Google Keep is an incredibly fast and efficient way to jot down ideas, shopping lists, and sudden bursts of inspiration. However, because it is so easy to create new notes, your main workspace can quickly become cluttered with old lists, completed tasks, and outdated reminders.
If you want to clean up your workspace but do not want to permanently delete your old notes (in case you need to reference them later), you should use the Archive feature.
In this guide, you will learn how to archive notes in Google Keep to maintain a clean, organized interface without losing any of your data.
How to Archive a Note on the Web
If you are using Google Keep on your computer browser, archiving a note takes only a single click.
- Go to keep.google.com.
- Hover your mouse cursor over the note you wish to hide from the main view.
- A row of icons will appear at the bottom of the note. Click the Archive icon (it looks like a small folder with a downward-pointing arrow).
The note will instantly vanish from your main workspace. (Alternatively, you can just click on a note to open it, and press the E key on your keyboard to instantly archive it).
How to Archive a Note on the Mobile App
The process is just as simple if you are using the Google Keep app on an Android or iOS device.
- Open the Google Keep app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Simply swipe the note to the right or to the left.
Swiping the note will automatically trigger the archive action, instantly removing it from your grid.
How to View and Restore Archived Notes
Archived notes are never deleted. They are simply moved to a hidden folder and will still appear if you use the search bar.
If you want to view all your archived notes or move one back to the main workspace:
- Click the Main Menu (the three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select Archive from the sidebar menu.
- Here you will see every note you have ever archived.
- To unarchive a note, simply hover over it (or open it on mobile) and click the Unarchive icon (the folder with an upward-pointing arrow).
A Clutter-Free Workspace
Archiving is the secret to effectively managing Google Keep. By getting into the habit of archiving completed lists and old ideas instead of deleting them, you can maintain a clean, distraction-free workspace while preserving a searchable history of all your past thoughts and tasks.