Notes review
A focused desktop Markdown app with folders, search, tasks, and a low-cost lifetime upgrade.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Notes is a local-first desktop note-taking application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is aimed at people who want a straightforward Markdown workspace with local SQLite storage instead of a broad collaborative knowledge platform. The feature set covers Markdown formatting, folders, tags, full-text search, keyboard shortcuts, multiple themes, Feed View, and a Task Board for Markdown tasks. Its open-source model also makes it a practical fit for users who value a desktop application they can inspect and run across major desktop operating systems.
Pricing is simple. The free Basic plan includes Markdown support, multiple themes, local-first storage, the read-only Task Board, and the open-source cross-platform application. The Pro - Lifetime License costs $14.99 as a one-time payment. It adds an editable Task Board, ownership of the license without recurring payments, and access to all future Pro features. For users whose main requirement is writing and organizing notes, Basic covers the core workflow; the paid tier is primarily for turning task views into an editable part of that workflow.
Notes is strongest when the priority is focused desktop note-taking with local storage and a small, clear feature set. Themes, search, tags, and Feed View support everyday organization without shifting the product toward AI-assisted writing or team collaboration. The trade-off is a narrower ecosystem: its published positioning centers on desktop notes, while sharing, real-time collaboration, and integrations are not part of the described feature set. Choose Notes for personal Markdown notes, lightweight task tracking, and a one-time Pro purchase. Choose an alternative if your workflow depends on collaboration, connected services, or broader platform coverage.
Notes pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Open-source desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Markdown, folders, tags, full-text search, and task boards
- $14.99 one-time Pro license with future Pro features
- Where it doesn't
- Task Board editing requires the Pro license
- Focused on local desktop note-taking rather than collaboration
- No AI features or documented integrations
Notes fact sheet, pricing and score →
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