For a cross platform note taking app with sync, the strongest matches are laurent22/joplin (Joplin is a cross-platform note-taking application featuring local-first storage), logseq/logseq (Logseq is a local-first, markdown-based note-taking application featuring bi-directional) and laverna/laverna (Laverna is a cross-platform note-taking application featuring offline-first storage). siyuan-note/siyuan and streetwriters/notesnook round out the shortlist. Each is ranked by relevance to your query, popularity and recent activity.
Hand-picked cross-platform note-taking apps with sync, ranked by GitHub stars and activity. Compare the top alternatives and pick the right one.
Joplin is an open-source, cross-platform note-taking application designed for secure, private knowledge management. It functions as a local-first productivity platform, maintaining a complete relational database on the user's device to ensure offline availability and high-performance data retrieval. The application prioritizes data sovereignty by implementing an end-to-end encryption layer, which secures all information locally with a master key before any synchronization occurs. The platform distinguishes itself through a delta-based synchronization engine that transmits only specific file c
Joplin is a cross-platform note-taking application featuring local-first storage, end-to-end encryption, and flexible synchronization options across devices.
Logseq is a privacy-focused, local-first knowledge base designed for personal information management and networked thought mapping. It functions as a bi-directional graph editor that organizes content into hierarchical, outliner-based structures, allowing users to connect related concepts through automated backlinking and visual relationship mapping. The platform distinguishes itself by maintaining all user data in plain text markdown files stored directly on the local device, ensuring offline availability and long-term portability. It employs a logic-based query engine to perform complex rel
Logseq is a local-first, markdown-based note-taking application featuring bi-directional linking, outliner organization, and privacy-focused storage that fits this search well.
Laverna is an open-source note-taking application designed as a privacy-focused alternative to Evernote. It operates as a single-page application that runs entirely in the browser, combining Markdown editing with client-side encryption to ensure note content is encrypted on the device before it ever reaches a server or cloud storage. The application distinguishes itself through its offline-first architecture, storing notes locally using browser storage for full offline access and editing capabilities. It synchronizes notes across devices through a unified interface that connects to multiple b
Laverna is a cross-platform note-taking application featuring offline-first storage, markdown editing, client-side encryption, and cloud synchronization, though it lacks bidirectional linking.
Siyuan is a self-hosted knowledge management platform designed for private note-taking and information organization. It functions as a local-first application that stores all user content as plain text files on the local file system, ensuring data ownership and offline availability. The platform utilizes a block-based document model, which structures information as a tree of independent content blocks to facilitate granular manipulation and bidirectional linking. Users can extend the core functionality through a sandboxed plugin architecture, allowing for the development of custom themes and
SiYuan is a cross-platform, local-first note-taking application featuring markdown editing, bidirectional linking, and flexible synchronization options that fit your requirements.
Notesnook is a cross-platform note-taking application designed for private knowledge management. It functions as a secure personal information manager that prioritizes user data confidentiality by employing client-side end-to-end encryption for all stored notes, attachments, and metadata. By utilizing a local-first synchronization model, the application ensures that information remains accessible offline while maintaining a consistent state across desktop and mobile devices. The platform distinguishes itself through a focus on privacy-centric organization and secure information handling. User
Notesnook is a cross-platform note-taking application featuring client-side end-to-end encryption, local-first synchronization, and markdown editing, though it lacks built-in bidirectional linking.
Standard Notes is a cross-platform note-taking application featuring end-to-end encryption, markdown editing, and synchronization capabilities across multiple devices.
Notable is a local-first markdown note taking application and document manager. It functions as a personal knowledge base that persists notes as plain text files on the local disk to ensure data portability and user ownership. The application provides a markdown editor featuring a split-pane live preview for real-time rendering of content, including mathematical expressions and diagrams. Information is organized through a hierarchical tagging system that allows for nested labels and multi-dimensional categorization. The software includes tools for bulk note management to apply operations acr
Notable is a local-first markdown note-taking application designed for desktop environments with plain-text storage and tagging, but it lacks built-in cloud synchronization and mobile support required for a full multi-platform setup.
fsnotes is a markdown notes manager and cross-platform markdown editor for macOS and iOS. It functions as a personal knowledge base that organizes plain text and markdown files across folders using tags and bidirectional links. The system provides a secure environment through an encrypted plain text notebook that protects individual notes and folders. It implements Git-based note versioning to track document changes and maintain backups, while relying on external cloud storage services to synchronize files across devices. The application renders mathematical formulas, diagrams, and syntax-hi
FSNotes is a cross-platform note-taking application for macOS and iOS with markdown editing, local-first file storage, encryption, and bidirectional linking, though it relies on external cloud services for synchronization rather than a built-in sync engine.
Boostnote is a local-first note management system and markdown text editor designed for personal knowledge management. It functions as a desktop application that reads and writes markdown files directly to the local disk, allowing for the creation of a searchable personal knowledge base and digital garden. The application provides a writing interface that renders markdown syntax in real time. It is used to organize fragmented information, maintain project documentation, and author structured technical guides.
Boostnote is a cross-platform note-taking desktop application built around local-first markdown storage, though it lacks some advanced features like native end-to-end encryption and bidirectional linking.
Saber is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking application designed for handwritten content. It provides a digital ink canvas for creating documents and a system for organizing those notes within a hierarchy of nested folders. The application ensures privacy by encrypting both notes and device configurations on the client side before they are synchronized across devices. This process prevents the server from accessing stored content or user settings. The toolset includes digital ink annotation capabilities, such as text highlighting and layer-based stroke rendering. The user interface supports
Saber is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking application with cross-platform support and synchronization, though it focuses primarily on digital ink and handwritten content rather than standard markdown editing and bidirectional linking.
nb is a command-line note manager and personal knowledge management system that organizes plain-text documents and web bookmarks. It functions as a Markdown knowledge base, allowing users to create a structured collection of information through a shell-scripted interface. The system uses Git for versioning and synchronization, tracking full revision history and enabling the sync of notebooks across multiple devices via remote repositories. It provides security for sensitive data through AES-256 or GPG encryption and supports document conversion into various publishing formats using the Pandoc
This command-line note manager provides markdown support, git-based synchronization, and encryption, but lacks a graphical multi-platform interface.
Marktext is a cross-platform desktop application designed for markdown document authoring and structured note-taking. It functions as a WYSIWYG text processor, providing a distraction-free interface that renders formatted content in real-time while hiding the underlying markup syntax. The application utilizes a multi-process architecture that separates system integration from the user interface, ensuring consistent performance across Windows, macOS, and Linux. By employing a custom editor core built on native browser capabilities and a structured syntax tree, it manages complex document eleme
Marktext is a cross-platform desktop application designed for markdown note-taking and document authoring, though it lacks built-in cloud synchronization and end-to-end encryption out of the box.
Trilium is a local-first personal knowledge management system designed to store and organize information on a user's own device. It functions as a hierarchical knowledge base where every note acts as both a standalone document and a container for nested children, allowing for complex information relationships and deep categorization. The platform distinguishes itself through a component-based interface that dynamically renders diverse content types, including rich text, diagrams, and executable scripts. All data is persisted within a single relational database file, which supports a versioned
Trilium is a local-first personal knowledge management system that supports hierarchical note-taking and self-hosted synchronization, though it relies on its own server setup rather than a plug-and-play cloud service.
Trilium is a hierarchical personal knowledge base and digital garden tool designed to organize information into a tree of linked nodes. It functions as a JavaScript programmable wiki and a self-hosted note server, allowing users to maintain a private database of documents synchronized across multiple devices. The platform distinguishes itself through an embedded scripting engine for automating tasks and a REST API that exposes internal data and actions to external tools. Users can further extend the system by modifying the user interface layout and styling through a custom theme engine. The
Trilium is a hierarchical note-taking application and self-hosted server that supports multi-device synchronization, markdown editing, and local database storage, though it leans towards a programmable wiki architecture rather than standard cloud-first markdown files.
QOwnNotes is a desktop note editor that stores each note as a plain-text Markdown file on the local filesystem, avoiding proprietary formats and enabling direct file access. It functions as a Nextcloud Notes client, syncing notes and metadata with Nextcloud or ownCloud servers through a companion API service for versioning and sharing. The application also integrates with AI providers and exposes a local MCP server for external agents to search and fetch notes, and includes a companion browser extension for capturing web content, bookmarks, and screenshots. The editor distinguishes itself thr
QOwnNotes is a cross-platform Markdown note editor with local-first file storage and cloud synchronization via Nextcloud, though it relies on desktop clients and an external service rather than built-in end-to-end encryption or native mobile apps.
Omni-Notes is a mobile note-taking application and personal knowledge management tool used for creating and organizing text notes, checklists, and sketches. It functions as a multimedia knowledge base that integrates voice input, images, and audio files to maintain a searchable digital archive. The application utilizes a tag-based filtering system to group and search for stored information using metadata and categories. It further extends productivity by providing home and lock screen widgets that expose note snapshots and shortcuts for rapid access. The system supports the creation of struc
Omni-Notes is an open-source Android note-taking application featuring tagging and multimedia organisation, though it is limited to mobile rather than fully cross-platform desktop and lacks built-in cloud sync or markdown support.
Notable is a local-first markdown note-taking application designed for managing personal knowledge bases. It functions as a document management system that stores all notes and attachments as plain text files directly on the local disk, ensuring data ownership and compatibility with external file-system tools. The application prioritizes a keyboard-centric workflow, utilizing a command-palette-driven interface to facilitate rapid navigation and content manipulation. It provides a distraction-free writing environment that allows users to hide interface elements, helping to maintain focus while
Notable is a cross-platform, local-first markdown note-taking application designed for managing personal knowledge bases, though it lacks built-in cloud synchronization and end-to-end encryption.
Simplenote-electron is a cloud-synced text editor and cross-platform desktop client for creating and managing simple text notes. It functions as an Electron-based application that synchronizes user data across multiple devices and operating systems. The application provides a writing tool that automatically mirrors plain text documents across a user account. It integrates OAuth identity management to validate credentials via email verification or third-party account providers. The software covers cloud-based text storage and multi-device content syncing to ensure notes remain consistent acro
Simplenote-electron is a cross-platform note-taking desktop application featuring cloud-based text synchronization, though it focuses on plain text rather than markdown editing or local-first storage.
AppFlowy is a local-first knowledge base and collaborative workspace platform designed for structured information management. It functions as a modular productivity suite where users organize content through a block-based document model, allowing for flexible nesting and granular manipulation of data. The system prioritizes data sovereignty by enabling self-hosted storage, ensuring that sensitive information remains under user control while maintaining offline accessibility. The platform distinguishes itself through a decoupled architecture that separates its high-performance, memory-safe cor
AppFlowy is a local-first, cross-platform workspace and note-taking application offering offline accessibility and self-hosted storage options, fitting the core requirements well despite missing some specific features like end-to-end encryption and bidirectional linking.
AFFiNE is a collaborative knowledge base and productivity suite designed as a private-first, local-first platform. It provides an integrated workspace that combines structured documents with an infinite digital canvas, allowing users to organize complex information through a block-based model. By prioritizing local data persistence, the platform ensures immediate responsiveness and data sovereignty while maintaining a distributed state for real-time synchronization across multiple devices. The platform distinguishes itself through a canvas-integrated database engine that enables transitions b
AFFiNE is a local-first collaborative knowledge base and productivity suite that delivers multi-platform note-taking, markdown editing, and real-time synchronization, though it focuses more heavily on infinite canvases and block-based organization than traditional note apps.
Colanode is a local-first collaboration platform designed for shared documents, chat, and databases. It provides a self-hosted suite for team collaboration and knowledge management, allowing users to maintain full control over their data and privacy on their own infrastructure. The platform is distinguished by a synchronization engine that uses WebSockets for real-time data broadcasting and a local-first approach to ensure work continues offline. It incorporates AI-powered retrieval through vector-based semantic search, enabling users to find information based on meaning across documents and
Colanode is a local-first collaboration and document platform built for self-hosted knowledge management and real-time editing, fitting the core note-taking and synchronization requirements despite its broader team collaboration focus.
This is a note taking app made with flutter. Sqlite database to store custom Note object. Search Functionality Staggered GridView
This Flutter-based note-taking application provides local storage via SQLite and grid-based organization, fitting the cross-platform category despite lacking advanced features like cloud synchronization and end-to-end encryption.
Simple Notes Sync
This repository provides a simple notes application with synchronization capabilities, matching the core requirement for a multi-platform note-taking tool even though it lacks detailed feature descriptions.
⛷ Cross-platform note-taking software, public layout editor, using MDX ⛷ 跨平台笔记软件,公众号排版编辑器,使用MDX来排版
This repository provides cross-platform note-taking software built with MDX, fitting the core application category while lacking explicit confirmation of features like end-to-end encryption or bidirectional linking.
VNote is a native C++ desktop application designed as a Markdown note-taking platform and digital knowledge base. It provides a high-performance environment for organizing, editing, and structuring information using a Markdown-based content model. The application distinguishes itself with a Vi-style input mode for text navigation and a system of priority-based event hooks for extensibility. It further supports customization through CSS-based theme styling and global hotkey mapping. Broad capabilities include personal knowledge management via full-text and tag search, digital mind mapping, an
VNote is a native desktop Markdown note-taking application designed for knowledge management and editing, though it lacks built-in native cloud synchronization and end-to-end encryption out of the box.
| Repository | Stars | Language | License | Last push |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| laurent22/joplin | 55.2K | TypeScript | NOASSERTION | |
| logseq/logseq | 43.4K | Clojure | AGPL-3.0 | |
| laverna/laverna | 9.2K | JavaScript | MPL-2.0 | |
| siyuan-note/siyuan | 44.5K | TypeScript | AGPL-3.0 | |
| streetwriters/notesnook | 13.7K | TypeScript | gpl-3.0 | |
| standardnotes/app | 6.5K | TypeScript | AGPL-3.0 | |
| fabiospampinato/notable | 23.5K | — | — | |
| glushchenko/fsnotes | 7.4K | Swift | MIT | |
| boostio/boostnote | 16.9K | JavaScript | NOASSERTION | |
| saber-notes/saber | 4.2K | Dart | gpl-3.0 |