Try or ByeTry or Bye

Bear Apple Notes Import Missing Content

Workaround available macOS Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Older AppleScript/HTML export methods bring Apple Notes into Bear with only titles, missing notes or checklists turned into bullets. On macOS 26, export from Notes as Markdown and import the folder into Bear instead.

Most likely fix: Use Apple Notes' Markdown export (macOS 26).

Symptoms

Imported notes show only titles, only a fraction of notes arrive (e.g. 30 of 2,000), or checklists become plain bullet lists.

Why it happens

  • HTML/AppleScript exporters don't preserve checklists
  • Notes stored in multiple accounts or folders
  • Exporter scripts that miss locked or shared notes

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Use Apple Notes' Markdown export (macOS 26)

    1. In Apple Notes select the notes (⌘A)
    2. Choose File > Export as > Markdown and save to a folder
    3. In Bear choose File > Import From > Markdown Folder
    4. Enable keeping original creation and modification dates if offered

  2. 2. Check all Notes accounts and folders

    1. In Apple Notes, show all accounts (iCloud, On My Mac, Gmail, etc.)
    2. Export each account/folder separately

  3. 3. Recreate checklists

    1. Open converted notes and convert bullets back to tasks with Bear's todo formatting (- [ ])

This guide also covers

  • import apple notes to bear
  • bear apple notes import not working
  • move notes from apple notes to bear

Still not working?

If Bear keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Bear problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Other Bear errors