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I work faster with a plain Markdown folder synced by Syncthing than I did with my Notion setup. That is my experience, not a measured result or a promise that the same change will speed up your work. The practical difference is that my notes are ordinary files rather than pages inside a workspace, and Syncthing keeps copies of those files in sync across my devices.
What changed in my note-taking workflow
Notion combines pages, databases, and workspace features in one environment. A folder of Markdown files is simpler: each note is a text file that I can open and organize as a file. Syncthing handles the separate task of synchronizing that folder between devices.
That simplicity is what I value. I spend less time working within a workspace structure and more time editing the notes themselves. This is a personal explanation of why the change suits me; there is no benchmark here showing that Markdown is faster than Notion for everyone.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat a Notion export gives you—and what it changes
Notion’s export guidance distinguishes between ordinary pages and databases. Non-database pages can be exported as Markdown. Full-page databases export as CSV, while their subpages can be included as Markdown files. Callout blocks export as HTML because Markdown has no equivalent. A workspace export can also include pages in HTML or Markdown, database content in CSV, and uploaded files; pages the exporter cannot access may be omitted.
#1 Best Overall
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- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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So an export can give you portable text, but it does not turn every Notion feature into an equivalent Markdown feature. If your notes rely on databases, callouts, attachments, or linked pages, inspect the exported files before treating the folder as a complete replacement.
Check the export before switching fully
- Open exported Markdown files and check that the text and folder structure make sense.
- Review database CSVs separately; they are not ordinary Markdown notes.
- Check callout HTML and decide whether to keep it, convert it, or leave that content in Notion.
- Verify links and attachments, especially if you depend on linked pages or uploaded files.
Can you import Markdown into Notion later?
Notion’s Markdown import guidance says it supports standard Markdown, headings, lists, and code blocks. Anchor links and advanced or nonstandard Markdown extensions may need cleanup after import.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The same documentation states a per-file import limit of 5 MB on Free plans and 50 MB on paid plans, and up to about 120 file imports every 12 hours. These are the limits stated on that guidance page; check it again before a large migration because limits can change. For a large folder, try a small sample first and note which files need adjustments.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How Syncthing fits in—and what it does not do
Syncthing synchronizes files between connected devices. Once the Markdown folder is set up for syncing, edits made on one device can propagate to the others. That makes it possible to keep a notes folder available across, for example, a Linux computer, an Android device, and a self-hosted computer—the kind of cross-device setup people describe as offline-first Markdown sync.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Synchronization is not the same as a backup. Syncthing’s optional file versioning is configured per folder on each device and is disabled by default. When enabled, a device can archive older copies when changes from another device replace or delete files. The documentation notes an important limit: a device does not archive its own local edits through this mechanism. See Syncthing’s file-versioning documentation for the details.
What happens if two devices edit the same note?
Syncthing documents conflict resolution as part of bringing connected devices to a consistent state. A conflict can still require you to review the resulting files and decide which content to keep. Do not assume that synchronization makes simultaneous edits disappear into a single clean version. For important notes, check the outcome after editing the same file on more than one device.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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Why folder markers matter
Syncthing uses a folder marker to determine whether a folder is present and readable. Its FAQ explains that if a volume is unmounted, Syncthing pauses syncing rather than treating the folder’s files as deleted. This safety check matters when notes live on removable or intermittently mounted storage.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How to test the switch without risking your notes
- Export a small sample. Include ordinary pages and, if relevant, a database page and a callout so you can see how each is represented.
- Inspect the files. Open the Markdown, CSV, and HTML outputs; check links, attachments, and subpage organization.
- Choose a folder structure. Put the notes you want to sync in a dedicated folder, then configure that folder in Syncthing on each device.
- Test changes on multiple devices. Create and edit a test note, confirm that changes arrive, and deliberately check what happens when the same file is edited on two devices.
- Decide how you will recover older versions. If you want Syncthing to archive incoming changes, enable versioning for the relevant folder on the device or devices where you want that behavior, then test it. Keep a separate backup if the notes matter; versioning and synchronization alone are not a complete independent backup plan.
- Move the rest only after the test works. Keep the Notion content available until you have checked that the exported files contain what you need.
Who this workflow suits
A plain Markdown folder can be a good fit if you prefer ordinary text files, want to work directly with a folder, and are comfortable choosing your own organization and checking synchronization behavior. It may be a poor fit if your daily work depends on Notion databases or other workspace features that do not map neatly to Markdown and CSV.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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For me, fewer workspace layers make writing feel quicker. That is the reason behind the headline, not evidence of a general productivity advantage. The right choice depends on whether the simplicity of files outweighs the structure and features you use in Notion.
Quick Recap
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