📚Education & Learning · Business & Productivity

Sketchnote

Sketchnotes are rich visual notes created from a mix of handwriting, drawings, shapes, and visual elements. Mike Rohde offers free video workshops, paid books, and custom group workshops to teach anyone this method of taking notes that improves memory and understanding.

Visit Sketchnote Official Site Sketchnote alternativesLast updated · Jul 13, 2026

EducationProductivity

Key facts

What is Sketchnote?

Learn to create rich visual notes that improve memory and understanding without needing artistic skills.

Who is Sketchnote best for?

Anyone who wants to improve note-taking, including students, professionals, and teams

Does Sketchnote have a free plan?

According to official sources, a free plan is available.

What are its main limitations?

Manual technique that requires practice to develop
Not a software tool; materials must be purchased or workshops booked for deeper learning

Limitations are based on product materials or editorial synthesis; confirm on the official site.

When was this information verified?

July 13, 2026

Sources

Official homepageofficial homepage · Jul 13, 2026

Key features

✓Free 32-minute Sketchnote Mini Workshop video covering fundamentals and practice exercise
✓Free 15-minute video on the 5 basic elements of drawing for sketchnotes
✓The Sketchnote Handbook: fully-illustrated book teaching regular people without drawing skills how to sketchnote
✓The Sketchnote Workbook: sequel book and 2-hour video showing how to use sketchnotes for brainstorming, planning, documenting, and more
✓Custom group workshops available for teams (on-site or online)
✓Sketchnote Lab newsletter and community (free, with paid options for deeper content)
✓Use as a tool to listen better, capture big ideas, and see connections

Use cases

→Taking notes at conferences and talks
→Brainstorming ideas and planning projects
→Documenting processes and workflows
→Recording travel experiences (reflective travel sketchnote workshop)
→Starting a visual food journal
→Improving personal and professional note-taking for better memory and engagement

Pros

+Requires no prior artistic skill
+Improves memory through combining words and images
+Makes note-taking engaging and fun
+Forces you to listen and capture only what matters

Cons

−Manual technique that requires practice to develop
−Not a software tool; materials must be purchased or workshops booked for deeper learning

Positioning

Core value: Learn to create rich visual notes that improve memory and understanding without needing artistic skills.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants to improve note-taking, including students, professionals, and teams
Product type: Mixed (books, online video workshops, newsletter, custom in-person/online workshops)

Frequently asked questions

What are sketchnotes?

Sketchnotes are rich visual notes made from a mix of handwriting, drawings, hand-lettering, shapes, and visual elements like arrows, boxes, and lines. You don't need to be an artist to create them.

Do I need to be good at drawing to make sketchnotes?

No. Sketchnotes are about listening, capturing big ideas, and making them stick. The website emphasizes you don't need to draw well, and the free video on the 5 basic elements of drawing is designed to help anyone start.

How can I start learning sketchnoting for free?

You can watch the free Sketchnote Mini Workshop (32 minutes) and the 5 Basic Elements of Drawing video (15 minutes). You can also join the free Sketchnote Lab newsletter for ongoing tips and community.

What books are available to go deeper?

Two books: The Sketchnote Handbook (teaches fundamentals to regular people) and The Sketchnote Workbook (shows how to apply sketchnotes to brainstorming, planning, travel, etc.). Use code ROHDE40 for 40% off at Peachpit.com.

Can I get a workshop for my team?

Yes. Mike Rohde offers custom group workshops (on-site or online). You can reach out through the website.

What is Sketchnote Lab?

Sketchnote Lab is a space for putting sketchnotes to work on real problems. Most posts are free, and it's described as a community for anyone curious about using sketchnotes in everyday life.