Key takeaways
- Free and open source (MIT license) with optional App Store purchase to support development
- Notational Velocity-inspired with instant search and keyboard-centric design
- Native Swift apps for macOS and iOS with iCloud sync
FAQ
What is FSNotes?
FSNotes is a free, open source markdown notes manager for macOS and iOS with instant search, Git integration, and note encryption.
Is FSNotes free?
Yes, FSNotes is free and open source. App Store versions are available for a small fee to support the solo developer.
What are alternatives to FSNotes?
Alternatives include Bear, Obsidian, Apple Notes, and nvAlt in the Mac markdown notes space.
Executive Summary
FSNotes is a free, open source notes manager for macOS and iOS created by Ukrainian developer Oleksandr Hlushchenko. Inspired by Notational Velocity and nvAlt, FSNotes emphasizes blazing fast search, keyboard-centric operation, and open file formats (GitHub Flavored Markdown). Unlike subscription-based alternatives like Bear, FSNotes is completely free with optional App Store purchases to support continued development.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | Oleksandr Hlushchenko |
| Founded | ~2017 |
| Funding | Open source / Donations |
| Employees | 1 (Solo developer) |
| Headquarters | Ukraine |
Product Overview
FSNotes fills the void left by discontinued notes apps like nvAlt, providing a modern, Swift-native equivalent with additional features. The two-pane interface enables instant search-or-create workflows: type to search, press enter to create if nothing matches. Notes are stored as plain markdown files, synced via iCloud Drive.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Instant Search | Notational Velocity-style search-or-create in one field |
| Git Integration | Optional version control and backups |
| Note Encryption | AES-256 encryption with TouchID unlock |
| Wiki Links | [[double bracket]] linking between notes |
| Syntax Highlighting | Code blocks with 30+ language support |
Product Surfaces / Editions
| Surface | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | Native Swift app | GA |
| iOS | iPhone app | GA |
| GitHub | Build from source | GA |
Technical Architecture
FSNotes is written entirely in Swift 5, making it truly native on Apple platforms with excellent performance. Notes are stored as plain markdown files that can be synced via iCloud Drive or managed manually.
Key Technical Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Language | Swift 5 |
| Storage | Local markdown files (multi-folder support) |
| Sync | iCloud Drive |
| Format | GitHub Flavored Markdown |
| Open Source | Yes (MIT License) |
Strengths
- Free and open source — No cost, MIT license, community can fork if needed
- Native Swift — Not Electron; truly fast and lightweight on Apple devices
- Plain files — Standard markdown files compatible with any editor
- Active development — Solo developer has maintained consistent updates since 2017
- Feature-rich — Git versioning, encryption, wiki links, Mermaid/MathJax support
Cautions
- Solo developer — Long-term maintenance depends on one person's continued commitment
- No subfolders on iOS — Mobile app explicitly does not support nested folders
- iCloud only — No Dropbox, WebDAV, or Google Drive sync support
- Less polished UI — Functional but not as refined as Bear or iA Writer
- Limited documentation — Smaller community means fewer tutorials and guides
Pricing & Licensing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free (GitHub) | $0 | Full app, build from source |
| Mac App Store | ~$3 | Support developer |
| iOS App Store | ~$3 | Support developer |
Licensing model: MIT open source; App Store versions support development
Hidden costs: None—completely free even from App Store if you build from source
Competitive Positioning
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| Bear | FSNotes is free and open source; Bear has prettier UI and subscription |
| Apple Notes | FSNotes uses plain markdown; Apple Notes has better iOS integration |
| Obsidian | FSNotes is simpler and lighter; Obsidian has more features and plugins |
When to Choose FSNotes Over Alternatives
- Choose FSNotes when: You want free, open source notes with plain markdown files
- Choose Bear when: You want beautiful UI and don't mind subscription
- Choose Obsidian when: You want knowledge graphs, plugins, and advanced features
Ideal Customer Profile
Best fit:
- Users who loved nvAlt and want a modern equivalent
- People who value open source and plain file storage
- Mac/iOS users who don't want to pay subscriptions
Poor fit:
- Users wanting nested folders on iOS
- People who need Dropbox or Google Drive sync
- Users prioritizing UI polish over functionality
Viability Assessment
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | N/A (Open source) |
| Market Position | Niche |
| Innovation Pace | Steady |
| Community/Ecosystem | Active |
| Long-term Outlook | Positive |
Despite being maintained by a solo developer, FSNotes has shown remarkable longevity with consistent updates. The MIT license ensures the code remains available regardless of the developer's continued involvement.
Bottom Line
FSNotes is the spiritual successor to nvAlt—a fast, keyboard-centric notes app that respects open formats and costs nothing. It's not as polished as Bear or as powerful as Obsidian, but it's free, open source, and does exactly what it promises.
Recommended for: nvAlt refugees, open source advocates, and users who want plain markdown notes without subscription fees.
Not recommended for: Users wanting polish over function, or those needing sync beyond iCloud.
Outlook: Healthy niche position; open source license provides insurance against abandonment.
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology