How to Migrate from Evernote to Apple Notes in 2026
By Taha Baalla··5 min read
Migrating from Evernote to Apple Notes: export your Evernote library as .enex, then use the "Migrate to Apple Notes" importer or a third-party script. Direct import is available on Mac via Notes > File > Import to Notes > select .enex files.
Export from Evernote
In Evernote on Mac: select all notes (Cmd+A) > File > Export Notes As > select ENEX format > choose location. For large libraries, export by notebook to create manageable files.
In Evernote on Windows: same process via File > Export. The Windows client exports all notebooks or individual notebooks.
Import to Apple Notes (Mac)
Apple Notes on Mac supports .enex import natively. Open Notes > File > Import to Notes > select your .enex files. Notes imports the content and places imported notes in a folder called "Imported Notes."
This method is free, requires no third-party apps, and preserves most content. Limitations: Evernote tags become Apple Notes tags (available in iOS 15+), but tag hierarchies flatten. Notebook structure becomes folder structure. Attachments transfer but may need re-linking.
Import on iPhone
Apple Notes on iPhone does not directly import .enex files. Options:
Use Mac first: complete the import on Mac, then let iCloud sync bring notes to iPhone.
Third-party apps: apps like "Evernote Migration" (App Store) facilitate iPhone-based migration.
Migrating Evernote Notebooks to Apple Notes (on iOS 17+): Apple has a built-in migration pathway available through Settings > Notes on some configurations.
What Transfers Well vs Poorly
Transfers well: text content, embedded images, basic formatting (headers, lists), PDF attachments, audio notes.
Transfers poorly: Evernote-specific table formatting (may become plain text), internal note links (become broken), complex notebook hierarchies, and web clips with metadata.
After Migration
Once imported, search in Apple Notes searches all your old Evernote content. Tags become searchable. Smart folders (iOS 15+) can replicate some Evernote saved search functionality.
Frequently asked
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