Alternatives to flatnotes
A self-hosted note-taking web app that stores every note as a Markdown file in one folder. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
flatnotes
A self-hosted note-taking web app that stores every note as a Markdown file in one folder.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as flatnotes.
SilverBullet
Keep linked Markdown notes in a self-hosted browser workspace.
SilverBullet is an MIT-licensed self-hosted browser workspace for linked Markdown notes, adding live previews, queries and programmable extensions beyond flatnotes' simple flat folder.
Memos
A self-hosted, open-source note-taking service that keeps quick Markdown notes in a private timeline.
Memos is a self-hosted, open-source service that keeps quick Markdown notes in a private timeline with nested tags and an API, suited to short notes rather than documents.
Nextcloud Notes
A distraction-free Markdown notes app for Nextcloud that stores notes as files on your server.
Nextcloud Notes stores Markdown notes as plain files on your server, but requires a Nextcloud server instead of a standalone Docker app.
TriliumNext Notes
A hierarchical note app where one note can live in several places at once, with a server you can host.
TriliumNext Notes is an AGPL-licensed hierarchical note app with a self-hosted server and desktop clients, but notes live in a database rather than plain Markdown files.
Blinko
An open-source, self-hosted note tool with AI features, built for private quick notes.
Blinko is an open-source, self-hosted quick-note tool with built-in AI features, which depend on configuring a model provider, and ships Docker Compose and Helm setups.
SiYuan
A block-based notes workspace with Markdown that renders as you type, and an option to self-host it.
SiYuan is an AGPL-licensed block-based workspace that can be self-hosted with Docker and has desktop and mobile apps, but stores notes in its own store rather than files.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Wiki.js
Modern self-hosted wiki with Markdown editing and Git synchronisation.
BookStack
Self-hosted wiki that organises documentation into shelves, books, chapters and pages.
HedgeDoc
Collaborative Markdown editor for notes written together in real time.
Joplin
An open source note and to-do app that syncs end-to-end encrypted through storage you already have.
Obsidian
A notes app that works on a folder of plain Markdown files on your own disk, with links between them.
