flatnotes

Database-less note-taking web app that utilises a flat folder of markdown files for storage.

GitHub stars
3,256
License
MIT
Latest release
v5.5.5
29 August 2026
Last commit
29 August 2026
Runs on
Docker

Commits per month, last 12 months

10 commits

Replaces

Paid products flatnotes can stand in for.

How to self-host flatnotes

flatnotes runs on Docker. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.

  1. Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
  2. Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
  3. Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
  4. Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.

New to self-hosting? Start with the beginner's guide.

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Questions

Is flatnotes free?

Yes. flatnotes is open source under the MIT license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.

Can I self-host flatnotes?

Yes. flatnotes runs on Docker. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.

What does flatnotes replace?

People use flatnotes instead of Apple Notes or Google Keep.

Is flatnotes still maintained?

The last change to flatnotes's code was on 29 August 2026, with 10 commits in the last 12 months.

Topics

Note-taking & Editors

App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.