OpenVLT review
A self-hosted vault for encrypted notes, rich media, diagrams, search, and version history.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
OpenVLT is a self-hosted, open-source notes application for individuals and teams that want to keep their data on their own hardware or VPS. It stores notes as plain Markdown files on the host filesystem and combines a rich Markdown editor with wiki-links, slash commands, attachments, embedded media, handwritten canvas notes, and Excalidraw diagrams. Sensitive notes can be locked with AES-256-GCM encryption, making OpenVLT a fit for users who want control over storage alongside private note areas.
Its feature depth is strongest around structured personal knowledge and vault management. Full-text search uses SQLite FTS5, while version history provides snapshots and restore. Vault export includes notes and attachments in ZIP format. These capabilities give users ways to find, recover, and move their content without reducing the product to a basic text editor. OpenVLT also supports WebAuthn biometric authentication, adding an authentication option for installations that use it.
OpenVLT runs on the web, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted deployments, with local or Docker operation described by the vendor. Google Drive is the named integration, supporting backup, while peer-to-peer synchronization can connect OpenVLT instances. That makes it a strong choice for users prioritizing self-hosting, Markdown files, encrypted locked notes, and rich media tools. Users who need a wider integration ecosystem or broader platform coverage should consider an alternative.
OpenVLT pros and cons
- Where it wins
- AES-256-GCM encryption for locked notes
- Rich Markdown, attachments, canvas notes, and Excalidraw diagrams
- Version history, vault export, Google Drive backup, and peer-to-peer sync
- Where it doesn't
- The listed integration coverage centers on Google Drive
- Self-hosting requires your own hardware or VPS
- Its platform and ecosystem coverage is narrower than broader note platforms
OpenVLT fact sheet, pricing and score →
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