15 Best Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking

In 2025, the greatest Evernote substitutes are required for note-taking on computers and smartphones. People can use some special apps both at home and at work. Because it allows for cross-platform synchronization, web content saving, and detailed text editing, Evernote keeps drawing users. SinceEvernote no longer satisfies the needs despite its widespread popularity, the majority of users now search for alternative note-taking programs.

Because technology advances along with their needs and preferences at work, users favor new digital tools. Due to storage and cost issues, as well as limited integration options, users have good reasons to try other note-taking apps rather than Evernote. In addition to discussing what to consider in a different system and guiding you through the selection process, this article explores the difficult features of Evernote and explains why people search for Evernote alternatives.

Evernote Limitations

• Cost Structure: Due to their limited storage usage and inability to fully sync across all devices, Evernote-free users experience issues with uploading and storage. Since Evernote Alternatives charges more than other services while providing you with fewer features or matching what they offer for low costs, you must pay a high price for the premium features.
• Storage and Upload Constraints: For users that routinely upload multimedia files, the free plan’s 60MB offer upload limit is inadequate. All premium plans, despite offering more features than the basic subscriptions, still have some constraints which is a downside for users.  
• Performance Problems: A good number of users have had performance problems with Evernote, particularly with big notebooks. There is a delay in the display of users’ notes on all devices as they try to sync and open these files.  
• Limited Offline Availability: Free users cannot access their notes on mobile devices while offline.  
• Complicated Interface: Alternative note-taking software presents a complex user interface to those who lack technical expertise because its interface shows visual clutter. Nevertheless this software comes with numerous functional capabilities.  
• Notes security issues: Users worry about the security of their note data because Evernote does not have end-to-end encryption protection.  

Why look for Evernote Substitute

• Price Effectiveness: Many customers view Evernote as an overpriced solution because alternative products deliver equivalent features for cheaper rates. The applications enable their users to complete identical tasks free of cost or at reduced prices with no usage restrictions.
• Enhanced Performance: The use of numerous alternatives to manage your notes within different programs tends to result in better productivity. Unlike other alternatives, these programs give you the ability to access your data offline, which allow for quick responses during syncing.  
• Enhanced Features: Various programs offer advanced classification systems, AI capabilities for searching, editing markdown, and linking to other solutions which are easier than before.  
• Privacy and Security: Since Evernote Alternatives offers scant options for security, users requiring the highest encryption levels will look for other platforms.  
• Customization and Flexibility: Customization choices are relevant to users who wish to alter pre existing templates and adapt personalized tasks to a workspace, hence such software is essential.  

Key Factors to Consider in an Evernote Alternative

• Ease of Use: Better usability guides in 2025 note-taking solutions leads to faster app learning because their user interfaces remain simple.  
• Price: For online tools to best replace Evernote Alternatives, they need to be affordable and meet all the required specifications.  
• Synchronization and Accessibility: Ensure effortless cross-platform access and synchronization between devices.  
• Storage and File Support: The system needs to offer sufficient file storage capabilities while enabling users to work with both image files and Portable Document Format documents.
• Search & Organization: Select software which lets users tag notebooks effortlessly while providing strong search capabilities that helps find particular data.
• Collaboration Features: The ability to edit documents jointly with file-sharing tools during meetings should be included as standard collaboration features when working together as a team.
• Security & Privacy: Choose a note-taking application that provides Evernote’s competitors with strong encryption and data protection policies.

Evernote Alternatives at a Glance

Name	Best For	Standout Feature	Pricing	Rating
Apple Notes	Apple ecosystem users	Seamlessly integrates with iCloud sync.	Free	5.0
Roam Research	Researchers	Bi-directional linking and graph database	$15/month	4.9
Milanote	Creative Professionals	Visual boards and brainstorming tools	Free, Pro: $9.99/month	4.9
Turtl	Security conscious users	Focuses on strong data security and encryption	Free, Premium: $3/month	4.9
Standard Notes	Highly secure note-taking app	End-to-end encryption and open-source code	Free, Pro: $9.99/month	4.7
Nimbus Note	Great for business use	Web clipping, OCR, and team tools	Free, Pro: $8/month	4.7
Notion	An all-in-one workspace	Databases, wikis, and flexible structure	Free plan available, Pro: $8/month	4.6
Zoho Notebook	Individuals and teams	Visual tool with card-style layout and cloud sync	Free	4.5
Google Keep	Daily use	Quick note-taking with sticky-note style and voice note features	Free	4.4
Microsoft OneNote	Great for Microsoft users and students	Strong Office 365 integration	Free	4.4
Slite	Team collaboration app	Real-time editing for documents	Free, Business: $8/month	4.3
Bear	Perfect for Apple users	Offers beautiful UI and markdown support	Free, Pro: $2/month	4.3
Obsidian	For knowledge management	Local storage and backlinking features	Free, Sync: $8/month	4.2
Joplin	Users who are privacy-focused	Open-source app with end-to-end encryption	Free	4.0
Simplenote	Basic note takers	Minimalist tool that’s lightweight and supports markdown	Free	3.8

List of Top Evernote Alternatives

1. Apple Notes 

Apple Notes is an advanced note-taking application that is available to MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS users. The app provides seamless interlinking between Apple devices and works with iCloud VPN, enabling users to view their notes on any Apple device. In addition to text formatting, users can create checklists, attach files, and even add handwritten notes.

The application comes with three main advanced features to enhance productivity: the ability to add tags, collaboration features, and inline scanning. With features like Face ID authentication and password-protected secure notes, Apple Notes users benefit from built-in security measures that protect their data.

Features:

• Integration of the Deep Apple Ecosystem: A deep Apple ecosystem integration provides users with smooth Apple Pencil integration in addition to Siri assistance and iCloud features.
• Rich Media Support: Users have the ability to build notations that integrate images together with PDFs sketches and tables.
• Collaborative Editing: Apple users can access collaborative editing sessions where they can edit notes together in real-time.

Pros: 

• It is free and automatically downloads to all Apple devices.
• Exceptional support for the Apple Pencil and for Handwriting recognition.
• Security and privacy functions are very useful and well-developed.

Cons: 

• Must own Apple technology.
• Lacks advanced formatting capabilities or support for markdown syntax.
• Export options are very limited for the application (no HTML or PDF publications).

Pricing: Free of charge

Website: https://www.apple.com/

2. Roam Research

Roam Research enhances academic research and knowledge work via its networked note taking with the aim of improving seamless connectivity between ideas. Instead of a traditional folder system, users are provided with a bi-directional linking framework that allows the creation of a graphical knowledge repository.

The Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking software is ideal for academics for conducting research or writing due to the multiple connections (notes) that can be created with Roam Research and offered functionality for the meticulous thinkers. Its disadvantages are high cost and complicated learning curve.

Features: 

• Bi-Directional Linking: This is a method of creating a knowledge graph where related concepts are linked together.
• Graph Database View: Visual representation of how notes are interconnected.
• Outliner-Based Interface: This system enables a free and systematic arrangement of thoughts.

Pros: 

• Great for the self-management of knowledge.
• Superb graph visualization and linking.
• Advanced writing and research abilities.

Cons: 

• More expensive than other similar tools.  
• Difficult for beginners because of the newcomer learning curve.  
• No offline access is available.  

Pricing:  

Pro plan: $165 yearly or $15 monthly.  

Website: https://roamresearch.com  

3. Milanote 

Milanote visual note taking and brainstorming tools are favored by creative professionals. With its visual note-taking surroundings, users can freely arrange text, images, links, and files into boards.  

This Evernote Alternatives is very popular among writers, designers, and marketers because of its folderless approach using visual thinking instead of lists. It is not suitable for traditional note takers.  

Features:  

• Visual Note-Taking Board: Its Visual Note-Taking Board is an adaptable tool that allows free-form rearranging of different content pieces by dragging and dropping.  
• Collaboration Features: When the collaboration features are switched on, users joined can effectively participate in brainstorming sessions in real-time as a team.  
• Web Clipper: This tool enables users to capture notes, links, and images directly from web pages.

Pros: 

• Outstanding for advanced brainstorming and project planning.  
• Effective teamwork.  
• Multimedia-rich notes are well-supported.  

Cons: 

• Notes with hefty blocks of text aren’t ideal.  
• Extremely limited storage on the free plan.  
• No mobile app for Android devices.  

Pricing:  

Free Plan (Restricted Storage & Boards)  

Pro Plan: $9.99 per month  

Website: https://www.milanote.com

4. Turtl 

Turtl is one of the best Evernote alternatives for note-taking in 2025. Since Turtl employs best practice algorithms to protect user information, it ensures strong encryption. It allows users to work with notes, bookmarks, and passwords through end-to-end encryption.

Turtl note-taking software has distinctive features compared to the competition by focusing on design security. With its open source software system, users have full control over their data and their work. Due to the application’s limited text edit options and minimal collaborative features, it is not designed for professional environments.

Features:

• End-To-End Encryption: Guarantees the highest level of privacy alongside security for data.
• Organizational Tagging System: Helps users organize their notes better and more effectively.
• Cross-platform: Available and functional on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Pros: 

• Due to the lack of information stored, Zero-knowledge encryption offers a very high level of safety.
• Open-source and privacy-centric.
• It supports several note formats, including passwords and bookmarks.

Cons: 

• Restricted formatting without support for markdown.
• Lack of dedicated collaborative features.
• In the free plan, available storage is very limited.

Pricing: 

Free (limited storage space)

Pro Plan: $3/month for additional storage

Website: https://turtlapp.com 

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5. Standard Notes

Evernote Alternatives has many note-taking applications, but Standard Notes is one of the most secure alternatives to Evernote in 2025. With an emphasis on encryption and privacy, Standard Notes safeguards user data with end-to-end encryption and makes it accessible only to registered users. Users can continuously audit Standard Notes’ security features through public audits that examine the program’s open-source status.  

The flow allows users to add basіc features, but the paid version adds powerful tools like rich text formatting, encrypted storage, and markdown-compatіble storage, making the service іdeal for users who value encryption above all else.

Features:

• End-to-end encryption: Applying encryption from onе end of the system to the other keeps data completely private and secure.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility: Functіons on iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• Extensive Customization (Paid): Allows users to access tools for them and editing file encryption backups.

Pros:

• Top-notch privacy protеctіons.
• Community-driven and open-source.
• Safe multi-device syncing.

Cons:

• Lаcks sophisticated organizing tools such аs tags аnd notebooks.
• Extra features are only available in thе rаіd plan.

Pricing:  

Basic plan – Free  

Extended Plan: $99/year or $9.99/month  

Website: https://standardnotes.com

6. Nimbus Note

Nimbus Note is a more advanced selection of Evernote alternatives for personal and professional use. Users can customize their interface, plus they can set up workspaces with folders and databases for teamwork.  

The combination of web clippers with document annotators together with OCR scanning capabilities makes Nimbus Note exceptional for building complex knowledge systems. The application Nimbus Note stands as the most effective tool for organizational use. The collaborative note-taking environment of this program doubles as a business-oriented feature set.  

Features:  

• Advanced organization tools: Two major organization features exist within this program consisting of custom workspaces and multiplexed foldable directory structures.  
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Enables locating information in documents that have had optical character recognition performed on them.  
• Web Clipper: Enables saving of articles, screenshots and pdfs directly to notes.  

Pros: 

• Ideal for business and team users.
• Extremely versatile and customizable.
• Users benefit from exceptional capabilities to clip documents from the web along with exceptional scanning functions.  

Cons: 

• For users lacking experience, the interfaces tend to be busy.  
• The free version has limited storage space.
• Less convenient for users as compared to some alternative services.  

Pricing:  

No cost at the base  

$8 monthly with the Pro Plan  

$12 monthly with a Business Plan  

Website: https://nimbusweb.me/note  

7. Notion

Notion provides a single system for team collaboration, database creation, planning, and noting. Teams and individuals can use Notion for task lists, project boards, and wiki pages thanks to its configurable setup. Notion differs from Evernote in that its database system allows users to create their own note connections.

Every component in the Notion platform helps users who choose Evernote alternatives to reconstruct their workflow patterns efficiently. Notion offers users two main services to stay organized by enabling media file upload features as well as markdown formatting and pre-built template selection. Notion functions effectively in team and professional environments since it enables real-time collaboration between users and external tool integration.

Features:

• Easy to use interface: On a single platform, text files can be placed next to database sheets and task lists.
• Easy note-taking: Notes can be edited by multiple users at once.
• Easy planning: Work and project planning formats are integrated into our product.

Pros: 

• Incredibly adaptable workspace.
• Excellent for documentation and teamwork.
• Strong database and linking features.

Cons: 

• Beginners may experience a learning curve.
• There isn’t much offline functionality.
• Some features are limited in the free version.

Pricing:

There is a free plan available.

Plus: $8 per user per month

Business: $15 per user per month

Enterprise: Tailored costs

Website: https://www.notion.so

8. Zoho Notebook 

With its card interface, Zoho Notebook, an Evernote substitute for note taking software offers users great versatility and aesthetic. Like Evernote, this app offers users the most flexibility in note storing options by integrating text cards, checklists, audio recordings, and file attachments.

Because of the multi-device compatibility, users looking for free cross device note taking tools will find them with Zoho Notebook. Individual notes can be secured with strong passcode and fingerprint authentication.

Features:

• Card-based UI: The card-based UI system permits users to categorize the different kinds of notes they have in a pleasing manner.
• Cloud Sync & Offline Access: The application supports synchronization of all major operating systems through cloud and local offline access modes across different platforms.
• Secure Locking & Encryption: Uses fingerprint or passcode to restrict access to private documents.

Pros: 

• Ad free.
• Adaptable and stylish notebook covers.
• Supports audio, sketches, and pictures alongside many other rich media.

Cons: 

• No sophisticated formatting like markdown options are available.
• There are no advanced integrations and no ability to export to PDF.
• Sometimes, syncing can be slow.

Pricing: Free

Website: www.zoho.com/notebook 

9. Google Keep

Google Keep is a simple note-taking app with sticky-note type features aimed at utmost efficiency. Users can capture voice recordings, set real-time alerts, collaborate in real-time, and create notes that can be tagged with colors. 

Google Keep is a preferred choice for users heavily dependent on Google Workspace products because of its seamless integration with other Google tools. For fast note taking without intricate levels of organization, Google Keep works best. The ability to pin important notes and the voice recording feature further improves usability, making the tool reliable for everyday use.

Features:

• Color-coded Notes and Labels: Helps organize for easy and quick retrieval of information.
• Voice-to-Text Transcription: An automated process that converts recorded speech into editable text notes.
• Google Drive Integration: Automatic device syncing.

Pros: 

• Cloud-based and totally free
• All Google services and apps have instant synchronization.
• Secure instant edits and sharing foster easier collaboration.

Cons: 

• There is no markdown or rich-text formatting.
• Limited ways to organize material (no folders or notebooks).
• It is not ideal for extensive writing or thorough note-taking.  

Pricing: $0  

Website: https://keep.google.com

10. Microsoft OneNote

One of the greatest Evernote alternatives for taking notes, Microsoft OneNote, provides users with a robust digital notebook tool for both work and school requirements. The tool offers an unrestricted notebook arrangement feature that can accommodate an infinite number of sections and pages. OneNote is a great choice for users who rely on Microsoft platforms because it integrates seamlessly with Office 365 products.

OneNote supports a variety of input methods, so you can alternate between typing, handwriting with a stylus, and drawing notes. This digital notetaker is ideal for office and classroom settings because it has strong search capabilities, note classification tools and simple connections to Teams and Outlook.

Features: 

• Flexible Note-Taking: Add notes anywhere using handwritten markings or typed text.
• Seamless Integration: Easily connects with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Smart Search & Tagging: Quickly find notes using powerful search filters and tags.

Pros: 

• No significant restrictions, and it is free to use.
• Great for multimedia and handwritten notes.
• Robust real-time editing tools for collaboration.

Cons: 

• New users may find the user interface to be cluttered.
• Device syncing can occasionally be sluggish.
• A Microsoft 365 subscription is required for advanced features.

Pricing: Free for every user

Bundled with Microsoft 365, which costs $6.99 a month.

Website: https://www.onenote.com

11. Slite 

Slite is a collaboration tool which allows teams to document processes in a step-by-step manner with a focus on enhancing cooperation and knowledge sharing among participants. Users can manage wikis, notes, and document projects systematically which is best suited for remote workers. 

Key features of Slite’s note taking software alternatives for Evernote Alternatives include markdown text editing, integration with Notion and Slack, as well as editing documents in real-time which greatly enhances the usability of the tool in comparison to Evernote. 

Features:

• Real-time collaboration: Facilitates active teamwork since clients with access can edit and comment on documents simultaneously. 
• Organized team workspaces: The application has organized team workspaces that enable users to categorize data into collections and folders. 
• Integration of Slack and Notion: Streamlines workflow by integrating with existing systems. 

Pros: 

• Great for knowledge sharing and team documentation.
• Reduction in writing interruptions.
• Effective interaction with other teamwork tools.

Cons: 

• Not beneficial for personal notes.
• The free plan has restrictions on storage space and history.
• Sensitive notes do not benefit from end-to-end encryption. 

Pricing:

Free Plan With Limited Features

Standard Plan: $8 per user per month 

Enterprise Strategy: Priced to requirements.

Website: https://slite.com

12. Bear

Bear has wonderfully designed features that makes it one of the best Evernote alternatives. It has markdown and rich text formatting features that attention devoting writers, students, and professionals will appreciate. Organized without clutter, gives a powerful tagging feature without the requirement of directories. This Application also caters to note files ordering.

Іn-lіnе pіcturеs, cross notе lіnkіng аnd а vаrіеty of thеmеs аrе somе of Bear’s mоrе аdvаncеd features. Wіth cross dеvіcе іntеgrаtіon wіth mаcOS, іPhonе аnd іPаd, Apple users should definitely consider Bеаr for these reasons, аll whіlе еnjoyіng а clеаn usеr іntеrfаcе.

Features:

• Themes and Focus Mode: Users are able to customize thе wrіtіng-focused mode as well as the thеmеs.
• Hashtag-based Organization: Provides a flexible аnd intuitive note-sortіng mеchаnіsm that lets users find any desired notes.
• Support for Mаrkdown аnd Rіch Tеxt: Enabled users to format notes using markdown and rich tеxt, hеncе еnhаncеs thе wrіtіng experience.

Pros:

• Gorgеous, user-friendly dеsіgn.
• Seamless incorporation into the Аpplе gаdgеt fаmіly.
• iCloud privacy and strong encryption features.

Cons: 

• Works only with iOS and macOS products.
• No collaborative functions.
• The free version has limited export functions.

Pricing: 

There is a free version available with no cost.

Bear Pro: $2.99 each month or $29.99 a year

Website: https://bear.app

13. Obsidian

Obsidian uses bidirectionally linked markdown documents to manage knowledge data. Organizations of private information along complex multi-level hierarchy structures allow automatic note linking. The main audience of Obsidian consists of writers and researchers who require private data protection.

Obsidian’s status as a top 15 Evernote alternatives for 2025 is attributed mainly to its exceptional capability to display note relationships. The tool fits users who prefer gathering information instead of taking notes. The tool offers multiple plugins to its users for enhancing workflow customization.  

Features:

• Graph View: The graph highlights note relationships. 
• Markdown-oriented Notes: MarkDown notes serve both a design and format change function.
• First offline Method: Ensures privacy and data protection.  

Pros: 

• Complete data control without a dependence on the cloud.  
• Flexibly customizable with community plugins.  
• Remarkable in handling and conducting detailed knowledge research.  

Cons: 

• No built-in cloud sync means additional dependency on external solutions.  
• It is not designed for quick, casual note-taking.  
• Lacks native features for collaboration.

Pricing: Free for individual use

Catalyst: $25+ one-time payment

Commercial Use: $50 every year for each user

Website: https://obsidian.md

14. The Joplin

Joplin is one of the greatest open-source Evernote Alternatives for note-taking applications that respect user privacy. The product allows for both markdown writing and protected data transactions, making it a good substitute for the Evernote platform. Joplin allows users to synchronize and back up their notes to cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Nextcloud.

Joplin delivers maximum control of notes to users thаt other paid tools do not provide. The application runs on mobile devices followіng іts іndependеnt mobilе phonе app structure while users can also capture іnternеt content through the web-based browser extension. The application allows users to begin with data storage locally and operate their notes without needing an active internet connection.

Features: 

• Completely Encryptіon: Personal data privacy is guaranteed at all stages of thе exchange.
• Markdown Support: Joplin enables you to work with Markdown note formаttіng whіch you can export to other platforms.
• Cross-platform Sync: Works with sеlf-hosted storage, Dropbox and OneDrіvе.

Pros:

• Open-source and entirely free.
• Proprietary lock-in is eliminated through the use of open-format files.
• Remarkable features safeguarding privacy and security.

Cons: 

• Compared to competitors, the user interface is not as refined.
• User-Integrated collaboration features are absent.
• For non-technical users, initial configuration can be cumbersome.

Pricing: Free, but donations are welcome.

Website: https://joplinapp.org 

15. Simplenote

Automattic created Simplenote as a basic and exemplary feature of Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking software that does not include many extras. It allows writing without distraction by enabling markdown and note sharing across all devices. Whіlе Evernote implements complex functionality, the simplenote service only focuses on text entry and fast note retrieval.

The lack of advanced design elements and multimedia tools means that simplenote is able to offеr effective note taking. Thе systеm keeps track of all modified notes, enabling users to revert bаck to previous versions аs needed, which makes the app cost-effective.

Features:

• Instant Cloud Sync: Any changes you make to your notes instantly update across аll devices. 
• Versіon Hіstory: Users are able to revert bаck to earlier versions of notes аftеr hаvіng them.
• Mаrkdown Support: To aid іn text formatting and structure, the application utіlіzеs markdown tools.

Pros: 

• No ads and completely free.
• Lightweight and fast on all devices.
• Highly intuitive; no prior knowledge required.

Cons: 

• Rich media, attachments and images are unsupported.
• Does not accommodate advanced organizing features such as tags and folders.
• No collaboration or team-sharing features.

Pricing: Free of charge.

Website: https://simplenote.com

How to Choose the Right Evernote Alternative

• Identify your primary use case: When completing intricate projects, what is the primary use case? Do you work alone or as part of a team?
• Consider your device ecosystem: The program should function across various platforms, including Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows.
• Determine the goals for note taking: A visual paradigm is useful for notes as is a system of folders or tags.
• Set up conditions for collaboration: If collaboration is part of your work, select tools that are simple for online collaboration, such as co-editing features.
• Evaluate the criteria for integration: Determine which additional platforms together with the note-taking application need to integrate through evaluation of the criteria.
• Test alternative note-taking systems: The free alternatives available to note-taking system users need testing to determine their compatibility with existing routines.
• Pay attention to annual expenses: Find out how much you will pay each year to have all the features you want.

Conclusion

Evernote faces an increasingly challenging market position because its users opt for competitor options triggered by performance slowness and pricing issues in addition to security concerns. Various user groups including professionals and students both find suitable note-taking features within the platform.

A comprehensive analysis of Evernote Alternatives for Note’s featuresYou can select the best note-taking app by considering software, usability, and security requirements. Users who look for alternative note-taking software will eventually find ways to overcome Evernote’s drawbacks and enhance their note-handling skills.

FAQs 

1. Which application offers the best free version for note management that can replace Evernote?

The greatest free Evernote alternatives for taking notes are Google Keep for simple notes and Joplin for more sophisticated features that provide more privacy in addition to Evernote import.

2. Which alternatives are capable of importing Evernote notes with ease?

Direct import features are present in most note-taking programs that compete with Evernote. The note-taking migration between ClickUp and Nimbus Note produces smooth data transfer for file attachments and document formatting.

3. Which Evernote substitute is best for organizing visual notes?

Since it includes features like Graph View and Canvas, which are useful for those who need to visualize the relationships between their notes and ideas, Obsidian stands out among the Best Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking.

4. Are there note-taking apps available on the market that function similarly across all supported operating systems?

The Best Evernote Alternative for note-taking are ClickUp, Microsoft OneNote, Notion, and Simplenote which offer better support for taking notes on several platforms at once, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

5. Which Evernote substitute offers users the greatest AI-powered features?

ClickUp Brain’s and Notion AI’s AI capabilities offer better note-taking features than other Evernote alternatives, including the ability to automatically summarize, create content, and enhance productivity with intelligent organization features.