

HelixNotes
30 likes
HelixNotes is a local markdown note-taking app built with Rust, Tauri 2.0, and SvelteKit. Your notes are standard .md files on your filesystem - sync with whatever you want or nothing at all.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source (AGPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
Features
HelixNotes News & Activities
Highlights All activities
Recent activities
danieldeng2 added HelixNotes as alternative to MarbleMD
Michiel-4862 added HelixNotes as alternative to Pen and Quiet
DavidBoissevain added HelixNotes as alternative to Fyka Notes- Gareth-Brown added HelixNotes as alternative to EtherPK
abelnotes added HelixNotes as alternative to AbelNotes
Paul added HelixNotes as alternative to DayApp- Thiago-7843 liked HelixNotes
f added HelixNotes as alternative to Deft
Arthur Ketchel II added HelixNotes as alternative to Phasoric
PilCrow added HelixNotes as alternative to PilcrowMD
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about this list
i try to use FOSS as much as possible
i remove some ratings where they are irrelevant or obvious
(!!!) for favorites
Freedom-Respecting Apps for Creatives
Like my previous list, this is to help people switch to Linux and Open Source. This time, the focus is on creative professionals and hobbyists: artists, musicians, writers, etc.
Not all apps and services listed will be open source or even free (as in free beer), but they will at the very least be either freedom-respecting or non-subscription-based. The simple rule is: once it requires an account (email, phone number, etc.) to use it, then it will be placed after the ones I actually recommend.
Of course, there will be a few exceptions, but these are ONLY to point out that even big, well-known software is available on Linux as well. These exceptions will be at the end of each section.
Each section lists my recommendations in order of best (in my opinion) to good enough. In most cases, proprietary and non-freedom-respecting app/services will be last in each category, except for Obsidian, which is proprietary but respects your freedom and privacy. If you don't like my choices, click on the app to search for alternatives right here on this website. Convenient.
Note: This list was originally started as an unfinished thread I was writing. A very long one that goes into more than just alternatives, but also why you should use them — like protecting democracy and freedom, how your tax dollars should be spent, how important open source is in our digital age, etc.
Here is that unfinished thread: https://forum.endeavouros.com/t/wip-how-to-tell-if-you-can-switch-to-linux-software-alternatives/58912#p-574301-creators-31
Lastly, the Linux operating systems (or distros) are at the end of the list because no matter which you choose, the majority of these apps can be installed on Windows, and can certainly be installed on any of the distros.
Markdown note-taking applications
List of software I've tried out, using markdown notes in a university setting, with a focus on FOSS apps.
Requirements: Linux, image support, _TeX support, no account needed
Likes: no AI, Android syncing, FOSS, split view, callouts, simplicity, themes, plugins, .deb, OCR, handwriting conversion
Dislikes: not FOSS, AI , freemium, maximalists















Comments and Reviews
What us all want : File based , simple and beautiful.
Best FOSS alternative to Obsidian, even imports directly.
Great app if you want a local way to store Markdown documents. It could use some QoL improvements, but overall it looks great and works well.
It's the best note taking app that I've found after years ! Use Syncthing and that is it : Future proof cross-platform note taking ! And it's beautiful ! Go out of Joplin !