flatnotes

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, markdown-first note-taking app with full-text search

Overview

flatnotes is a self-hosted, markdown-centric note-taking tool designed for simplicity and speed. It offers full-text search across all notes, supports dark/light modes, and allows organization with tags. Deployable via Docker (simple Compose setup) or manual Python installation, it stores notes as plain markdown files—no proprietary databases, ensuring easy data portability. Key features include note pinning, syntax highlighting for code snippets, and a distraction-free interface, ideal for users prioritizing data control and plain text workflows.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  flatnotes:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: flatnotes
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Markdown-first note creation & editing
Full-text search across all notes
Plain markdown file storage (no proprietary lock-in)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is flatnotes hard to install?

No—flatnotes is easiest to deploy via Docker Compose with a minimal configuration file. Manual setup using Python is also possible, but Docker is recommended for simplicity and consistency.

? Is flatnotes a good alternative to Notion?

It’s ideal for users who prefer markdown, self-hosting, and data portability over Notion’s complex blocks and collaboration. It’s lighter and faster but lacks Notion’s multi-type content and team features.

? Is flatnotes completely free?

Yes—flatnotes is open source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host with no paid tiers or hidden costs.

Top Alternatives

Notion Compare

Evernote Compare

Bear Notes Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Note-taking & Editors

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted)
⊕ No data lock-in (plain text files)
⊕ Simple Docker deployment setup

Cons

⊖ No real-time collaborative editing
⊖ Requires basic server/Docker knowledge
⊖ Lacks advanced features like Notion's databases