Standard Notes
End-to-end encrypted notes app
- Freemium • Open Source
- Note-taking Tool
- Todo List Manager
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
What is Standard Notes?
Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser.
Private means your notes are end-to-end encrypted, so only you can read your notes. Even we can't read the contents of your notes.
Simple means it does one job and does it well. Standard Notes is a safe and lasting place for your life's work. Our focus is making it easy to write notes wherever you are and syncing them with encryption to all your devices.
Standard Notes comes free with: • Seamless sync across all your devices, with easy to use applications on iPhone, iPad, Mac, web browsers, and other platforms. • Offline access, so you can access your downloaded notes even without a connection. • No limit on number of devices. • No limit on number of notes. • Passcode lock protection, along with Touch ID and Face ID protection. • A tagging system to organize your notes (like #work, #ideas, #passwords, #crypto). • The ability to pin, lock, protect, and move notes to trash, which allows you to recover deleted notes until the trash is emptied.
We made Standard Notes simple because longevity is important to us. We want to make sure we're here, protecting your notes, for the next hundred years. You shouldn't have to find a new notes app every year.
To sustain our development, we offer an optional paid program called Standard Notes Extended. Extended gives you access to powerful tools including: • Productivity editors • Beautiful themes • Powerful cloud tools including daily backups
Standard Notes Screenshots
Standard Notes Features
- End-to-End Encryption
- Privacy focused
- Cloud Sync
- Support for MarkDown
- Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
- Works Offline
- Encrypted Backup
- Ad-free
- Two-factor Authentication
- Lightweight
- Automatic Backup
- WYSIWYG Support
- File Versioning
- Distraction-free
- Support for Themes
- No Tracking
- File Tagging
- Dark Mode
- Decentralized
- Encrypted Notes
- Clean design
- AES Encryption
- Security focused
- Minimalistic
- Distraction-free Writing
- Simple text editor
- LaTeX Editor
- Sync on many devices
- Customizable
- Mobile friendly
- Client side encryption
- Tag based
- Safely Transferred Data
- Rich text editing
- Nested tags
- Encrypted File Storage
- Built-in code editor
- Nested Folders
- Fuse-api
- Password encryption
- Persistent History
- Data export/import
- Hashtags
- Native application
- Electron based
- Local Storage
- Knowledge base
- Real-time sync
- Search by tags
- Android Sync
- Content Filtering
- Table creation
- Plain text authoring
- Vim key mapping
- Knowledge Management
- Sync with Dropbox
- Google Drive integration
Standard Notes information
Comments and Reviews
Tags
- Note-taking
- Encryption
- Security & Privacy
- Todo List Manager
- Privacy Protection
- evernote
- Encrypted
Categories
Security & Privacy • Backup & Sync • Office & Productivity • File Management • Education & ReferenceLists containing Standard Notes
The ultimate F-Droid setup (300+ Apps) • Into the Cyberverse • How to live without Google • Apps Recommended on Privacy GuidesRecent user activities on Standard Notes
- jmawebqqhtsjwqlttb liked Standard Notesjm
- green-beach1672 liked Standard Notesgb
- SH_KN Upvoted a comment on Standard NotesSKAfter using the app for a little while I do have a mixed feelings about it. Originally I am looking for an alternative to Microsoft OneNote which I could use on Linux and mobile Apple/Android devices. Ideally something simple to store text + pictures with an easy way to manipulate the elements around the page like in OneNote does. While I do care about security, this is not an absolutely "must have" feature, rather its a good bonus. Pros Linux support, multiplatform, simple interface, sync features Cons Non-subscription version would not let insert pictures, nor you'd have any text/picture manipulation capabilities. There is only 1 subscription option which includes all features while in reality I might use only 1 or 2 of these extras. Summary Paying 50$ subscription for a year of use feels like a very aggressive marketing, it rather diverts me from the S. Notes. On the other hand, I would be glad to pay a few dollars as a one-time purchase to enable one of the extra editors and may be a folders feature. I rated the app with 1 star for its aggressive positioning of paid subscription. Otherwise it looks nice and works well.
I tried Standard Notes because I am concerned with privacy and security matters. I am an Evernote user as well and I was looking for a more secure replacement.
I'm really satisfied with the end to end encryption and the general security model of Standard Notes.
I also really appreciate the simplicity and minimalism of the program even though it is becoming more and more clear during the regular use that is not a design choice made for usability but more to keep the software easy to maintain for the devs. The most annoying outcome of this choice is the very different user experience between the desktop and the mobile versions. For example using the advanced editor on the desktop app means that in the android app you will have a note with visible html tags. In the end the software experience feels more broken than simple.
In fact I ended up paying for a subscription basically to get rid of the painful red and white UI of the android app and only in second place for the extra features (which I will talk more about later on).
The episode that gave me more concerns:
I was trying the advanced editor on a existing note with some sensitive information (my bad, I know). I converted some text to bold and then to get it back to plain text quickly I pressed ctrl + z several times. Not only the mark up tags didn't completely get removed but the note information somehow disappeared without any chance to get it back (I still had to activate the note history extension).
After this episode my sense of reliability for Standard Notes dropped quite considerably. I think the note history extension should be installed by default or at least there is the need of some kind of reliability system to avoid accidentally losing data in the notes (an edit button might be useful as well even though it wouldn't have helped in my case).
Regarding some of the extensions and themes:
While using the folders extension the UI is broken so it is impossible to edit the tag because the interaction menu is not clickable. Even though I think that there is no real need of nested tags (especially when the system can't be clearly mirrored on the android app) the actual extension should work correctly.
While using a dark theme the notes background flashes with white when switching between notes. It is annoying.
The default color scheme of the app is a punch in the eyes and it feels like it has been done this way so you end up subscribing just to get rid of the offending red color (which is what I did at least).
A better UI color scheme for the android app should be done or at least one extra theme should be available for the free app.
Overall I have the perception of a really (passive) aggressive business model in many ways and as far as I have the will to help the devs of Standard Notes as a paying user I couldn't help but feeling a bit manipulated in my decision to get a paid subscription in a quite unfair way a few times during my first hours of using the software.
In this light I can't help but seeing also the way the software description is written on their website as dodgy: don't try to buy me with promises of "eternal life" and strong coding ethic when in the actual experience it is so easy to lose all the information on a note.
I'm not saying that the devs are greedy or have bad intentions, I understand their position as in the app business they have to compete with giant companies and this might be really unfair to them. But still my suggestion is to try and be more clear with their customers because the software it IS good and there is no need of marketing tricks to get people to subscribe in my opinion. Especially for a software oriented towards security and privacy a clearer and straightforward marketing strategy would be much more appreciated.
To the company:
I understand (and to some extent also appreciate) the bold effort to stand out (and the software probably deserve it as well) but please try to stay more conscious of the customers point of view, in the process.
TL;DR:
Standard Notes is a valuable note taking app alternative for individuals concerned with privacy and security matters with a strip down user experience that feels overall more lacking than simple, though, and both design choices and a business model/marketing strategy that generate some concerns from a customer point of view. Nonetheless there is really good potential in the software and I encourage getting a paid subscription to support its development.
I forgot to update this thread, but a full response was posted on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/StandardNotes/comments/7po3ah/my_review_of_standard_notes/ Full text below:
Hey, thanks for the review :) Glad you give it a thorough go. It seems like your main concerns are with the "paid" version of the app, centering around the experience itself and the business model. This makes sense as there is not a lot to upset anyone with the core free version, which was kind of the goal ;)
As for the experience:
Yes, absolutely, all of this is done to make development easier. But that's not from laziness. It's actually much harder to do everything this way. Everything requires careful thought and runs in sandboxed environments. The reason we torture ourselves to do it this way is because it's better for the long run. Think about it like this: if we just bundled all of the functionality that we currently have in extensions into the core app, we would be no different from Evernote. In fact, we might even quickly become more bloated than Evernote. The core mission of SN has always been anti-bloat. And the great news is that while I've been experimenting and releasing new extensions regularly, the core app has hardly changed from the way it was one year ago. And that's a really good thing. As a developer, I would just love to not have to worry about this limiting extension architecture, and just bundle everything directly in the app. That would make both my life and your life much easier for the time being. But two years from now, the app would inevitably begin suffering and bloating, and eventually implode. What's the typical life expectancy of an indie software product today? Not that long. And there are reasons for that. I've been there before. And I'm now taking the 100 year outlook. And that requires a different sort of thinking and development architecture.
I appreciate how reasonable you are, so I realize you already understand this, but are understandably flustered by this weird model. The good news is that the extensions experience is always undergoing improvement. The next version I'm working on will make the experience a lot more fluid, comfortable, and even fun.
As for the business model:
Believe it or not, I was sort of happy to hear that you thought our business model was "aggressive", because the one thing I've heard from every business-savvy person before was that it's not aggressive enough. I think some history helps: the paid version of Standard Notes came several months after the core version was released. The core version had similar colors on mobile, similar interface on web, and similar website language. And all of that language was meant not to convince you to purchase, but to get you into our world of what we care about and what we're trying to do. After work on the paid product was released, the "marketing" copy was actually dumbed down, and not made more hyperbolic.
But, the disconnect seems to be that you believed our mission, but were set aback by some technical mishaps. This doesn't mean my goal was to deceive you—my mission and passion is still building a notes app that lasts. But this mission is always a work in progress. Even on year 99, it's a work in progress. 2018 is the beginning of year two :)
I'm the sole developer on this and it's a lot of work, but everything is coming together nicely. There are really exciting improvements slated for release this year. Software is a living breathing thing, and feedback like yours helps shape the future and helps improve the product. So I thank you once again for your thoughts. I hope that while you may be taken aback by some of your experiences, that you don't give up on our mission, and understand that, as difficult as it may be, and as hard as I may stumble, I'm always trying to do the right thing, both for the business and for the users.
Reply written ago
Standard Notes (SN) have good security/privacy compare to other alternatives apps for the concerned people out there. That you should care by the way, even in your job using the laptop your employee provide, any IT guy can just look into your notes, email, installed app, etc for whatever the reason. Yes it happen.
SN have free extensions too beside the pay extension. The basic SN or "core", is very limited (is intended that way and expand through extensions). I recommend to use it with some free extensions from the links below. If you like the direction the project is taking you should consider to pay for the extensions to contribute to the project, or help coding. Here you can buy the subscription. https://dashboard.standardnotes.org/?p=60
If maybe you are unhappy with SN right now, you should try again in the upcoming version 4. Should be way better. (from what I read on some posts)
Editors:
Black/Amoled Theme
Web Clipper: https://github.com/johnjones4/Standard-Notes-Clipper
Send/share files securely: https://filesend.standardnotes.org/
Blog: https://listed.to/
More extensions:
Community - Unofficial Extension Repository. Add the repository as extension code.
If you wanna self-host here is a guide:
There is more that you should know:
Tips/Recommendations:
[Edited by Johxz, October 19]
After using the app for a little while I do have a mixed feelings about it. Originally I am looking for an alternative to Microsoft OneNote which I could use on Linux and mobile Apple/Android devices. Ideally something simple to store text + pictures with an easy way to manipulate the elements around the page like in OneNote does. While I do care about security, this is not an absolutely "must have" feature, rather its a good bonus.
Pros Linux support, multiplatform, simple interface, sync features
Cons Non-subscription version would not let insert pictures, nor you'd have any text/picture manipulation capabilities. There is only 1 subscription option which includes all features while in reality I might use only 1 or 2 of these extras.
Summary Paying 50$ subscription for a year of use feels like a very aggressive marketing, it rather diverts me from the S. Notes. On the other hand, I would be glad to pay a few dollars as a one-time purchase to enable one of the extra editors and may be a folders feature.
I rated the app with 1 star for its aggressive positioning of paid subscription. Otherwise it looks nice and works well.
+1 It's sad they're still at this business model almost a year later.
Reply written ago
+1 from me as well
Reply written ago
I know a lot of people who use just the basic functionality of SN (i.e. plain editor, no pictures but encrypted sync across devices) and are perfectly happy. Not sure whether thats an aggressive positioning
If they included even more features, they would be bankrupt. It’s a good sign for a project to have a long-term vision and funding
NB: Inserting pictures is one of the only downsides of the SN, it’s really a pain. Until this is improved, I would’t recommend a subscription if pictures are your primary use case. Other than that, I have to 5-year-plan ($2.5 per month, vs $4.2 on the yearly and $10 on the monthly payment schedule) and can’t recommend it enough!
Reply written ago
Honestly you stay in the easy thing of comparing functions without realizing that it is not the essential thing when writing your thoughts. I think you should analyze if privacy is a "bonus", because when you write something that the government of your country doesn't like (or if you think your democracy is infallible, think that you travel to a country where this situation exists) you will be cornered by your functions that expose what you think. Freedom of speech starts from freedom of thought, if your tools can know what you write (and therefore what you think) you will have lost everything.
Regarding the subscription, it is expensive, although there are now plans to choose from starting at USD 29/year (USD. 2.41/month). Perhaps if you just analyze that this company is funded 100% by the users, with no company that wants to control the privacy parameters for the business purposes they want, you will realize that reaching that consistency to make such a determination is the result of an arduous analysis and a defense of their own principles. A server or a development team does not work "for the love of art" because perhaps no one gives food or a roof "for the love of that art"; therefore, it is required to be economically sustainable knowing that one of its fundamental pillars is longevity (what would be the point of paying only once and that for lack of capital you end up abandoning the project/development/services?).
I think the term aggressive should be used for all current companies that use privacy as a slogan or simply do not give it technological importance beyond the law because their purposes are always the same, to sell your data.
Reply written ago
Their marketing practices alone makes me want away from them.
Dark mode, for example, is a premium feature. I can get Notion's premium for $5 dollars and their costs 10x more.
Fuck that, along with everyone making this software, these people are out of their minds.
Reply written ago
The way this ragtag team of devoted and passionate programmers adjust to changing conditions and successfully pulling off features at a rapid clip is truly remarkable. Priority number one though is security- rest assured, it’s Fort Knox in there. But why need privacy in a world of Google analytics and Meta? You have nothing to hide and don’t mind others profiting from your clicks and searches? Well I’d rather go off SN’s Manifesto- that privacy is a right. I want this app to be here in some iteration in a decade- protecting journalists and sensitive writing. There’s a sense of satisfaction in knowing how SN is adamant enough to the point they don’t have access to your notes and files. Granted I’m still slow on the uptake on the latest features, and sometimes locked myself out (my bad), but certainly not by some hacker. Labs features are still working out the kinks, but for the most part it’s fleshed out. What will they announce for Spring? Idk, but before I go, the free account is great on its own merits, but moving to subscription is where the party’s at 🎉. Thanks team Standard Notes for years of reliability.
Maximum privacy and security. Perfect for note-taking and blogging.
The most secure app. A lot of feature are present. “Super” format is one of the most flexible in the market. Awesome
After 5 or so years the developer(s) still cannot be bothered to provide even the most simple search within notes. This quickly becomes a deal breaker if you want to use Standard Notes for longer notes. They have also raised their prices well above most of the arguably better competition yet been slow to add new features.
While private and secure, the SN editors are also quirky, buggy, and SN sync gets cranky if all your platforms are not on the same version or you use the web client with older app versions.
A much better option is Joplin that offers similar encryption, is open source, better editors, browser add-ons, and wonder of wonders, the ability to search within notes all for much less money.
If you mainly use the Apple ecosystem, Bear.app is a much better option offering far more features and even Apple Watch support. And Bear is also much less expensive than Standard Notes.