FUTO Notes
Local-first Markdown notes with self-hosted encrypted sync
What is FUTO Notes?
FUTO Notes is a free notes app that keeps each note as a plain Markdown file on your device, with native apps for iOS and Android and a desktop app for Linux, macOS and Windows. It needs no account and works offline. Syncing is optional and end-to-end encrypted, and it runs through a server you host yourself. The source for the app and server is public under FUTO's own source-first licenses.
FUTO Notes is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- People who want Markdown notes as plain files on every device
- Self-hosters comfortable running a small sync server
- Obsidian users who want another app for an existing vault
Worth knowing
- Syncing between devices needs a server you run yourself; FUTO does not offer a hosted sync service today.
- Sync carries Markdown notes and images only. PDFs and other files stay on the device they are on.
- The source is public, but the licenses are not OSI-approved: modifying and redistributing the code is limited to non-commercial use.
- The download page labels the builds a beta release, and the app is available in English and Simplified Chinese only.
Key features
- Plain Markdown files
- Each note is one .md file named after its title, and each folder in the app is a real folder on disk. There is no database, so any text editor can open the notes.
- Markdown styled as you type
- Headings, bold text, checklists, tables, wikilinks and fenced code are formatted while you write, with the syntax fading out of view.
- Apps for five platforms
- Native iOS and Android apps use the same editor as the desktop app, which is built on Tauri for Linux, macOS and Windows. Search runs on the device.
- End-to-end encrypted sync
- Notes and images are encrypted on the device with AES-256-GCM before upload, along with file names and folder paths. The server stores only ciphertext.
- Self-hosted sync server
- Sync goes through a server you run yourself, installed with one command using Docker. The docs cover reverse proxies, backups and storage growth.
- Works with an Obsidian vault
- On desktop the app opens an Obsidian vault folder where it is. Notes, folders, wikilinks, tags, checklists and tables carry over; embeds, aliases and plugins do not.
FUTO Notes pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Every feature is free. The FAQ says version 1.8.0 has no paid tier, no license key and no in-app purchase, and no account is needed.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| FUTO Notes | $0 | The full app on iOS, Android, Linux, macOS and Windows, plus the sync server to host yourself. |
Read from notes.futo.tech on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with FUTO Notes before you buy.
FUTO Notes alternatives
- FUTO Notes vs Obsidian
Free plan · from $4/mo
- FUTO Notes vs Joplin
Free plan · from €2.40/mo
- FUTO Notes vs Notesnook
Free plan · from $1.99/mo
- FUTO Notes vs Octarine
Free plan · from $79 one-time
- FUTO Notes vs Logseq
Free plan · from $5/mo
Common questions
Is FUTO Notes free?
Yes. FUTO Notes is free to use. Every feature is free. The FAQ says version 1.8.0 has no paid tier, no license key and no in-app purchase, and no account is needed.
How much does FUTO Notes cost?
FUTO Notes lists one plan. FUTO Notes: $0. Prices were read from notes.futo.tech on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does FUTO Notes work on?
FUTO Notes is available on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
Is FUTO Notes open source?
Yes. FUTO Notes is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.
Is FUTO Notes end-to-end encrypted?
FUTO Notes describes itself as end-to-end encrypted on its own site. Nobody here has audited that.
Does FUTO Notes work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Who makes FUTO Notes?
FUTO Notes is made by FUTO.
What are the alternatives to FUTO Notes?
The closest alternatives to FUTO Notes in our directory are Obsidian, Joplin, Notesnook, Octarine and Logseq. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with FUTO Notes.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.