Vault Notes review
A capable local Markdown workspace, with sync and backup reserved for Pro.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Vault Notes is a local-first Markdown note-taking app for individuals who want notes stored as plain-text files on their own devices. It combines a live Markdown editor with wikilinks, backlinks, transclusion, infinite canvases, Kanban-style boards, daily notes, timelines, full-text search, split views, tabs and version history. Privacy Mode, Public View controls and offline access support users who prefer local control. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad, with Apple Pencil support on iPad.
The pricing structure keeps the core workspace free. The Normal plan costs $0 forever and includes every editor, canvas and navigation feature, Privacy Mode, the command palette, local plain-text storage and Obsidian vault import. Pro costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. According to the published plans, Pro adds Google Drive synchronization across devices, automatic cloud backup of the whole vault and support across Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad under one subscription. Cancel-anytime billing is included in the Pro plan details.
Vault Notes stands out for combining Markdown structure with visual organization rather than limiting users to linear pages. Canvases, boards, daily notes, transclusion and version history give different types of information distinct ways to connect and review. Google Drive is the listed integration, so the ecosystem is focused rather than broad. Choose Vault Notes if local files, offline work, Markdown linking and visual canvases matter most. Users seeking AI features or a wider integration-centered workflow should compare alternatives built around those priorities.
Vault Notes pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes the full editor, canvas and navigation features
- Plain-text local storage with wikilinks, backlinks and transclusion
- Infinite canvas, boards, daily notes and iPad handwriting support
- Where it doesn't
- Cross-device sync and cloud backup require a Pro subscription
- Google Drive is the listed integration
- No AI features for AI-focused note-taking workflows
Vault Notes fact sheet, pricing and score →
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