Apple Notes Slow, Lagging or Freezing

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Find and split heavy notes

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open the note that lags and check for many images or PDFs
   2. 02Move attachments to Files or Photos, then delete or split the note
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Free space and restart

   Copy steps
   1. 01Free disk space so attachments can download
   2. 02Restart the Mac and update macOS
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Try the sync toggle

   Copy steps
   1. 01Back up notes
   2. 02Turn iCloud Notes off and on again; this fixed crashing for one user
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Smart Folders

   1. 01Delete Smart Folders if the app stays slow on Sonoma or Ventura, as one user reported
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Typing lag, freezing or high CPU in the Notes app.

Why it happens

• C-01Single note with many large images or scans
• C-02Very long notes
• C-03Smart Folders on some macOS versions
• C-04Low disk space

// this guide also covers

• apple notes slow
• notes app lagging mac
• apple notes freezing

The same problem in other apps

All crashes, freezes & blank screens guides →

• Notion Not Loading (Blank or White Screen) (Notion)
• Bear Crashes When Importing From Evernote (Bear)
• Evernote App Not Opening or Crashing (Evernote)

Other Apple Notes errors

• Apple Notes Not Syncing Between iPhone and Mac
• Apple Notes Disappeared or Missing
• Apple Notes Forgot Password for Locked Notes
• Apple Notes Shared Notes Not Updating or Collaboration Unavailable
• Gmail Notes Not Syncing in Apple Notes
• Apple Notes Not Syncing Because iCloud Storage Is Full
• How to Export Apple Notes (Markdown, PDF, All Notes)
• Apple Notes on Android or Windows