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So far, we’ve been able to get an overview of Evernote and have taken a look at how to navigate the software via the dashboard. Now it’s time for the good stuff. Let’s examine all the many ways to add content and start building up your database.

You can add notes simply by clicking “Add note” and typing text directly into the application. This is probably the simplest and most cumbersome way, though. There are several other ways of adding content that distinguish Evernote from a simple word processor:

• Evernote Web Clipper: If you use Firefox or, less recommended, Internet Explorer 7, you can get this browser extension. Once it’s installed, simply go to a web page, select whatever you want to save (text or graphics), right-click and select “Add to Evernote”.
• Take a picture: One of the coolest features about this software is it’s ability to read text from a picture…whether it’s printed or handwritten. Ever been to a meeting where the presenter wrote everything out on a white board with a dry erase pen? Copying that down by hand is a real drag. Instead, simply take a picture and drag it into Evernote. Later, you can search for text within that image and Evernote will be able to find it and highlight it for you. Very slick, and in my opinion, one of the most technologically impressive pieces to this software.
• E-mail it: When you sign up for Evernote, you’re given an e-mail address to which you can send any content, and it will automatically be uploaded to Evernote.
• Handwrite it: Have a digital graphic tablet? Use the “Add note” feature as if you were going to type it, but click on the toggle button to use the Ink feature. You can use your mouse for this if you want to, but I can’t imagine why you would.
• Universal Clipper: Have something on your screen that you’d like to save, but for some reason can’t copy and paste it directly to Evernote? Go to Tools and click on “Install Universal Clipper.” An icon will appear in your Start tray.  Simply box in the area you want saved, click on the checkmark button when you’re done, and it’s done. 

I’m not really a PDA guy, but those of you with an iPhone or similar can combine some of these in just a few short steps.  For example, you can take a picture and e-mail it directly from your mobile device for instant clipping. 

I’m also probably missing a few other ways in here, so let me know if I’ve glossed over something.  Next time, we’ll take a look at searching and accessing your notes within Evernote.