About Laverna
Laverna is a JavaScript note-taking web application that pairs a Markdown editor with client-side encryption. It is positioned as an open-source alternative to Evernote and requires no registration. Notes are kept in the browser's own storage, such as IndexedDB or localStorage, so only the user has access to them.
The editor is based on Pagedown and offers three editing modes (distraction free, preview and normal), WYSIWYG control buttons, MathJax support, syntax highlighting and keybindings. Notes can be managed offline, and the app can synchronize with cloud storage services; at the time of the README, Dropbox and RemoteStorage were supported.
There are several ways to use it: the hosted web app at laverna.cc, a desktop app, a prebuilt static version from a separate repository, or a build from source. The front end uses the Marionette JS framework. Laverna is licensed under MPL-2.0.
Key features
- Markdown editor with preview mode
- Client-side note encryption
- Offline note management
- Sync with Dropbox and RemoteStorage
- MathJax and syntax highlighting
- No registration required
- Desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux
Good fit for
- →Private notes that stay in your browser
- →Teams leaving Evernote for an open tool
- Built with
- JavaScript
- Tags
- note-taking
- markdown
- encryption
- offline
- browser-based
- javascript
- dropbox
- desktop-app
Laverna: questions and answers
- What is Laverna used for?
- Laverna is an MPL-licensed, browser-based note-taking app with a Markdown editor and client-side encryption, built as an open-source alternative to Evernote. It is a good fit for private notes that stay in your browser and teams leaving Evernote for an open tool.
- Is Laverna open source?
- Yes. Laverna is open source under the MPL-2.0 licence. Its source code is on GitHub at Laverna/laverna and is written mainly in JavaScript.
- Is Laverna free?
- Yes. Laverna is open source, so the software itself is free to use. A managed cloud version is also available.
- Can I self-host Laverna?
- Yes. Laverna can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
- What is Laverna an alternative to?
- Laverna is an open-source alternative to Evernote. Other open-source alternatives to Evernote include Joplin, FSNotes and Standard Notes.
- Is Laverna actively maintained?
- The most recent commit to Laverna was on 30 May 2021, and the latest release is 0.7.51, published on 1 October 2017. The project has 9.2k stars on GitHub.
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