2025-11-10 · · Daniel A

How to Migrate from Evernote to SimplyBoard

Migrating from Evernote to SimplyBoard is a simple three-step process: export your notes as ENEX or HTML from the Evernote desktop app, clean your data, and upload the files to SimplyBoard. Your notes are then converted into private, client-side encrypted entries accessible via instant fuzzy search and offline-first sync.

To migrate from Evernote to SimplyBoard, export your notes from the Evernote desktop app as ENEX or HTML files, then import them into SimplyBoard's settings menu. SimplyBoard converts these into private, client-side encrypted entries that are instantly searchable and accessible offline.

Evernote was once the undisputed king of digital note-taking, but many users are now seeking alternatives due to performance lag, rising costs, and privacy concerns. If you are ready for a faster, keyboard-first experience that prioritizes zero-knowledge encryption, SimplyBoard is the ideal destination.

This guide provides a technical and practical walkthrough for moving your data while maintaining your personal knowledge management workflow.

Why Move to SimplyBoard?

Before diving into the technical steps, it is important to understand what changes when you move from a legacy cloud provider to a private notes app.

• Privacy and Encryption · Unlike Evernote, SimplyBoard uses client-side encryption. Every entry is encrypted in your browser with AES-256-GCM before it ever reaches the server.
• Speed · SimplyBoard is built for speed. With instant fuzzy search and an offline-first architecture, you can find any note in milliseconds, even without an internet connection.
• Data Ownership · Your notes are stored as plain text/Markdown. You are never locked into a proprietary format; your data is always exportable.

Phase 1: Exporting Your Data from Evernote

Evernote does not make it easy to export your entire database at once if you have thousands of notes, but the desktop application remains the most reliable method for data extraction.

1. Install the Desktop App

You cannot perform a full export from the Evernote web interface. Ensure you have the latest version of Evernote installed on Windows or macOS.

2. Select Your Notes

You can export individual notebooks or your entire library. To export a specific notebook:

• Right-click the notebook in the sidebar.
• Select Export notebook.
• Choose your format (ENEX or HTML).

To export all notes at once (if your version allows):

• Go to All Notes.
• Select all notes (Cmd+A on Mac or Ctrl+A on Windows).
• Go to File > Export Notes.

3. Choose Your Format: ENEX vs. HTML

• ENEX (Evernote XML) · This is the standard format for migrating between note apps. It preserves metadata like tags and creation dates.
• HTML · This creates a series of web pages. It is highly readable but can be more cumbersome to manage if you have thousands of individual files.

For most users migrating to SimplyBoard, ENEX is the recommended format as it keeps your content bundled in a way that is easy to process.

Phase 2: Preparing for the Import

SimplyBoard is a plain-text power tool. While Evernote allows for complex layouts and embedded tables, SimplyBoard focuses on clean, searchable Markdown.

Cleaning Your Data

Before importing, consider these steps:

• Delete "Trash" · Empty your Evernote trash to avoid importing years of deleted clutter.
• Consolidate Notebooks · SimplyBoard uses workspaces and tags rather than deep folder hierarchies. If you have hundreds of notebooks, consider merging them into broader categories.
• Check Attachments · SimplyBoard is optimized for text and Markdown. If you have large PDF libraries or video files stored in Evernote, move those to a dedicated file storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Phase 3: Importing to SimplyBoard

Once you have your .enex or .html files, the transition is seamless.

1. Log in to SimplyBoard · Open your SimplyBoard app in the browser.
2. Access Settings · Click on the settings icon (usually in the bottom left or via keyboard shortcut).
3. Select Import · Choose the "Import" option.
4. Upload Files · Drag and drop your exported Evernote files.
5. Encryption Process · As the files are processed, SimplyBoard will encrypt each entry locally in your browser using keys derived from your password via Argon2id.

Phase 4: Post-Migration Organization

Once the import is complete, your notes will be instantly indexed. Here is how to get the most out of your new setup:

Use Instant Search

Don't worry about where you "put" a note. Use the global search (Cmd+K or Ctrl+K) to find any note by typing a few characters. SimplyBoard’s search is ranked by usage, so your most relevant notes surface first.

Leverage Multiple Views

If you had Evernote notes that functioned as tasks, try switching your SimplyBoard workspace to the Board or Canvas view. This allows you to visualize your Evernote data in a Trello-like interface or a free-form spatial layout.

Verify Encryption

You can rest easy knowing that no one can read your notes, not even the team at Kraftwire Software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import Evernote tags into SimplyBoard?

Yes. When you export via the ENEX format, SimplyBoard attempts to parse the metadata. Any tags associated with your Evernote notes will be converted into SimplyBoard tags, making your existing organizational system immediately functional in your new workspace.

What happens to my Evernote images?

SimplyBoard is designed as a text-heavy, high-speed tool. While it supports Markdown-based image links, we recommend hosting large image galleries in dedicated storage. During import, the text content is prioritized to ensure your offline-first cache remains fast and lightweight.

Is there a limit to how many notes I can migrate?

SimplyBoard is built for scale. Whether you are moving ten notes or ten thousand, the instant fuzzy search is designed to handle large volumes of data without slowing down. Because the search runs locally on your device's encrypted cache, it remains snappy regardless of database size.

Do I need an internet connection to migrate?

You need a connection to download your notes from Evernote and to initially sync your encrypted entries to SimplyBoard’s secure servers. However, once the import is finished, you can access, search, and edit all your migrated notes completely offline.

Can I undo an import if I make a mistake?

SimplyBoard allows you to manage your entries individually or by workspace. If an import doesn't look the way you want, you can delete the workspace and try again. We recommend doing a "test" import with a single Evernote notebook to ensure the formatting meets your expectations.

Why is SimplyBoard better for developers than Evernote?

For technical users, SimplyBoard offers keyboard-first design and Markdown support that Evernote lacks. Features like command snippets and the ability to quickly toggle between list and editor views make it a superior tool for those who ship code and documentation.

Final Thoughts on Migration

Moving away from a tool you've used for years can feel daunting, but the benefits of zero-knowledge encryption and superior speed are worth the 20-minute transition. By moving to SimplyBoard, you aren't just changing apps; you are taking full ownership of your digital footprint.

If you are coming from other platforms, you might also find our Notion migration guide or our comparison of SimplyBoard vs. Obsidian helpful for refining your new workflow.