Open-source alternatives offer extensive customization through public code access. Most of them provide free / paid cloud service. Some might require self-hosting to use.
Streamline your writing process from initial notes to final publication while ensuring your data remains private and secure, all within a single application
Zettlr is an open-source writing software that caters to the needs of academics, researchers, and writers by providing a versatile platform for managing writing projects. It supports various formats, including Markdown and LaTeX, allowing users to create structured documents with ease. Zettlr’s powerful integration with reference managers like Zotero and JabRef simplifies citation management, enabling users to access their sources directly within the app.
Logseq empowers you to build your own digital garden by taking notes, managing tasks, and connecting information in a freeform, graph-based environment
Logseq is an open-source, local-first knowledge management tool that combines note-taking, task management, and graph visualization. It allows users to create and link notes using a freeform, markdown-based approach, forming a personal digital garden of interconnected information.
Organize and protect your thoughts in a versatile notebook with privacy-focused encryption and offline capabilities
Notesnook is a secure, offline-compatible note-taking app designed to keep your information private with end-to-end encryption. Users can create and organize notes, to-do lists, and ideas across devices while maintaining a distraction-free workspace. The app also supports rich formatting options, making it versatile for various content types.
Joplin helps you securely manage your notes, to-do lists, and files across all your devices, while providing powerful features for organizing and searching your information
Joplin is an open-source, cross-platform note-taking and to-do application that focuses on security, flexibility, and syncing. It allows users to create, organize, and search their notes using a familiar markdown-based interface. Joplin stores all data locally in encrypted files, giving users full control over their information.
Create, manage, and share your notes effortlessly while ensuring your data remains secure and accessible at all times
Memos is an open-source note-taking platform that allows users to craft and organize their notes in a straightforward and efficient manner. With a focus on user privacy, Memos securely stores all data in a local database, giving users complete control over their information. The application supports plain text and Markdown formatting, enabling quick note creation and easy sharing while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Experience seamless cross-platform syncing and end-to-end encryption, ensuring your notes remain confidential and accessible anytime, anywhere
Standard Notes is a robust note-taking application designed to protect user privacy through advanced security features and end-to-end encryption. It allows users to create and manage notes, tasks, and documents securely across all devices, ensuring that only the user has access to their data. With a focus on simplicity, Standard Notes offers a clean interface that supports various formats, including Markdown and rich text, making it versatile for different note-taking needs.
Capture your thoughts and ideas securely while enjoying a clean interface and powerful organizational tools that enhance your productivity
Justnote is a straightforward note-taking platform that prioritizes user privacy, allowing individuals to create and manage notes without compromising their data security. The application features a minimalist design that makes it easy to jot down thoughts, ideas, or tasks quickly. Users can categorize their notes with tags, ensuring efficient organization and easy retrieval whenever needed.
Experience effortless note management across all devices with robust encryption and offline capabilities, ensuring your data remains private and accessible
OpenNotas is a user-friendly note-taking application that prioritizes simplicity and security, allowing users to create and manage notes with ease. Designed for cross-platform compatibility, it works seamlessly on mobile and desktop devices, by utilizing PWA app. Users can start jotting down notes immediately without complicated setup processes, making it accessible for everyone.
Organize and control your notes, tasks, and databases in a flexible, open-source app designed for secure, collaborative workflows
AppFlowy is an all-in-one workspace solution enabling users to create, organize, and connect ideas across devices with an emphasis on privacy. This open-source platform combines task management, note-taking, and project planning in a customizable, offline-friendly environment. Users can self-host AppFlowy for full data control and add new features through community-driven plugins.
Organize, visualize, and connect ideas in an open-source platform with privacy-first design and offline accessibility
Affine is a versatile knowledge management app combining note-taking, drawing, and planning tools in one place. It lets users organize content in blocks, manage tasks, and visualize concepts on whiteboards, all while syncing across devices. The open-source nature allows users to customize and adapt the workspace as needed.
Effortlessly create, share, and organize information while enjoying real-time collaboration and robust security features tailored for teams
Docmost is an open-source collaborative wiki and documentation software designed to facilitate seamless knowledge sharing among teams. With its real-time collaborative editor, users can work together on documents simultaneously, incorporating rich text, diagrams, and mathematical expressions using LaTeX. The platform is ideal for managing wikis, knowledge bases, and project documentation, providing a structured environment for effective collaboration.
Easily create, share, and organize knowledge in a streamlined workspace designed for team collaboration and secure document management
Outline is an open-source knowledge base platform ideal for storing and sharing team documents in an organized, searchable format. With support for markdown editing, real-time collaboration, and rich integrations, it provides a flexible environment to organize and retrieve information efficiently. Outline's permissions management and user-friendly interface enhance knowledge sharing within teams.
A visual canvas for diagramming, note-taking and knowledge management tool that transforms how teams / individuals capture, link, and explore complex ideas.
Deepnotes is a web-based collaborative workspace designed to create non-linear, interconnected notes and visual knowledge graphs. Its innovative approach allows users to build dynamic, spatial networks of information with intuitive linking and visualization capabilities.
If you are looking for more features or an enterprise solution, you might want to consider closed source alternatives. Some of them has decent free tier.
Stay organized and productive by keeping all your notes, documents, and thoughts in one searchable digital space
Evernote is a note-taking application that helps users capture, organize, and share their thoughts and information. It enables quick note creation with various formats including text, images, audio, and web clippings. The app uses a notebook-based structure to keep everything organized and easily searchable.
Transform how teams collaborate by combining docs, projects, and tools into a unified digital headquarters
Notion is a versatile workspace that combines note-taking, document creation, and project management into one seamless platform. It lets users create, organize, and share content using customizable blocks and templates. The platform's flexibility allows for building everything from simple notes to complex databases.
Personal knowledge hub that connects your thoughts using powerful linking tools