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How the CODE Framework Shaped My Choice of Capture Tools

Darwin Cruz
7 min readFeb 7, 2025

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Exploring various productivity apps has been a journey for me. A few years ago, I found myself constantly trying out new ones, caught up in the excitement of the “shiny new toy” syndrome. However, my desire to be open-minded and assess whether a specific app would enhance my current workflow led me to discover my values and needs when choosing tools.

One significant turning point in my quest for the perfect productivity system and tools was the introduction of Tiago Forte’s Building a Second Brain. I’ve been a big fan of the PARA Framework (Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archive), which has revolutionized my note-taking and file management systems.

In choosing the right tools, I’ve adopted the CODE framework, which stands for Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express. Initially, I sought a single-app solution for everything, but I’ve come to realize that with the ever-increasing workload and the unpredictability of life, I need to be more adaptable.

So, how has CODE helped me select productivity apps and capture tools?

Tools for Capture: My Journey

I used to rely on Evernote as my “Second Brain,” but after the significant price hike, I switched to Apple Notes. However, in my quest for the ideal app that can perform various tasks…

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Darwin Cruz
Darwin Cruz

Written by Darwin Cruz

A pastor and counselor who is very passionate about faith, mental health, tech, simplicity, mindfulness, productivity and intentional living.

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