Evernote, the popular note-taking app, has recently implemented significant changes to its free plan. As of today, users on the free version will face restrictions, limited to a single notebook and just fifty notes at a time, as announced in a recent blog post by Evernote.

The rationale behind this move is clear – Evernote aims to encourage users who desire more flexibility and additional note-taking capacity to consider upgrading to one of the paid versions. The paid plans start at $14.99 per month, with a discounted rate of $10.83 a month for the cheapest Personal plan currently available.

“While Evernote Free will continue to be available for users exploring the app or content with its basic features, the new limitations signal a shift in the company’s approach,” stated Evernote in its blog post. The majority of free users, according to the company, fall below the set threshold of fifty notes and one notebook. This implies that the everyday experience for most free users will remain largely unchanged.

Acknowledging the impact on users desiring more than fifty notes and one notebook, Evernote recognizes that these changes might prompt a reevaluation of their relationship with the app. The company encourages users in this category to consider their options.

This decision comes after Evernote underwent changes following its acquisition by Bending Spoons in November. In February, the company laid off 129 people, indicating a strategic shift and a potential move to generate revenue by nudging users toward paid plans. The adjustments aim to strike a balance between catering to the majority of free users and encouraging a transition to paid services for those seeking expanded features.