Apple Notes has grown to be more than a simple note-taking app. It is a versatile tool for organization and formatting with a range of features, including the ability to create code blocks. Code blocks in note-taking apps are crucial for developers and students who need to jot down snippets of code. With the latest updates, Apple Notes supports improved code formatting options, which allow for a clearer distinction between code and regular text, making notes easier to read and understand.
With the introduction of code blocks, users can format text in a monospaced font within a distinct space that doesn’t auto-correct code syntax, significantly improving the experience for storing code references. This is available across the Apple ecosystem, ensuring consistent formatting whether on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Notes are saved on iCloud, allowing for seamless syncing across devices. This synchronization feature bolsters productivity, enabling users to pick up where they left off, regardless of the device they’re currently using.
Apple Notes has evolved from a simple note-taking app into a powerful productivity tool — and one of its newest and most requested features is code block formatting. Whether you’re a developer, student, or tech enthusiast, you can now easily add and format code directly inside Notes without losing indentation or syntax clarity.
This guide explains how to use code blocks in Apple Notes on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, plus tips for making the most of this feature.
🧠 What Are Code Blocks in Apple Notes?
A code block is a section of text formatted in a fixed-width (monospaced) font, preserving indentation and spacing — essential for writing or sharing code snippets.
Before iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, Apple Notes didn’t support dedicated code formatting, forcing users to use workarounds like Markdown or third-party apps. Now, code blocks are officially supported, making Apple Notes a great lightweight tool for developers and note-takers alike.
📱 How to Add Code Blocks in Apple Notes (iPhone & iPad)
To use code blocks in iOS 17 or later:
- Open the Notes app and create or edit a note.
- Tap the “Aa” (formatting) button above your keyboard.
- Scroll through the style options until you find “Monostyled” or “Code Block.”
- Tap it — your selected text (or new line) will switch to a monospaced format.
- Type or paste your code snippet.
✅ Tip: You can mix regular text and code blocks in one note — perfect for tutorials, documentation, or class notes.
(Source: SoftTuts – How to Add Code Blocks in Apple Notes)
💻 How to Add Code Blocks on Mac (macOS Sonoma or Later)
On your Mac:
- Open Notes and start a new note.
- Highlight the text you want to format as code.
- In the Format menu, select Style → Monostyled (or right-click → Monostyled).
- The text will now appear in a fixed-width font, preserving indentation and spacing.
You can also use keyboard shortcuts (coming in future macOS updates) or the formatting toolbar for quicker access.
(Source: Narendra Vardi – Apple Notes Just Got Better: Code Blocks Are Here!)
🧩 Why Use Code Blocks in Notes?
Here’s why this feature is a game-changer:
- Preserves indentation for Python, YAML, and other whitespace-sensitive languages.
- Improves readability for code snippets in technical notes or documentation.
- Integrates seamlessly with iCloud sync — your code looks the same across all devices.
- No formatting loss when copying and pasting between Notes and IDEs.
🧠 Pro Tips for Developers
- Use Headings or Bold text above your code blocks to label snippets.
- Combine with checklists for debugging or to-do tracking.
- Use folders and tags (e.g.,
#Swift,#Python) to organize code snippets. - Add attachments or screenshots alongside your code for clarity.
⚙️ Troubleshooting
If you don’t see the Code Block or Monostyled option:
- Make sure your device is updated to iOS 17 / iPadOS 17 / macOS Sonoma or later.
- Restart the Notes app or your device.
- Check that you’re using Apple Notes, not a third-party synced version.
(Source: Apple Community – Code Block in Notes Discussion)
🔮 Bonus: Markdown and Code Formatting
While Apple Notes doesn’t fully support Markdown yet, you can still use simple syntax like:
**bold**→ bold*italic*→ italic`inline code`→ monospaced inline text
For full Markdown support, consider exporting your Notes or using apps like Bear or Joplin, which integrate Markdown and code highlighting.
(Source: ToolingAnt – Apple Notes Markup Tools)
🏁 Conclusion
The addition of code blocks in Apple Notes brings Apple’s native note-taking app closer to pro-level tools like Notion or Obsidian — without sacrificing simplicity.
Whether you’re jotting down quick snippets, documenting workflows, or maintaining a personal code library, Apple Notes now gives developers and learners a polished, native solution that syncs effortlessly across all Apple devices.
Sources:
- SoftTuts – How to Add Code Blocks in Apple Notes
- Narendra Vardi – Apple Notes Just Got Better: Code Blocks Are Here!
- Apple Community – Code Block in Notes
- ToolingAnt – Apple Notes Markup Tools
Key Takeaways
- Apple Notes now has enhanced code block formatting.
- The app offers seamless syncing across iOS, Mac, and iPad devices.
- iCloud integration allows easy access to organized and formatted notes.
Using Code Blocks in Apple Notes
Apple Notes has improved its features to include the option for creating code blocks. This aids programmers and tech enthusiasts in keeping their notes organized and formatted neatly.
Creating and Editing Code Blocks
Users can create a code block in Apple Notes by selecting the desired text. They can then click on the ‘Aa’ icon in the toolbar and choose ‘Monostyled’. This turns the text into a monospaced font, which resembles code formatting often seen in development environments.
Formatting and Syntax Highlighting
While Apple Notes does not offer full syntax highlighting like specialized code editors, the ‘Monostyled’ option helps distinguish code from the rest of the text. It provides a basic level of formatting that can make code snippets easier to read.
Organizational Tools and Syncing
Code blocks in Apple Notes can be part of a broader organization system. Users can sort notes into folders and sync them across all devices connected to iCloud. This seamless syncing ensures that code snippets are updated and available wherever the user goes.
Compatibility and Integration
The Notes app is compatible across Apple devices, including Mac, iOS, and iPad. This allows for a smooth transition and access to code blocks, whether one is using an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.
Advanced Features and Third-Party Apps
For more advanced code editing and management, third-party apps like Bear may offer additional features. However, for quick notes and snippets, Apple Notes provides sufficient options.
Apple Ecosystem and Productivity
The integration of code blocks into Apple Notes adds to the productivity features available within the Apple ecosystem. Users can make the most of gestures, the notes list, and gallery view to manage their documents and reminders.
Updates and Release Notes
Apple periodically updates its software. Users should keep an eye out for iOS and Apple Notes updates to stay informed about new features or enhancements to existing ones, like code blocks.
Tips and Best Practices
Effectively using code blocks in Apple Notes involves utilizing the monostyled formatting option for clear visibility and relying on organization features to keep notes easy to search. Users can make their workflow more efficient through practice and familiarity with the Notes app’s features.
Further Reading and Resources
Users looking to expand their knowledge of Apple Notes and its capabilities can find various online resources, including Apple’s official support pages and technology forums where fellow users share their tips and experiences.
