Introduction
Semantic search is an enhanced version of Evernote’s search that helps you find information by meaning, not just by exact keywords.
While standard search looks for matches in note titles, content, or other entities (like notebooks, tags, or tasks), semantic search also identifies related notes and, where relevant, provides a short AI-generated answer directly in your search results.
This means you can find what you need even if you don’t remember the exact words you used when writing your notes.
Note: This feature is currently in beta preview for select paid users only and is subject to updates before the full rollout.
How semantic search works
Semantic search understands the meaning behind your query, not just the words.
Instead of matching text literally, Evernote compares your search to the topics of your notes and surfaces those that discuss similar ideas.
For example, if you search for “Italian recipe,” Evernote might also return a note titled “How to make lasagna,” even if none of those words appear in the note.
This process builds on the same indexing system that powers keyword and OCR searches—but adds an extra layer that understands context and relationships between words. All indexing happens securely within Evernote’s infrastructure.
Technical details
Evernote identifies related notes using a method called embeddings, which are numerical representations of meaning.
- Each note is converted into an embedding, a numerical code that captures its topic.
- Queries are also converted into embeddings, allowing Evernote to compare them mathematically and find notes with similar meanings.
- Embeddings are generated automatically during Evernote’s normal indexing process, which also powers keyword and OCR search.
- These representations are stored securely and exclusively within Evernote’s infrastructure, fully anonymized and never shared externally.
In short, semantic search uses this internal similarity comparison to recognize when two pieces of content are about the same thing, even if they use different words.
Note: This process takes some time, so while Evernote is indexing your content, you may need to wait a few days for this feature to work as expected.
What you see in the results
If you have semantic search enabled in your account, you can find it just where regular search is.
On desktop and web
Simply type your query in the search bar, and you may see the following suggestions in the search modal:
- Direct matches – Notes, notebooks, and other entities that contain your exact keywords. These are the standard search results you’re already familiar with. Learn more about how standard search works in this article.
- Smart notes – Related notes that discuss similar topics or concepts, even if they don’t include the exact words you typed. These results are based on semantic similarity rather than literal text matches.
- Quick answer – When your query is recognized as a question, Evernote may display a short, direct, AI-generated answer. You’ll also see the sources used to generate that answer: these are the notes identified as most relevant to your question.
On desktop, web, and mobile
After you press Enter/Return, your note list will appear. Here’s what to expect:
- If relevant, the Quick answer will be displayed at the top of the note list.
- Smart notes will appear directly within the standard search results, mixed with your usual text matches. To help you spot them, these notes feature a small magnifying glass icon.
- Standard direct matches continue to display as usual, letting you quickly open the notes that contain your exact keywords.
FAQ
Can I disable or hide semantic search?
Yes. You can disable semantic search from Settings > Preferences > AI features, if you prefer to use standard search only.
Do I need a specific plan to use it?
Semantic search is currently in beta preview for select paid users only, but it will soon be rolled out to all users.
Is it available on all devices?
Yes, semantic search and AI-generated answers are available on desktop, web, and mobile.
Why don’t I always see an AI-generated answer?
Evernote only shows the Quick answer when your query is recognized as a question.
The system checks for question-like structures (for example, queries ending with a question mark or starting with words like “who,” “what,” “when,” “how,” etc.) and avoids generating answers for short or vague inputs, such as “meeting notes” or “budget report.”
If your question is too broad or requires deeper reasoning, you can use the Ask AI Assistant button to continue the conversation in more detail.
Why do some results seem unrelated?
Semantic search relies on a mechanism that compares meaning rather than exact wording. Occasionally, it may include notes that are loosely related. If something feels off, please do share feedback with us—your input helps us improve.
What languages does semantic search support?
Semantic search supports multiple languages. Queries can return relevant results even when your notes are written in different languages. Usually, the answer language is automatically chosen based on your query and the language of your notes.
Can semantic search read text in images, documents, or tags?
Yes. Semantic search can find results in text, images, tasks, tags, and attachments, thanks to OCR (Optical Character Recognition) indexing.
How does semantic search affect security and privacy?
Semantic search uses Evernote’s internal AI models, the same secure infrastructure used for features like the AI Meeting Note Taker. When you use semantic search, no data leaves Evernote, and your notes are never shared externally or used to train AI models. For more information, see our FAQ on Evernote’s AI features.
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