FSNotes review
A focused offline Markdown notebook with Git, encryption, and Apple-device limits.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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).
FSNotes pros and cons
- 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
FSNotes fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update