Open Source Bear Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Bear is Zettlr. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Bear and loads of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Bear are CherryTree, Zim, TiddlyWiki and Anytype.

Bear alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Text Editors. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Bear.

Bear alternatives page was last updated

Bear

Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Bear is a beautiful and flexible writing app for note-taking and prose, both on the go for iOS devices and for the Mac OS...

More about Bear

Zettlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
File Organizer
Mac
Windows
Linux
145 Zettlr alternatives
Zettlr is a one-stop publication workbench that combines many writing features and collects them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
- - Zettlr is the most popular Open Source alternative to Bear.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Syntax HighlightingZettlr supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
7. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zettlr.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Zettlr without registration.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Link files
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Sync with Nextcloud
Interactive tables
Write files in markdown
CherryTree
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
22 CherryTree alternatives
A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.
Suggest and vote on features
CherryTree Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with CherryTree.
2. Syntax HighlightingCherryTree supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
5. PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Tree structure
Infinite hierarchical depth
Includes images in notes
Outliner
Tree view
Text-manipulation
Internal linking
Tree-style
Customizable
Export to HTML
Comments about CherryTree as a Alternative to Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
Gallien
cherrytree doesn't sync notes
Negative comment•
1
Zim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Flathub
Flatpak
286 Zim alternatives
Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...
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Zim Features
1. Works OfflineZim can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zim.
3. WYSIWYG SupportZim integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
4. PortableZim can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Ad-freeZim doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Full-Text SearchZim lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
7. Spell CheckingZim can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
8. File VersioningZim has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
9. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsZim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Plain text file
Wiki-like interface
Cross-Platform
Outliner
Wiki
Text formatting
Nested Notes
Export to HTML
LaTeX Equations
Outline folding
Comments about Zim as a Alternative to Bear
Most users think Zim is a great Bear alternative.
Gallien
Zim doesn't enable to sync notes, and is not even meant to take notes, but to write a personnal wiki
Negative comment•
0
TiddlyWiki
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
Self-Hosted
Xfce
RemoteStorage
170 TiddlyWiki alternatives
TiddlyWiki is a single html file with all the characteristics of a wiki - including all of the functionality (including editing, saving, tagging and searching) and the style sheet. Because its a single file, its very portable - you can email it, put it on a web server or share...
- - TiddlyWiki is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Bear.
Suggest and vote on features
TiddlyWiki Features
1. Support for MarkDownTiddlyWiki supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. PortableTiddlyWiki can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Customizable
Standalone
Cross page linking
Wiki
Wiki-like interface
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Offline
Password encryption
Support for NodeJS
Notebook
Anytype
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
84 Anytype alternatives
Offline and local first. The most powerful taking notes app. With a fully compatibility across devices. Support Markdown and you will be able to keep your notes, and files, in the same place.
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Anytype Features
1. Works OfflineAnytype can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Privacy focusedAnytype is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionAnytype has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. DecentralizedAnytype is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
5. Ad-freeAnytype doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Support for MarkDownAnytype supports MarkDown for document formatting.
7. WYSIWYG SupportAnytype integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
8. Dark ModeAnytype supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. No TrackingAnytype will not track you or use your personal data.
Visual Organization
Synchronization
Knowledge Management
Wiki
Bookmarks
Local Storage
Cross-Platform
Graph view
Graph database
Cloud Sync
Trilium Notes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
Google Chrome
Cloudron
Firefox
342 Trilium Notes alternatives
Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application.
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Trilium Notes Features
1. Dark ModeTrilium Notes supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
2. End-to-End EncryptionTrilium Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. No TrackingTrilium Notes will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. Works OfflineTrilium Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Trilium Notes.
7. Ad-freeTrilium Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Privacy focusedTrilium Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
9. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Trilium Notes simultaneously.
Knowledge base
Tree of notes
Note organization
Encrypted Notes
REST API
Customizable
Electron based
Command line interface
Notebook
WYSIWYG Support
Manuskript
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
100 Manuskript alternatives
Manuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.
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Manuskript Features
1. Works OfflineManuskript can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Ad-freeManuskript doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Dark ModeManuskript supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Support for MarkDownManuskript supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. File VersioningManuskript has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Outliner
Tree structure
Tracking of plots
Distraction-free Writing
Tracking of characters
Plot visualisation
Track Characters
Export to EPUB
Visual timeline
Tracking of locations
Cryptee
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Online
Software as a Service (SaaS)
11 Cryptee alternatives
Cryptee is a safety and privacy focused, encrypted and cross-platform personal data storage service. You can write personal documents, notes, journals, store photos and all sorts of other files.
- - Cryptee is the most popular SaaS alternative to Bear.
Suggest and vote on features
Cryptee Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionCryptee has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedCryptee is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Support for MarkDownCryptee supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Dark ModeCryptee supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Ad-freeCryptee doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. No TrackingCryptee will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Works OfflineCryptee can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Encrypted Notes
Encrypted Photo Storage
Rich text editing
File Storage
Tagging
Encrypted Documents
Integrated PDF Viewer
Export to PDF
Evernote import
Hashtags
Notesnook
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
Google Chrome
Flathub
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Flatpak
F-Droid
Android Tablet
176 Notesnook alternatives
Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.
Suggest and vote on features
Notesnook Features
1. Works OfflineNotesnook can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. End-to-End EncryptionNotesnook has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedNotesnook is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. Dark ModeNotesnook supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Support for MarkDownNotesnook supports MarkDown for document formatting.
6. No TrackingNotesnook will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
8. Ad-freeNotesnook doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Notesnook.
Encrypted Notes
Private notes
Note organization
Reminders
Two-factor Authentication
Unlimited storage
Lightweight
WYSIWYG Support
Distraction-free
Hierarchical Structure
FocusWriter
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Word Processor
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
89 FocusWriter alternatives
FocusWriter is a fullscreen, distraction-free word processor designed to immerse you as much as possible in your work. The program autosaves your progress, and reloads the last files you had open to make it easy to jump back in during your next writing session, and has many...
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FocusWriter Features
1. Distraction-freeFocusWriter has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
2. LightweightFocusWriter consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. PortableFocusWriter can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Distraction-free Writing
Customizable
Daily progress tracker
Fullscreen support
Skin customization
Auto-saving
Writing statistics
Tabbed interface
Multiple languages
Comments about FocusWriter as a Alternative to Bear
Some users think FocusWriter is a great Bear alternative, some don't.
John Fastman
Bear is a proprietary productivity app for Mac-based products. FocusWriter is an open source word processor for people who find toolbars distracting.
Negative comment•
4
Dendron
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Visual Studio Code
195 Dendron alternatives
Dendron is an open-source, local-first, markdown-based, note-taking tool built on top of VSCode. It supports all the usual features you would expect like tagging, backlinks, a graph view, split panes, and so forth.
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Dendron Features
1. Support for MarkDownDendron supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Dendron.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsDendron can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Privacy focusedDendron is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Local Storage
Block reference
Graph view
VSCode
Backlinks
Quick reference lookup
Publishing
Tagging
Bidirectional links
Built-in themes
QOwnNotes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Qt
194 QOwnNotes alternatives
Plain text notepad with markdown support and todo list manager for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows, that works together with the notes application of ownCloud.
Suggest and vote on features
QOwnNotes Features
1. Support for MarkDownQOwnNotes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Syntax HighlightingQOwnNotes supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Ad-freeQOwnNotes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. No TrackingQOwnNotes will not track you or use your personal data.
Local Storage
Plain text file
Tagging
Nextcloud integration
Synchronization
Configurable
Hostable
Tag based
Owncloud integration
iCal integration