A Mac-first markdown notes app for people who want real files, local git sync, and opt-in AI.
OpenNotes is a local-first workspace for plain .md notes. The Mac app writes to a folder you choose, syncs through your own git setup, and keeps AI optional and under your keys. There is no OpenNotes account, backend, telemetry, or token custody.
OpenNotes is usable, pre-1.0 software. The core editor, local storage, bundled extensions, and Mac desktop shell work today. The app is still unsigned and not notarized, so macOS shows a first-open warning. Expect sharp edges around packaging, the extension directory, and broader distribution.
Get the latest Mac build from GitHub Releases.
Current releases ship as DMGs:
- Apple Silicon:
OpenNotes_<version>_aarch64.dmg - Intel: planned in the release workflow, not always attached to early releases
After installing, drag OpenNotes.app into Applications. Because the app is not yet Apple-notarized, first launch requires right-click → Open → Open. See RELEASE.md for the safe install path and signing status.
The browser build (pnpm dev) is useful for development and preview. The Mac app is the product surface for real files on disk, git sync, and Keychain-backed secrets.
Most note apps ask you to compromise on at least one layer:
- Your notes are not normal files.
- Sync depends on a vendor account.
- AI requires sending content through someone else's product path.
- Extensions are powerful but opaque, or safe but too limited.
OpenNotes takes the boring position: notes should be files, sync should use tools you already trust, and AI should be off until you choose otherwise.
| Area | Current behavior |
|---|---|
| Editor | Tiptap live-markdown editing, slash menu, wikilinks, bubble menu, zen mode, command palette (Cmd+K), light/dark themes |
| Workspace home | Daily journal, scratchpad, kanban, recent notes (Cmd+Shift+H) |
| Styling | Font, size, leading, and canvas width controls, persisted locally |
| Local storage | IndexedDB in the web build; real .md files in the Mac app |
| Extensions | Templates, Export, Backlinks, AI Co-Writer, Git Sync |
| Git sync | Uses the local git binary and your existing SSH/agent credentials in the Mac app |
| AI | Bring your own Anthropic/OpenAI key or local Ollama; off by default |
- Notes: IndexedDB in the browser build; a folder you choose in the Mac app.
- Git credentials: your local git and SSH/agent setup. OpenNotes does not hold a GitHub token.
- AI keys: encrypted on device. The Mac app stores secrets in the macOS Keychain.
- Telemetry: none.
Clearing browser site data removes browser-stored notes from that profile. If the notes matter, use the Mac app with a real folder or keep an independent backup.
OpenNotes keeps the center small. Capabilities live as extensions: a manifest plus activate(ctx) that registers commands, slash items, and panels. Bundled extensions use the same public contract contributors use.
Start here:
- Extension guide
- Starter template:
extensions/_starter - Built-in references:
extensions/templates,extensions/backlinks,extensions/export,extensions/gitSync
Extensions are statically imported today. A curated community extension directory is on the roadmap.
app/andcomponents/: Next.js app shell and UIcore/: editor, vault, storage, git, AI, registry, and bridge logicextensions/: bundled extensions and starter templatesrc-tauri/: macOS desktop shell and native commandstests/: unit and end-to-end coverage.github/: CI, release workflow, issue templates, CODEOWNERS, Dependabot
For a fuller maintainer map, see docs/architecture.md.
corepack enable
pnpm install
pnpm devOpen http://localhost:3000.
For the Mac app:
pnpm tauri:devYou will need the Tauri macOS toolchain installed. The desktop app is the only surface that can use real folders, local git, and Keychain secrets.
Run the checks that match your change:
pnpm run typecheck
pnpm run lint
pnpm exec vitest run
pnpm run buildFor desktop changes:
cargo check --manifest-path src-tauri/Cargo.tomlContributions are welcome, especially small fixes, extension ideas, and reliability work around files, sync, export, and desktop behavior.
- Start with CONTRIBUTING.md.
- Report security issues privately via SECURITY.md.
- For general help, see SUPPORT.md.
- Maintainer expectations live in GOVERNANCE.md.
- Harden Mac app packaging, signing, and notarization.
- Ship a curated community extension directory.
- Improve import/export and folder-backed workflows.
- Add optional storage providers only where users keep control.
- Polish the browser build as a preview/PWA surface.