What is FSNotes used for?

FSNotes is a fast, native Markdown notes app for macOS and iOS that keeps every note as a plain Markdown or text file, with tags, wiki-style links and encryption. It is a good fit for local-first note-taking on Apple devices, avoiding lock-in with plain Markdown files, and technical notes with code and diagrams.

Is FSNotes open source?

Yes. FSNotes is open source under the MIT licence. Its source code is on GitHub at glushchenko/fsnotes and is written mainly in Swift.

Yes. FSNotes is open source, so the software itself is free to use.

Can I self-host FSNotes?

Yes. FSNotes can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.

What is FSNotes an alternative to?

FSNotes is an open-source alternative to Bear, Evernote, Apple Notes and Craft. Other open-source alternatives to Bear include Hubble.md and WitNote.

Is FSNotes actively maintained?

Yes. The most recent commit to FSNotes was on 20 September 2026, and the latest release is v7.3.4, published on 20 September 2026. The project has 7.5k stars on GitHub.

FSNotes: open-source alternative to Bear, Evernote

About FSNotes

FSNotes is a native notes app for macOS and iOS built around the idea of owning your notes. Each note is stored as a portable Markdown or plain-text file rather than in a proprietary database, so the notes can be opened with any compatible app now or years later.

The app focuses on writing and quick retrieval. It handles several folders, external editors, sync through iCloud Drive or Dropbox, and Git backups if you want them, and connects ideas with tags and double-bracket links. Private notes can be protected with AES-256 encryption, and it renders code blocks, Mermaid diagrams and MathJax math. Search and navigation are designed to stay smooth across large note collections.

FSNotes is written in Swift and released under the MIT licence. The apps are sold through the App Store, and those purchases support continued development, while the source code is open. It suits Apple users who want local Markdown notes with sync through their own storage service.

Key features

Notes stored as Markdown or text files
Tags and wiki-style note links
AES-256 encryption for private notes
iCloud Drive, Dropbox and Git backups
Mermaid diagrams and MathJax rendering
Native macOS and iOS apps

Good fit for

→Local-first note-taking on Apple devices
→Avoiding lock-in with plain Markdown files
→Technical notes with code and diagrams

Built with: Swift
Tags: note-taking; markdown; macos; ios; swift; notes; encryption; local-first

FSNotes: questions and answers

What is FSNotes used for?: FSNotes is a fast, native Markdown notes app for macOS and iOS that keeps every note as a plain Markdown or text file, with tags, wiki-style links and encryption. It is a good fit for local-first note-taking on Apple devices, avoiding lock-in with plain Markdown files, and technical notes with code and diagrams.
Is FSNotes open source?: Yes. FSNotes is open source under the MIT licence. Its source code is on GitHub at glushchenko/fsnotes and is written mainly in Swift.
Is FSNotes free?: Yes. FSNotes is open source, so the software itself is free to use.
Can I self-host FSNotes?: Yes. FSNotes can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
What is FSNotes an alternative to?: FSNotes is an open-source alternative to Bear, Evernote, Apple Notes and Craft. Other open-source alternatives to Bear include Hubble.md and WitNote.
Is FSNotes actively maintained?: Yes. The most recent commit to FSNotes was on 20 September 2026, and the latest release is v7.3.4, published on 20 September 2026. The project has 7.5k stars on GitHub.