Private note workflows for maximum productivity
Privnotes (also called self-destructing or private notes) are online services that allow you to create text notes that only be read once before they disappear forever. They provide a way to share temporary information securely. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues or messaging friends and family privately, privates help optimize your workflows for maximum productivity.
Popular privnote services
There are a few popular online privnote services to choose from, with the core functionality being the same across all options. Some top choices include:
- Privnote – The original private note services founded in 2007. Notes self-destruct after being read once.
- Secure Note – Create password protected notes and set an expiration time. Notes also are deleted anytime manually.
- Decrypt – Notes disappear permanently after being viewed. Options include adding password protection and setting delayed viewing.
Collaborate privately on group projects
Privnotes provide a secure text way for groups to brainstorm ideas and share confidential project details that aren’t ready for public exposure. Team members discuss early-stage plans privately without leaving a paper trail.
Share passwords or sensitive info securely
Instead of emailing passwords in plain text, privnotes allow you to share logins, codes, links, and other sensitive info that will disappear after being viewed once by the recipient. No more worrying about your information being exposed or hacked.
Send self-destructing meeting notes
Rather than emailing meeting minutes or notes to wide groups, use a privnote to share highlights, decisions, and action items securely with those who need to know. The private note will disappear after being read by each recipient.
Gather anonymous feedback
Want honest feedback from your team without any one person feeling exposed? Create an anonymous privnote survey link to gather constructive critiques privately without names attached before the results self-destruct.
Share private messages with friends and family
For sensitive personal conversations with friends or family, privnotes provide a safe space to share your thoughts without worrying about the messages being seen by others or taken out of context publicly if forwarded or screenshotted. You control the audience.
Best practices for private note workflows
To fully optimize the convenience and security of privnotes, keep these best practices in mind:
- Add password protection whenever sharing extra sensitive information to prevent unauthorized access if the privnote link gets forwarded without your knowledge.
- Avoid copying privnote message content into permanent files or apps like email or documents. The disappearing functionality becomes ineffective if the content gets captured permanently in screenshots or copies.
- If using privnotes for anonymous feedback, let participants know that their responses will be kept anonymous and won’t be forwarded or exposed publicly by you.
- Set timed access on notes if you only want the recipient to view the information for a short window of time. Just be aware the recipient can always take a screenshot before the note disappears.
- Enable notifications so you know when your privnote gets viewed and disappears as expected without being passed on or going unread.
- Use privnotes in combination with encrypted apps like Confide or Hushmail for added security around highly confidential information. The layered privacy protects content before and after the private note disappears.
- Don’t overshare personal details or other info you may later regret sending, even though a privnote. Always think carefully before sharing anything that could be damaging if publicly exposed.
