Free Software Collection
Free Note-Taking Apps
Good note-taking software should not trap your knowledge behind accounts and subscriptions. This collection highlights free, durable and data-conscious tools for writing and long-term knowledge management.
15 curated recommendations
Selection Criteria
- Free features are enough for everyday capture, organization and retrieval.
- Markdown, local files, export options or flexible sync are preferred.
- Tools should support long-term knowledge bases, not just temporary notes.
Recommended Tools
Obsidian
A local-first knowledge base — your notes stay yours
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Offline
- No Sign-up
Joplin
Open-source, offline-first note-taking with end-to-end encrypted sync
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Offline
Logseq
An open-source outliner with bidirectional links to grow your knowledge graph
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Offline
Zettlr
A one-stop Markdown workbench for researchers and writers
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Offline
Zim Desktop Wiki
A plain-text desktop wiki for managing notes the way you use a wiki
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Offline
MarkText
A free, open-source Markdown editor with real-time preview and a clean interface
- Open Source
- Offline
- Cross-platform
- No Ads
Trilium Notes
A hierarchical note app built for large personal knowledge bases
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Offline
AppFlowy
The open-source Notion alternative that keeps your data in your hands
- Open Source
- No Ads
- Offline
- No Sign-up
Standard Notes
End-to-end encrypted notes with free unlimited-device sync
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Cross-platform
SoloMD
A free, open-source Markdown editor — one file, one window, just write
- Open Source
- No Tracking
- Offline
- Cross-platform
Memos
Self-hosted quick notes — open it and write, no titles or folders
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
- Cross-platform
Recommended Skills & MCP
Obsidian MCP
Let AI read and write your Obsidian vault
Works with: Claude · Claude Code · Cursor
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
Apple Notes MCP
Let AI read and write your Apple Notes
Works with: Claude · Claude Code · Cursor
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
Filesystem MCP
Let AI securely read and write local files
Works with: Claude · Claude Code · Cursor
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
Basic Memory
Long-term AI memory stored as plain local Markdown
Works with: Claude Desktop · Claude Code · Cursor
- Open Source
- No Ads
- No Tracking
FAQ
- How should I choose between Notion, Obsidian and Logseq?
- Choose Notion-like tools for collaboration and databases, Obsidian for local Markdown and plugins, and Logseq for outline-first linked thinking.
- What matters most in a free notes app?
- Export, data format, sync model, offline use and long-term maintenance matter more than surface polish.