linear topics like design thinking, problem-solving, or strategy planning.

Bonus method: AI Note-Taking

This one sounds like cheating. In a way, it is. AI note takers provide a shareable and downloadable full transcription of the meeting, class, or any type of audio and then create a summary in seconds. The amazing thing about these AI note takers is that you can interact with them in a conversational way, meaning you can type any question in the AI chat box, and you will get an accurate, relevant reply based on the original transcript.

Benefits of Taking Notes

Manually or with an AI, taking notes helps you learn, focus, and understand better. Since you are condensing the information in your own words and your own particular style, you feel more engaged with the material, which is great for comprehension and memory.

More advantages of taking notes are:

• Thoughts are better organized, and it is easier to come back to key points later.
• Sharpens attention and retention.
• Saves time when preparing for exams or work presentations.

AI Note Takers vs Manual Note-Taking

While taking notes manually allows you to choose your own note-taking method and style, AI note takers provide top-notch transcription, summaries, and AI-powered insights in a matter of seconds—literally.

With manual notes, you gain customization and creativity, while with AI note takers, you gain time and a more comprehensive record of what was discussed.

You can always combine the two and maximize results.

Amie's note-taking app is a great place to start, since it's able to combine your manual notes with AI-powered insights.

Conclusion

The main types of note-taking methods are AI note takers, the Cornell Method, the Mapping Method, the Outlining Method, the Sentence Method, the Charting Method, and the Flow-Based Method. You can jump from one of these note-taking methods to the other to adapt to different settings. Feel free to experiment with each of these and add your own flavor to the note-taking experience. Mix different techniques, and find the perfect formula that enables you to take the best notes.