flatnotes

A self-hosted note-taking web app that stores every note as a Markdown file in one folder.

FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted
Official websitegithub.com

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About flatnotes

flatnotes is a note-taking web app you run on your own server. It uses no database. Notes are kept as plain Markdown files in a single flat folder, so you can read, edit, back up or move them with any other tool.

The project provides a Dockerfile for deployment, with a Python server and a JavaScript client. It suits people who want a simple browser-based notes page at home without handing their notes to a hosted service.

Strengths

  • No database; notes are plain Markdown files
  • Flat folder storage is easy to back up or sync
  • Docker image setup for self-hosting

Limitations

  • Requires running your own server
  • Flat folder structure offers little hierarchy for large collections

Details

Pricing
FreeFree to self-host from the public GitHub repository.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
dullage
Platforms
Web, Self-hosted
How it runs
Self-hosted
Best suited for
Self-hosters who want browser access to notes kept as plain Markdown files
Categories
Note-taking
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to flatnotes

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Software that can replace flatnotes for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • SilverBullet

    Keep linked Markdown notes in a self-hosted browser workspace.

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    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.

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    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.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    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.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    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.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    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.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSSelf-hosted

    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 necessarily a direct replacement.

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