Simple Memo vs Tana
Which Should You Choose?

Tana is a knowledge management tool from Norway. "Supertags" dynamically attach fields and views to nodes, managing knowledge as structured data. Features an outliner-based UI, AI integration, and search nodes (live queries). A free plan and paid plans are available (see Tana's pricing page for current prices). Available on the web, desktop and mobile.

• 1Structured Data vs Free Text
  Tana's supertags add fields to nodes, building databases like CRMs or reading logs. Simple Memo just sends free text via email. If "structure comes later," prioritize capture speed with Simple Memo.
• 2Setup: Hours vs One Email Address
  Using Tana effectively requires hours of initial investment designing supertags, defining fields, and building search nodes. Simple Memo setup is entering and verifying your email address.
• 3Learning Curve: Advanced PKM vs Anyone, Day One
  Tana's supertags, fields, commands, search nodes, and AI integration are for advanced PKM practitioners. Understanding the concepts alone can take weeks. Simple Memo is two steps — type and send — no manual needed.
• 4Mobile: A Full Workspace App vs Type-and-Send
  Tana has iOS and Android apps for browsing, editing and capturing on your phone (per Tana). Simple Memo is an iPhone app that only types and sends: ready to type 0.4s after the tap (warm, iPhone 16e), with one-tap send.

Tana's supertag system is one of the most ambitious structuring features in any note-taking app. Simply tagging a node auto-adds fields, letting you manage contacts like a CRM or build reading log databases. Combined with live queries, you can create custom views that dynamically filter and display tagged data. But this power comes with tradeoffs. First, designing supertags requires significant upfront investment. Deciding "which fields to include," "how to structure tag hierarchies," and "what query conditions to set" can easily consume hours. And it's easy to end up not fully using the complex schemas you built. Tags go unassigned, fields stay empty, queries never get revisited. There's a gap between the ideal of structured knowledge and daily practice. Simple Memo - for Obsidian takes the opposite approach. No schemas or fields to design. Type text and send; with Obsidian set up and AI Auto-Tagging on, on-device AI adds a title and 1–3 tags. Structure can happen later at the receiving end — Gmail, Notion, Obsidian. It's the philosophy of separating capture from organization. For power users who truly leverage supertags, Tana is an extraordinary tool. But for the moments when you just want to "jot something down," Simple Memo - for Obsidian's quick capture is more practical. The question isn't which tool is better — it's whether your capture workflow should carry the weight of your organization system.

Tana and Simple Memo complement rather than compete. The following workflow leverages both tools' strengths.

• 1On the go: Instant capture with Simple Memo
  Start typing your idea or task 0.4 seconds after the tap (warm launch, iPhone 16e) and send with one tap. Don't think about supertags — just focus on capturing the thought.
• 2Back at your desk: Transfer from email to Tana
  Review memos in your inbox. Transfer important ones to Tana and assign appropriate supertags (#Meeting, #Idea, #Task, etc.).
• 3Weekly review: Organize with Tana's search nodes
  Use live queries to list this week's ideas. Leverage supertag fields for priority and progress tracking, then decide next actions.

In fairness, here are scenarios where Tana is genuinely the better choice. If these describe your primary needs, Tana is the right tool.

• 1Managing knowledge as a structured database
  Tana's supertags automatically add fields: "Person" gets email and company; "Book" gets ISBN and author. Notes become databases, enabling CRMs, reading logs, and research databases in one tool. Simple Memo has no data structuring capabilities.
• 2Creating dynamic views with live queries
  Tana's search nodes are saved queries that always show matching nodes in real time. Set filters like "Ideas created this week" or "High-priority tasks" and use them as dashboards. Simple Memo has no filtering or view features.
• 3Embedding AI into your workflow
  Tana's AI integration runs AI commands on nodes — summarize, translate, classify — integrated into supertag workflows for semi-automated knowledge management. Simple Memo's AI is limited to on-device features such as automatic titles, tags and type.
• 4Seriously practicing PKM methodologies
  Tana is designed for PKM methods like Zettelkasten, PARA, and GTD. Supertags can faithfully reproduce these frameworks. For those serious about PKM, the learning investment yields significant returns.

This guide is for those overwhelmed by Tana's learning curve or seeking a simpler capture method. Using Tana and Simple Memo - for Obsidian together is ideal, but here are steps if you prioritize simplicity.

• 1Install Simple Memo - for Obsidian and set your email address
  Download Simple Memo - for Obsidian from the App Store. Just set your email and start immediately — no account creation needed. If you've waited for Tana invitations or spent time on setup, this simplicity will feel refreshing.
• 2Export your Tana data
  Export your data from Tana (JSON or Markdown). Store the export in a safe location.
• 3Switch your capture workflow to Simple Memo - for Obsidian
  Instead of opening Tana to create nodes, use Simple Memo - for Obsidian for quick input and email delivery. Skip supertag selection and field entry — your "capture first" speed improves dramatically.
• 4Use your email inbox as a weekly review starting point
  Memos sent via Simple Memo - for Obsidian accumulate in your inbox. Review them weekly, transfer items needing structure to Tana, or simply organize with email folders. You may find that supertags aren't always necessary.