FSNotes
FSNotes: A focused offline Markdown notebook with Git, encryption, and Apple-device limits. Ranked #111 of 214 in Note-Taking Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Paid; best for encrypted Markdown notes on Apple devices.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forEncrypted Markdown notes on Apple devices
- Free planNo
- Offline accessYes
- Founded2017
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Stores notes as plain Markdown or TextBundle files
- Supports offline editing, Git versioning, and iCloud synchronization
- Adds AES-256 encryption, wiki links, and technical writing tools
Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS, iPhone, and iPad
- No free plan is included
- Dropbox, WebDAV, and Google Drive sync are unavailable on iOS
Our verdict on FSNotes
FSNotes is a native note-taking app for macOS and iOS that stores notes as plain Markdown or TextBundle files. It is designed for people who want local files, offline access, fast search, and technical writing features rather than a browser-first workspace. Folders, tags, wiki links, keyboard navigation, syntax highlighting, Mermaid diagrams, MathJax, inline images, and note sharing support a range of personal and development-oriented workflows. The app is open source, requires no account, and keeps its focus on Apple devices.
The published plans are FSNotes for Mac and FSNotes for iPhone and iPad. Both are one-time App Store purchases rather than recurring subscriptions, with regional prices potentially differing. iCloud Drive synchronizes notes between Mac and iPhone, while Git provides commits, history, push, and pull for users who want version control. This ecosystem fits Apple users who already rely on iCloud Drive or Git, but it does not suit workflows that depend on Dropbox, WebDAV, or Google Drive synchronization on iOS.
FSNotes stands out through its combination of file ownership, offline operation, and technical note support. AES-256 encryption can protect notes and folders, while syntax highlighting for more than 30 programming languages and Mermaid and MathJax support make it suitable for code, diagrams, and mathematical writing. Search and keyboard navigation favor quick access across a local collection. Choose FSNotes if encrypted Markdown files, offline work, Git, and Apple-native apps are central requirements. Choose another note-taking app if you need broader platform coverage, a free plan, or wider cloud-storage integration.
Questions about FSNotes
What does FSNotes run on? macOS and iOS. It runs as a desktop app and as a mobile app.
What does FSNotes integrate with? 2 integrations: iCloud Drive and Git.
Who is FSNotes built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
Your product? Our editors can test FSNotes in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
FSNotes pricing
All 2 FSNotes plans and prices →
FSNotes fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Supported platforms | macOS, iOS |
| Note sharing | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Integrations | iCloud Drive, Git |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: iCloud Drive, Git |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | fsnot.es |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
FSNotes integrations
FSNotes lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- iCloud Drive
- Git
Alternatives to FSNotes
- Microsoft OneNoteA broad, collaborative note system with strong Microsoft integration and a capable free option.9.3
- NotionA flexible workspace for teams that want notes and knowledge bases alongside databases and collaboration.9.2
- EvernoteA broad note-taking workspace for organizing information, tasks, calendars, and documents.9.0
See all FSNotes alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used FSNotes for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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