Lockpad review
A focused web notebook for single users who want control over storage and encryption.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Lockpad is a self-hosted note-taking application for people who want notes stored on hardware they control. It provides a browser-based workspace for rich-text notes with headings, lists, checklists, quotes, code blocks, images, and slash commands. Organization features include folders, tags, pinned notes, note links, backlinks, and full-text search powered by PostgreSQL. The project is designed for single-user use, does not require cloud accounts, and can be accessed from phones through a local network or Tailscale.
Privacy is the standout area. Lockpad supports per-note browser-side encryption using Argon2id and AES-GCM, while Docker-based deployment keeps the application on infrastructure managed by the user. Backup and restore scripts support the self-hosted model, and the AGPL-3.0 license fits users who want an open-source application. Tailscale-based private remote access extends availability beyond a local network without changing the web-based interface. These controls suit personal knowledge bases and private journals more than shared team workspaces.
The free open-source model keeps the product focused on ownership rather than a hosted subscription plan. Imports from Google Keep, Standard Notes, HTML, Markdown, and CSV can help with migration, while exports are available as JSON for the library or Markdown and PDF for individual notes. The trade-off is operational: users must run the Docker deployment and manage the storage environment themselves. Lockpad is a strong fit for technically comfortable single users who value self-hosting and encryption; choose another note-taking app if native mobile apps, cloud hosting, or real-time collaboration are priorities.
Lockpad pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Per-note browser-side encryption uses Argon2id and AES-GCM
- Rich editing, backlinks, folders, tags, and full-text search
- Docker deployment includes backup and restore scripts
- Where it doesn't
- Web-only access with no native mobile app
- Designed for single-user use without real-time collaboration
- Requires self-hosting and does not provide a vendor-operated cloud service
Lockpad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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