Lockbook
Open-source encrypted notes app with Markdown and drawing
What is Lockbook?
Lockbook is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes app for writing in Markdown, sketching on an SVG canvas and storing files. An account is a username and a generated secret key, with no email or password, and files or folders can be shared with other users. It has native apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and Android plus a command-line client, and the server can be self-hosted. The free plan includes 25 MB of storage.
Lockbook has a free plan. Paid plans start at $2.99 per month. See every plan
Good for
- People who want notes and files the provider cannot read
- Markdown writers who also sketch or keep files beside their notes
- Developers who want a command-line client and open formats
Worth knowing
- The free plan holds 25 MB. The only paid plan is 30 GB for $2.99 a month, bought inside the app.
- The secret key is the only way into an account and cannot be recovered if it is lost.
- There is no web app: the site lists native apps for iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and Android, and a CLI.
- The site says the product is in its infancy; document history, comments and a browser clipper are listed as coming soon.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption
- Content, including file names, is encrypted on the device. The vendor's staff can see only what the server needs, such as file counts, document sizes and the shape of the file tree.
- Key-based accounts
- Signing up takes a username and creates a secret key, shown as a 24-word phrase or a QR code. No email, phone number or password is collected.
- Markdown editor and SVG canvas
- Notes are written in Markdown and drawings are saved as SVG, both open formats that other tools can read. PDFs and images can be previewed.
- Sharing and collaboration
- A file or folder can be shared with read or write access, and the recipient can place it anywhere in their own file tree. Only the owner is billed for the space it takes.
- Native apps, offline support and a CLI
- Each platform has its own native client that works offline and syncs later. A command-line client keeps an encrypted local store and syncs on request.
- Self-hosting
- The server can run on your own infrastructure. Accounts on a self-hosted server cannot collaborate with users on the main Lockbook server.
Lockbook pricing
- Starts at
- $2.99 per month
- Free plan
- 25 MB of storage with sharing and collaboration, Markdown and drawing support, and offline mode.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 25 MB of storage with sharing and collaboration, Markdown and drawing support, and offline mode. |
| Premium | $2.99per month | 30 GB of storage with the same features as Free. It is bought inside the app; the US App Store lists it as a $2.99 in-app purchase. |
Read from lockbook.net on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Lockbook before you buy.
Lockbook alternatives
- Lockbook vs Standard Notes
Free plan · from $90/yr
- Lockbook vs Notesnook
Free plan · from $1.99/mo
- Lockbook vs Cryptee
Free plan · from €3/mo
- Lockbook vs Joplin
Free plan · from €2.40/mo
- Lockbook vs Obsidian
Free plan · from $4/mo
Common questions
Is Lockbook free?
Lockbook has a free plan. 25 MB of storage with sharing and collaboration, Markdown and drawing support, and offline mode. Paid plans start at $2.99 per month.
How much does Lockbook cost?
Lockbook lists 2 plans. Free: $0. Premium: $2.99 per month. Prices were read from lockbook.net on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does Lockbook work on?
Lockbook is available on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
Is Lockbook open source?
Yes. Lockbook is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.
Is Lockbook end-to-end encrypted?
Lockbook describes itself as end-to-end encrypted on its own site. Nobody here has audited that.
Does Lockbook 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 Lockbook?
Lockbook is made by Lockbook LLC. It dates from 2020.
What are the alternatives to Lockbook?
The closest alternatives to Lockbook in our directory are Standard Notes, Notesnook, Cryptee, Joplin and Obsidian. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Lockbook.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.