Tangent Notes
Open-source Markdown notes app that maps the path between notes
What is Tangent Notes?
Tangent is a free, open-source notes app for Mac, Windows and Linux that reads and writes Markdown files directly on your computer. Notes are joined with wiki-style links, and the app keeps the trail you follow as sliding panels and as a map that builds itself while you write. It was inspired by Obsidian, is released under the Apache 2.0 license, and is distributed as an open alpha.
Tangent Notes is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Writers who follow links from note to note and want to keep their place
- Obsidian users who want another editor for the same linked files
- People who want Markdown notes with no account or server
Worth knowing
- Desktop only: iOS and Android support is listed under "Much Later" on the roadmap.
- The download page calls the app an open alpha, and the roadmap says it is still in active development.
- There is no built-in sync or collaboration; the site points to Git, iCloud, Drive or Dropbox for syncing the files.
- Export to HTML or simplified Markdown is still on the roadmap.
Key features
- Thread View
- As you follow and create links, the notes behind you stay open as horizontally sliding panels, so you can move back and forth along the path you took.
- Map View
- A branching map of nodes and connections is built automatically from your writing and navigation, giving an overview of where you have been.
- Markdown styled as you type
- Markup is hidden once you move on and reappears when you return. Headers, highlights, lists, YAML front matter, LaTeX math, Mermaid diagrams and highlighted code blocks are supported.
- Wiki links and backlinks
- Double-bracket links connect notes by filename with autocomplete, and each note knows what links to it. Links in notes that come from Obsidian keep working.
- Tags, to-dos and queries
- Notes take nested tags and to-do checkboxes, and a custom query language finds notes by links, tags, to-dos or text. Queries can be saved and reused inside other queries.
- Keyboard control and focus mode
- Nearly every action has a customizable shortcut, with a command palette for the others. Focus mode narrows the view to one note, paragraph or sentence.
Tangent Notes pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole app is free. The site describes it as open source under the Apache 2.0 license and says it will always be free.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Tangent | $0 | The full desktop app for Mac, Windows and Linux, offered as an open alpha. Linux builds are also on Flathub. |
Read from tangentnotes.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Tangent Notes before you buy.
Tangent Notes alternatives
- Tangent Notes vs Obsidian
Free plan · from $4/mo
- Tangent Notes vs Logseq
Free plan · from $5/mo
- Tangent Notes vs Octarine
Free plan · from $79 one-time
- Tangent Notes vs The Archive
Free trial · from $19.99 one-time
- Tangent Notes vs Joplin
Free plan · from €2.40/mo
Common questions
Is Tangent Notes free?
Yes. Tangent Notes is free to use. The whole app is free. The site describes it as open source under the Apache 2.0 license and says it will always be free.
How much does Tangent Notes cost?
Tangent Notes lists one plan. Tangent: $0. Prices were read from tangentnotes.com on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does Tangent Notes work on?
Tangent Notes is available on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Tangent Notes have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Tangent Notes is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Tangent Notes have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Tangent Notes is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Tangent Notes open source?
Yes. Tangent Notes is open source, according to its own site.
Does Tangent 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 Tangent Notes?
Tangent Notes is made by Taylor Hadden.
What are the alternatives to Tangent Notes?
The closest alternatives to Tangent Notes in our directory are Obsidian, Logseq, Octarine, The Archive and Joplin. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Tangent Notes.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.