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flatnotes

A self-hosted, plain text note-taking web app with a clean interface and robust search.

Quick Info

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Overview

flatnotes is an open-source, self-hosted note-taking web application that emphasizes simplicity and control. Unlike many cloud-based solutions, flatnotes stores all your notes as plain text files directly on your server. This approach ensures maximum portability, longevity, and easy integration with existing tools like version control systems (e.g., Git) for tracking changes and backups.

The core value proposition of flatnotes lies in its minimalist design and powerful underlying architecture. It provides a clean, distraction-free web interface for creating, editing, and organizing notes using Markdown. The robust search functionality allows users to quickly retrieve information from their entire note collection, making it an ideal solution for building a personal knowledge base or managing project documentation without vendor lock-in.

Best For

Personal knowledge base for developers and technical users.
Project documentation and quick notes for small teams.
Journaling and daily logging.
Storing code snippets and technical references.
Building a personal wiki or reference guide.
Offline-first note-taking when combined with local hosting.

Key Features

Plain text storage for notes
Self-hosted solution
Web-based interface
Powerful search functionality
Markdown support for formatting
Tagging system for organization
Version control friendly (due to plain text files)
Easy to backup and restore

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Notes are stored as plain text files, ensuring future accessibility and portability.
  • Self-hosting provides complete control over data and privacy.
  • Minimalist interface promotes focused writing.
  • Robust search capabilities make finding notes quick and efficient.
  • Easy integration with version control systems like Git for note history.
  • Low resource footprint, suitable for various hosting environments.

Cons

  • Requires technical knowledge to set up and self-host.
  • Lacks advanced rich text editing features found in commercial note apps.
  • No built-in mobile application, relies on web browser access.
  • Collaboration features are not explicitly mentioned or likely limited.
  • No cloud synchronization service, users must manage backups and sync manually.
  • User interface might be too simplistic for those desiring more visual customization.

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