flatnotes
Self-hosted notes web app on a flat folder of Markdown files
What is flatnotes?
flatnotes is a free, open-source note-taking web app that you host yourself. It stores every note as a Markdown file in a single flat folder, with no database, folders or notebooks, and relies on full-text search and hashtags to find things. The interface works on phones and desktops in a browser, with raw and WYSIWYG editing modes and a REST API.
flatnotes is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Self-hosters who want a simple notes app backed by plain Markdown files
- People who would sooner search and tag than file notes in folders
- Serving a folder of notes read-only as a small blog or docs site
Worth knowing
- It has to be self-hosted, with Docker as the recommended route, or run on a third-party host such as PikaPods.
- There are no folders or notebooks by design, and the developer says new features are deliberately limited.
- It is a mobile-responsive web interface only; the project lists no native desktop or mobile apps.
- Uploaded attachments cannot be viewed or deleted from inside the app and are not removed when their note is deleted.
Key features
- Flat folder of Markdown files
- Notes are .md files in one folder with no database. Files can be added, edited or deleted outside the app while it runs, since only the search index is cached.
- Raw and WYSIWYG editing
- The editor switches between raw Markdown and a WYSIWYG mode. Images can be inserted from the toolbar, dragged in or pasted, and are saved to an attachments folder.
- Full-text search
- Search opens from anywhere with the / key and supports AND and OR, quoted phrases, wildcards and field prefixes for title, content, tags and last-modified date.
- Tags and wikilinks
- A hashtag anywhere in a note tags it, and tags are indexed separately for searching. Double-bracket wikilinks link to other notes by name.
- Authentication modes
- Four modes are offered: none, read-only, username and password, and password plus a time-based one-time code. Read-only suits a blog or documentation site.
- REST API
- A RESTful API is included, with its documentation served at the /docs endpoint of each instance.
flatnotes pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole app is free and open source under the MIT license, with no paid edition. You supply the server, and the developer accepts sponsorship through GitHub Sponsors.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| flatnotes | $0 | The full app, self-hosted with Docker. The README also points to PikaPods, a third-party host, for a hosted instance. |
Read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with flatnotes before you buy.
Works with
- Docker
- PikaPods
flatnotes alternatives
- flatnotes vs SilverBullet
Free plan · from $50/yr
Common questions
Is flatnotes free?
Yes. flatnotes is free to use. The whole app is free and open source under the MIT license, with no paid edition. You supply the server, and the developer accepts sponsorship through GitHub Sponsors.
How much does flatnotes cost?
flatnotes lists one plan. flatnotes: $0. Prices were read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does flatnotes work on?
flatnotes is available on Web.
Does flatnotes have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. flatnotes is listed for Web.
Does flatnotes have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. flatnotes is listed for Web.
Is flatnotes open source?
Yes. flatnotes is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.
Does flatnotes have an API?
Yes. flatnotes offers a public API, according to its own site.
What does flatnotes integrate with?
flatnotes's listing names Docker and PikaPods. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes flatnotes?
flatnotes is made by Adam Dullage.
What are the alternatives to flatnotes?
The closest alternatives to flatnotes in our directory are Memos, SilverBullet, NoteDiscovery, Jotty and Trilium Notes. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with flatnotes.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.