Notesnook — The private note-taking app that puts you first
Overview
Notesnook is a note-taking app focused on privacy, end-to-end encryption, and simple, distraction-free note management across devices. It provides encrypted notes, notebooks, tags, attachments, and syncing without exposing your text to third parties.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption: Notes are encrypted on your device before syncing, so only you can read them.
- Cross-platform apps: Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus a web app.
- Offline access: Work with notes locally; changes sync when you’re back online.
- Rich text and attachments: Support for formatting, images, file attachments, and checklists.
- Notebooks & tags: Organize notes hierarchically with notebooks and via tags.
- Biometric & passcode lock: App-level protection using device biometrics or passcodes.
- Import/export: Import from other note apps and export notes in common formats.
- Open-source client components: Parts of the client are open source, enabling audits of client-side behavior (server components may be closed-source).
Security & privacy details
- Client-side encryption: Encryption and decryption happen on-device; encrypted ciphertext is what’s stored or synced.
- Zero-knowledge sync: The service cannot read your note contents when using their sync.
- Local key storage: Encryption keys are stored locally, protected by your password; losing the password can make data unrecoverable.
- Metadata: Like many apps, some metadata (timestamps, file sizes) may be stored for syncing and functionality; check their documentation for specifics.
Typical use cases
- Private journaling and diary entries
- Secure password hints or sensitive notes (not a password manager)
- Work notes that require confidentiality
- Encrypting research, legal, or medical notes before storing in the cloud
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong end-to-end encryption | If you forget your password, data may be unrecoverable |
| Cross-platform sync | Sync server implementation not fully open-source |
| Simple, focused interface | Fewer integrations/plugins than larger competitors |
| Offline-first with sync | Advanced power-user features may be limited |
Getting started (quick steps)
- Install Notesnook on your device (desktop or mobile).
- Create an account and set a strong master password.
- Enable biometric unlock for convenience if available.
- Create notebooks and tags; start writing notes.
- Optionally enable sync to keep notes across devices.
Date: February 3, 2026
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