μPad

Free#102 of 214 in Note-Taking Apps

μPad: A free, encrypted canvas for structured notes across desktop and web. Ranked #102 of 214 in Note-Taking Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source canvas notes with encryption.

3.0/10★★☆☆☆Editor score

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μPad3.0 Visit μPad

At a glance

• Editor score
  3.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Open-source canvas notes with encryption
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Infinite canvas with notebooks, hierarchy, hashtags, and links
  • Markdown supports mathematics, todo lists, tables, and PDF embedding
  • Client-side AES-256 encryption plus μSync synchronization and sharing

• Where it doesn't

  • Its documented platforms exclude a listed mobile application
  • Integrations center on Evernote and Markdown import
  • The canvas-first approach may not suit page-first note workflows

Our verdict on μPad

μPad is an open-source note-taking application for people who want to arrange information spatially rather than work only in linear pages. Its infinite canvas supports notebook sections, hierarchical organization, hashtag-based linking and search, and note elements with due dates. The product runs in modern web browsers and provides desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is a fit for individual users and teams seeking a free, flexible workspace with encryption and notebook sharing.

The note editor covers practical structured-writing needs: Markdown, mathematics, todo lists, tables, and PDF embedding. μPad also supports imports from Evernote and Markdown files, giving users a path into the product from those formats. The canvas is the defining feature, so it should appeal to people who want to connect notes visually, group material into sections, and move between linked ideas. Users who prefer a conventional page-first notebook may find the spatial model less natural.

Privacy and cross-device access are central to the product’s feature set. Client-side AES-256 encryption protects notes, while μSync provides synchronization and notebook sharing across devices. The documented platform range covers web, Windows, macOS, and Linux, making μPad suitable for users working across those environments. Its ecosystem is narrower than a note-taking app built around a broad catalog of third-party integrations, with Evernote and Markdown represented through import support. Choose μPad for open-source ownership, canvas organization, encryption, and core synchronization; consider another option if mobile access or a wider integration ecosystem is essential.

Your product? Our editors can test μPad in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

μPad pricing

μPad fact sheet

Alternatives to μPad

• 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 μPad alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

μPad is listed in our Note-Taking Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update