Secret Notes Section

While I’m aware that the purpose of the archive is to hide notes, I’d still like to propose a dedicated section for hidden or secret notes. Notes hidden by the user would not appear in searches but only in this dedicated section. The section can only be accessed via passcode. It’s a bit similar to how hidden photos work on iOS.

This is something neither the archive nor protected notes currently provide, but extremely helpful for notes you don’t want anyone to see when you’re using Bear while somebody is sitting next to you.

A feature like this would have another considerable advantage: if the tags included in the note remain active (as they do for protected but not for archived notes), this would be a great way to hide a note that simply serves as a placeholder for the tag structure.

I know that some people prefer to lay out their entire tag system beforehand instead of letting it grow organically, including myself. But this note obviously appears everywhere and gets in the way—from tags to searches to widgets. I understand the reluctance to add a feature that allows for the permanent creation of tags regardless of whether they’re assigned to any notes; after all, that would probably require significant changes to the core. But this way seems like a good compromise to me.

Plus, a section dedicated to hidden notes could serve many purposes beyond just stashing away one’s tag system. Think of the elaborate marriage proposal note you no longer have to name “Taxes 2012.”

3 Likes

+1
I agree too i think that this would be a good idea, especially for those with confidential info or anything like that. The only problem may be that if you want to go into secret notes u may need a password which is bear pro only. Maybe it could be a feature for bear pro users. Idk

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What is the benefit of that feature?

Actually that seems to be the only reason you want those hidden notes. I can see exactly what you’re after. The reason why some user complain about the lack of folders is because a tag does not appear in the tag list until it is written to a note. While I fully understand the desire, I think the way it is implemented is extremely complex considering the goal. Bear is bear - try to get used with the tagging system and to find peace! :wink:

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I think it would. It would add a layer of complexity in terms of side effects what had to be considered. Three years ago I requested the same. But alone the length of my reasoning exposes how clear the impact would be:

Once you get used AND are willing to accept that limitation you indeed will find harmony. By the way: Someday Panda as a standalone app with file and folder based organization will be released. That might be the alternative to bear if someone prefers more a folder based organization. See here!