Fingernotes is a note-taking web app that generates preview images directly from the handwritten content of the note itself. This eliminates the need for separate titles or descriptions, allowing users to quickly visually identify their notes based on a glimpse of the handwriting within. Essentially, what you write becomes the visual representation of the note.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Fingernotes – handwritten notes which become their own preview image" introduces a novel web application called Fingernotes. This application facilitates the creation and sharing of digital handwritten notes, distinguished by a unique feature: the notes themselves serve as their preview images. Rather than relying on generic icons or extracted text snippets for previews, Fingernotes generates an image of the actual handwritten note, allowing users to quickly visually identify the content without opening the note itself. This visual preview functionality streamlines the process of browsing and selecting notes, especially when a user has accumulated a large collection. The post implicitly suggests this is beneficial for quick recall and organization. The application is accessible through a web interface, implying cross-platform compatibility and ease of access. The post serves as an announcement and demonstration of this newly developed tool, inviting users to explore its functionality and potentially provide feedback. The included link directs users to a specific example note on the platform, showcasing the application's capabilities firsthand. This example likely serves as a practical demonstration of the visual preview feature and overall user interface.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43451222
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to Fingernotes. Several praised its simplicity and elegance, particularly the automatic preview image generation. One commenter appreciated the focus on handwriting and avoiding complex features like LaTeX support. A few questioned the long-term viability of the project given its reliance on a single developer, expressing concern about potential feature stagnation or abandonment. Some suggested potential improvements, including a tagging system, search functionality, and the ability to export notes in different formats. The developer engaged with commenters, responding to questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Fingernotes – handwritten notes which become their own preview image" generated several comments, discussing various aspects of the Fingernotes application.
Several commenters expressed appreciation for the simplicity and elegance of the application. One user highlighted the cleverness of using the note itself as the preview image, eliminating the need for separate thumbnails. This user also pointed out the benefit of not requiring logins or accounts, emphasizing the ease and speed with which notes can be created and shared.
The discussion also touched upon the technical implementation of Fingernotes. One commenter inquired about the specific technologies used to build the application, to which the creator (who participated in the comments section) responded by detailing the use of technologies like Next.js, Vercel, and Upstash. They further explained their choice of a serverless architecture, mentioning its cost-effectiveness and scalability. This exchange provided valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of Fingernotes.
Further technical discussion revolved around the note storage mechanism and potential privacy implications. A commenter raised a question about whether the notes were publicly accessible, and the creator clarified that the notes were stored using UUIDs, making them practically private unless the link was explicitly shared. This exchange addressed potential concerns about unintended public access to personal notes.
Another commenter suggested a potential improvement: allowing users to embed these handwritten notes in other web pages. This suggestion indicated a potential use case for Fingernotes beyond simple note-taking and sharing.
Finally, a few commenters shared their personal experiences with similar applications or alternative methods of quick note-taking. One user mentioned using a physical whiteboard for similar purposes, highlighting the enduring appeal of simple, handwritten notes. Another mentioned a comparable iOS app, offering a different perspective on available tools for handwritten digital notes.
Overall, the comments section reflected a generally positive reception of Fingernotes, praising its simplicity and clever design while also engaging in constructive discussion about technical details, potential improvements, and alternative solutions.