Open-Source Note-Taking Apps
Notes hold years of knowledge, and a closed format or a shutdown can make them hard to move. Open-source note apps usually use open formats such as Markdown and can store data locally or sync through a server you run, so no single vendor locks you in.
How to choose
- Is the data format open (plain Markdown files or a database), and can you export at any time?
- How sync works — local files, WebDAV, a self-hosted server or a hosted cloud — and whether it is end-to-end encrypted
- Whether you need backlinks, database views, real-time collaboration or a mobile app
Recommended software
29 in total, ranked by community recommendations, ratings and likes
Simple and private notes app. Protect your privacy while getting more done. That's Standard Notes.
Lightweight but powerful alternative for managing your personal, file based, notes and checklists.
Block-based notebook for the terminal. Plain Markdown files, Vim editing, live preview, boards, calendars and 96 themes.
A modern note taking application for the cloud, utilizing the best features of progressive web apps technology.
Database-less note-taking web app that utilises a flat folder of markdown files for storage.
Markdown note-taking web application designed for simplicity
Note-taking application optimized for people with a hacker mindset.
Build your personal knowledge base with Trilium Notes
There can be more than Notion and Miro. AFFiNE(pronounced [ə‘fain]) is a next-gen knowledge base that brings planning, sorting and creating all together. Privacy first, open-source, customizable and ready to use.
A self-hosted markdown notes taking app with live preview, document encryption, multi-user support, multi-organization capabilities and more
Lightweight distraction-free text editor, in the browser (Markdown and LaTeX supported). No lag when writing.
Encrypted diary Web application to save your personal memories of each day. Includes a search function and encrypted file upload.
An Open Source implementation of Notebook LM with more flexibility and features
Collaborative note taking, wiki and documentation platform that scales.
Diagram software for making flowcharts, process diagrams, org charts, UML, ER and network diagrams.
Other use cases
- Self-Hosted Photo Backup and Galleries
- Self-Hosted Media Servers
- Self-Hosted Password Managers
- Self-Hosted Cloud Storage and File Sync
- Open-Source Project Management and Kanban Boards
- Self-Hosted Wikis and Knowledge Bases
- Self-Hosted Web and Product Analytics
- Self-Hosted CMS and Blogging Platforms
- Self-Hosted RSS Readers
- Self-Hosted Bookmark Managers and Read-It-Later
- Self-Hosted Start Pages and Homelab Dashboards
- Self-Hosted Recipe Managers and Meal Planners
- Open-Source E-commerce Platforms
- Self-Hosted Pastebins and Secret Sharing