Limestone
Limestone: A free open-source note app for offline, account-free work on Mac and Linux. Ranked #168 of 214 in Note-Taking Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for private local-first notes on Mac and Linux.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPrivate local-first notes on Mac and Linux
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Offline accessYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Local-first storage and offline operation by default
- No account required and free to use
- Markdown images, block editing, tasks, and project organization
Where it doesn't
- Limited to macOS and Linux
- Early-access status means bugs and major changes may occur
- No verified sharing or collaboration features
Our verdict on Limestone
Limestone is a free, open-source note-taking and productivity application for people who want private local storage, offline access, and a lightweight desktop workspace. It supports notes, tasks, and projects without requiring an account, making it a fit for individual users on macOS or Linux who prefer to keep their work local. The app is distributed as an early-access desktop application and is designed for users who want to avoid complex setup and AI assistants.
Its editing tools cover both everyday writing and structured organization. Live and source editing modes support different Markdown workflows, while Markdown-compatible image embedding helps keep visual content alongside notes. Find and replace works within notes, and the block-based editor gives content a more structured format than a plain text document. Tasks and project organization sit alongside notes, so Limestone can suit personal planning as well as reference material. Its free pricing and open-source distribution also make it a practical choice for users who value inspectable software and no-account access.
The main trade-off is scope. Limestone is available on macOS and Linux, with no listed support for other platforms, and its local-first design does not provide a verified sharing or collaboration workflow. The early-access label also means users should expect bugs and major changes between versions. Choose Limestone for private, offline note-taking, Markdown-oriented editing, and personal task organization; choose another app if broad platform coverage, team collaboration, or a more established release cycle is essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Limestone in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Limestone pricing
Limestone fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Supported platforms | macos, linux |
| Note sharing | Not verified |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Integrations | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | limestone.app |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Limestone
- 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 Limestone alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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