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Open Source Note-Taking Tools using CSS

A curated collection of the best open source apps for capturing and organizing notes, from plain-text and markdown editors to linked notebooks that sync across devices. using CSS.

Self-hosted timeline for quick notes, logs, and snippets
  • Stars

    63,933
  • Last commit

    1 day ago
  • License

    MIT
Memos is a self-hosted, open-source note-taking app built around a private timeline. Write in Markdown, skip the folder setup, and keep your data on your own server.

Open Source Alternative to:

Encrypted note-taking that syncs across all your devices
  • Stars

    56,810
  • Last commit

    1 day ago
  • License

    Unknown
Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.

Open Source Alternative to:

Privacy-first knowledge management with block-level linking
  • Stars

    46,851
  • Last commit

    7 hours ago
  • License

    AGPL-3.0
Personal knowledge management system with WYSIWYG block editing, bidirectional links, spaced repetition flashcards, a relational database, and end-to-end encrypted sync.

Open Source Alternative to:

Privacy-first knowledge base that connects your notes
  • Stars

    45,299
  • Last commit

    6 hours ago
  • License

    AGPL-3.0
Local-first, open-source knowledge management tool with bidirectional linking, outlines, flashcards, PDF annotations, and whiteboards for building a connected second brain.

Open Source Alternative to:

Local-first, Git-native personal knowledge base with AI
  • Stars

    20,116
  • Last commit

    13 hours ago
  • License

    AGPL-3.0
A free, open source note-taking app built on plain Markdown files, Git version control, and direct AI model integration. No account required.

Open Source Alternative to:

Zero-knowledge encrypted notes that sync across all devices
  • Stars

    14,802
  • Last commit

    6 hours ago
  • License

    GPL-3.0
End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with zero-knowledge architecture, cross-device sync, web clipper, and a self-hostable sync server.

Open Source Alternative to:

AI-Powered Note Taking App
  • Stars

    11,104
  • Last commit

    2 months ago
  • License

    GPL-3.0
The next generation of open-source AI-powered card notes designed to help you quickly capture and organize inspiration so that ideas never run out.

Open Source Alternative to:

Private meeting notes, no bots, files you own
  • Stars

    9,536
  • Last commit

    9 hours ago
  • License

    MIT
Records system audio without joining your call, then turns rough notes into editable summaries. Audio, transcripts, and notes stay as local files.

Open Source Alternative to:

Secure, encrypted notes for your digital life
  • Stars

    6,672
  • Last commit

    3 days ago
  • License

    AGPL-3.0
Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.

Open Source Alternative to:

Local-first notes app with no cloud, no AI, no tracking
  • Stars

    1,348
  • Last commit

    3 days ago
  • License

    MIT
A privacy-focused, offline-first note-taking app that stores everything on your device, with Markdown, note linking, file attachments, LaTeX math, and bring-your-own sync.

Open Source Alternative to:

Clean, distraction-free note-taking with local storage
  • Stars

    1,187
  • Last commit

    4 days ago
  • License

    AGPL-3.0
Minimal note-taking app storing Markdown notes in local SQLite database. Features instant search, flexible tagging, keyboard shortcuts, and offline access.

Open Source Alternative to:

Distraction-free note-taking with powerful features
  • Stars

    317
  • Last commit

    5 days ago
  • License

    AGPL-3.0
A customizable, offline-first note editor that lets you format text, create lists, add images, and export to HTML - all while maintaining your privacy.

Open Source Alternative to:

Fast, secure, and free personal note-taking app
  • Stars

    178
  • Last commit

    3 months ago
  • License

    Unknown
OpenNotas is a multi-platform, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that offers simplicity, synchronization, and offline functionality.

Open Source Alternative to:

Self-hosted sticky notes with better organization
  • Stars

    36
  • Last commit

    22 days ago
  • License

    MIT
A self-hosted, open-source note-taking app that keeps the Google Keep sticky-note feel while adding folders, timelines, list views, and import support.

Open Source Alternative to:

Privacy-focused note-taking made simple and fast
  • Stars

    67
  • Last commit

    9 months ago
  • License

    GPL-2.0
Justnote is a secure note-taking app that lets you easily create and sync notes across devices while maintaining full control of your data.

Open Source Alternative to: