apple-notes

---
name: apple-notes
description: Manage Apple Notes via memo CLI: create, search, edit.
license: MIT
---

# Apple Notes

Use `memo` to manage Apple Notes directly from the terminal. Notes sync across all Apple devices via iCloud.

## Prerequisites

- **macOS** with Notes.app
- Install: `brew tap antoniorodr/memo && brew install antoniorodr/memo/memo`
- Grant Automation access to Notes.app when prompted (System Settings → Privacy → Automation)

## When to Use

- User asks to create, view, or search Apple Notes
- Saving information to Notes.app for cross-device access
- Organizing notes into folders
- Exporting notes to Markdown/HTML

## When NOT to Use

- Obsidian vault management → use the `obsidian` skill
- Bear Notes → separate app (not supported here)
- Quick agent-only notes → use the `memory` tool instead

## Quick Reference

### View Notes

```bash
memo notes                        # List all notes
memo notes -f "Folder Name"       # Filter by folder
memo notes -s "query"             # Search notes (fuzzy)
```

### Create Notes

```bash
memo notes -a                     # Add a note (opens your $EDITOR)
memo notes -a -f "Folder Name"    # Add a note into a specific folder
```

`-a`/`--add` is a bare flag — it opens your `$EDITOR` to compose the note; it does
not take a title argument. Use `-f/--folder` to target a folder. Set `$EDITOR`
first (e.g. `export EDITOR=vim`).

### Edit Notes

```bash
memo notes -e                     # Interactive selection to edit
```

### Delete Notes

```bash
memo notes -d                     # Interactive selection to delete
```

### Move Notes

```bash
memo notes -m                     # Move note to folder (interactive)
```

### Export Notes

```bash
memo notes -ex                    # Export to HTML/Markdown
```

## Limitations

- Cannot edit notes containing images or attachments
- Interactive prompts require terminal access (use pty=true if needed)
- macOS only — requires Apple Notes.app

## Rules

1. Prefer Apple Notes when user wants cross-device sync (iPhone/iPad/Mac)
2. Use the `memory` tool for agent-internal notes that don't need to sync
3. Use the `obsidian` skill for Markdown-native knowledge management