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Recomendation for a note taking app

Hello everyone, I'd like your recommendations for a note taking app that:

  • Can be selfhosted
  • Stores the notes as plain text or *.md files, not some SQL database.
  • Can use Marddown format.
  • Have an android client or at least a mobile optimized web-interface.
  • Not a must but it would be nice to have a to-do list option.

I tried:

  • Trilium: use an encrypted litesql to store the notes.
  • Joplin: does not encrypt the notes, but store them in random named directories, making ot harder finding the notes.
  • Logseq: No firefox support, I did not check how it stores itsdatabase.
  • Standard note: Needs subscription to selfhost or to even use markdown format, otherwise it is a heavy text editor.
  • Memos: does not store plain files, instead uses a (sqlite probably) database even when setting local filesystem as current object storage.
  • CodiMD: use database to store its notes
  • Hedgedoc: the same as above
  • Silverbulet.md: This is what I will end up using if Obsidian + syncthing was not for me,It is minimal without losing much features and can be enhanced with plug-ins.
    . It does need a bit of getting used to and it does not have an android app but can it can be run as PWA that runs offline. The only downside is it does clutter your note directory with a bunch of dot files (if you decided to install plug-ins).

The closest I found so far is Obsidian, which:

  • Unfortunately, does not have any selfhosting option.
  • Have a client app on every platform and store.
  • Can use a custom directory to store it database as plain text files, which can be a network mounted directory (on my laptop/desktop) or a directory on my android phone that i will have to keep synchronized using a third party app.
  • I used "Remotely Save by fyears" which allows you to synchronize local obsidian note directory with a cloud directory (onedrive, dropbox, webdav...), It requires webdav for self-hosted options, kinda forcing you to use a 3th party service to run a 3rd party plug-in so you can use Obsidian with your home server directory. On top of that It can only use a folder on the root of the webdave server (say /notes instead of /documents/notes).
  • I used syncthing initially to sync my Notes directory but I ended up using it to keep a buch of directories in sync across all my devices. Leaving you to use whatever app you like on any device, not just Obsidian.

Edit: March-2nd: added memos, codimd, hedgedoc
Edit: March-9th, It has been a busy week and I could not do much. I added silverbullet and both syncthing adn remotly-save for obsidian. I'm using now Silverbullet and Obsidian+syncthing until I decide on one.
Thank you everyone who helped me choosing.

Nibodhika , (edited )

You sound like me from last month. I strongly recommend silverbullet, check it out on https://silverbullet.md

  • Can be selfhosted

Check, even has a simple docker compose

  • Stores the notes as plain text or *.md files, not some SQL database.

Check, it does have an SQL database, but it's used for queries, you can even copy or modify MD files at will

  • Can use Marddown format.

Check, it's a superset of markdown that includes queries for cool stuff like create tables that group data from other pages

  • Have an android client or at least a mobile optimized web-interface.

Check, it has a PWA that works offline and syncs when back online. Note that this means that all files will be on your device if you use it like that, but that's expected.

  • Not a must but it would be nice to have a to-do list option.

Check, like I mentioned you can query all tasks on all pages and even do filters based on several factors, like where the task is defined or extra attributes that you set to them, e.g. priority.

Edit: bonus points:

  • The main developer is active here https://lemmy.world/post/11816898
  • Also he's very active on discord and always answering questions
  • Easily extensible with plugins and simple JavaScript functions, e.g. very easy to write a function to import a section of a page
  • You can have multiple instances in sync with syncthing (just exclude the databases from syncing)
constantokra ,

Is there a way to embed portions of one page into another page, such that if you edit it on either the change shows up on both, like in logseq?

The documentation is actually pretty good, but i've not been able to find that feature, if it exists. That's probably the last thing keeping me on logseq.

Nibodhika ,

Yes, but you need to hack your way around it, here's an issue on GitHub explaining how to do it with my own solution there in comments. https://github.com/silverbulletmd/silverbullet/issues/338

constantokra ,

Wow, I asked the right person. Thanks for the info!

Nibodhika ,

Hahaha, I had that exact doubt and asked on the discord and the main Dev sent me that issue. I strongly recommend joining the Discord, it's very active and sometimes there are interesting things there.

constantokra ,

I should probably figure out discord one of these days. Thanks for letting me know that's where to go for this project.

mhz OP ,
@mhz@lemm.ee avatar

PWA that works offline and syncs when back online. Note that this means that all files will be on your device

Someone else mentioned Silverbullet, I hosted on my home server and it looks promising, here are a few thing I will need to explore:

  • The PWA sound like a feature I was hoping, i will need to check it out
  • Is there any android client rather than using the web-interface that firefox wont let me connect to remotely without a valid certificat.
  • While it looks easy to use markup language using /, I'm wondering is there is a plugin that add a tool bar or a client app that does have it.

Thank you for your comment

Nibodhika ,

Is there any android client rather than using the web-interface that firefox wont let me connect to remotely without a valid certificat.

No, I use the PWA, i.e. access the page on your phone and as long as it's https it will prompt you to install it. Personally I just used a tailscale network to get past the https authorisation, this also allows me to access it outside of my house so win-win

While it looks easy to use markup language using /, I'm wondering is there is a plugin that add a tool bar or a client app that does have it.

Didn't understood, this is just a markdown file, you can just type things, no need to have buttons to add text.

nyakojiru ,
@nyakojiru@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

+1 for silverbullet. I have it running and is great

johntash ,

Another +1 for silverbullet from me too. I was skeptical about only having a PWA for mobile access, but it actually works really well.

It's open source, so somewhat more customizable than obsidian since you can see the inner workings of it. There aren't too many active community plugins yet, but there is a relatively new concept of 'Space Scripts' where you can write simple functions/commands directly in a note (markdown file) to extend silverbullet without even needing to write a real plugin. That's been an amazing addition for me.

RootBeerGuy ,
@RootBeerGuy@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

Check, it has a PWA that works offline and syncs when back online.

I am either an idiot or that is not working for me on my android phone. I have used PWAs before and I remember you can use them by tapping the "install" in the browser menu.

I installed Silverbullet via docker on my rpi4, but when I connect to it my browsers do not give me the option to install it as a PWA. I tried Mull, DuckDuckGo browser and even (gah!) Chrome.

I can only put a shortcut on my home screen, but that then goes to the IP of my rpi4 and when I am not online I cannot reach it.

Do I need to configure something that I forgot or is the shortcut on the home screen the "PWA"?

Nibodhika ,

Only things served via https can be installed on Android.

RootBeerGuy ,
@RootBeerGuy@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

Ah dang, had no idea. I see there's instructions on how to make silver bullet accessible via internet through https. But I only need this locally in my home WiFi, not connected to outside internet.
Is there an easy way to enable https for it without exposing it outside my home WiFi?

Nibodhika ,

I use tailscale, that allows me to access it remotely securely and gets https. If you don't want to do that it's hard but doable to emit your own certificates, but the tailscale approach is a lot more simple.

Dehydrated ,

Nextcloud Notes is pretty good. Btw Joplin has an option for End-to-end encryption.

lascapi ,
@lascapi@jlai.lu avatar

I use Nextcloud Notes too.
Simple and ok for my usage.

waz ,

It's not exactly what I think you're looking for, but depending on what you are trying to do, maybe look at hackmd/codimd.

It's more like Google docs meets markdown formatting. It's goal is realtime collaboration but I've definitely used it for syncing todo lists with people.

Codimd is the self hostable version.

Oh, and I think there is a way to have it sync with a GitHub repo too, in case that is useful.

Links for convenience:

https://hackmd.io/#

https://github.com/hackmdio/codimd

mhz OP ,
@mhz@lemm.ee avatar

Looks great, I'm definitely checking it this weekend. Thank for the share

talentedkiwi , (edited )

Lots of good suggestions. I've also used memos, but wasn't a huge fan of how the notes were organized. Solid app and definitely worth a look.

https://github.com/usememos/memos

Edit: I'm holding out hope for when notesnook goes self-hosted.

Edit 2: after looking at my older instance I see they save the notes in a database and is not relevant to your question.

Fudoshin ,
@Fudoshin@feddit.uk avatar

Obsidian + private GitHub repo hosting

ebits21 ,
@ebits21@lemmy.ca avatar

Obsidian + Syncthing is what I’ve settled on. Not perfect, but the best I’ve used.

isles ,

Same combo, can use it on android (and probably iOS), windows, linux; the plugins really extend Obsidian's abilities.

Gutless2615 ,

Can not really use on iOS unfortunately. iOS is awful about allowing other apps to sync in the background.

ebits21 , (edited )
@ebits21@lemmy.ca avatar

I do with Mobius and it’s usable. I have a Synology NAS always there at home to sync to though. (Mobius syncs 1-2 hours per day in the background but it’s dynamic and not predictable thanks to Apple).

If I didn’t syncing between iOS devices would probably not work very well.

Yes instant syncing with iOS requires you to open the app if you can’t wait. I’ll often open Mobius if I’m working back and forth to make sure it syncs instantly.

brilokuloj ,

This is what I'm using and it's perfect for my use case. Tried more elaborate setups and it just wasn't worth it. I also use it with my household over LAN.

PlexSheep ,
@PlexSheep@feddit.de avatar

I've used this for more than a year and can confirm it works really well.

unlimitedbacon ,
@unlimitedbacon@kbin.social avatar

Check out SiYuan. It's an open source, self hostabole version of Obsidian.

It uses a database on the backend but editing is done in Markdown and it can import / export Markdown files.

fart_pickle ,

Obaidian + Syncthing will do the trick.

mhz OP ,
@mhz@lemm.ee avatar

Obaidian + Syncthing will do the trick.

This will be my backup plan if nothing else work out.

halm ,
@halm@leminal.space avatar

For the past many years I've simply synced my notes across devices (originally from webDAV, currently Syncthing) and open them with my favourite Markdown editor for each platform. On my android phone it's Markor, and Marktext on desktop.

I've tried so many note taking apps but especially Joplin's weird renaming of my files cooled my enthusiasm for One App To Rule Them All. I do understand the attraction of it, I just prefer a simple setup where I'm not bound by any developer (team)’s whims.

mhz OP ,
@mhz@lemm.ee avatar

I just prefer a simple setup where I’m not bound by any developer (team)’s whims.

This is my concern, if anything goes wrong with my favorite app I would just move on to another without much fuss.

Decronym Bot , (edited )

Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:

Fewer Letters More Letters
Git Popular version control system, primarily for code
IP Internet Protocol
NAS Network-Attached Storage
SSL Secure Sockets Layer, for transparent encryption
TLS Transport Layer Security, supersedes SSL

4 acronyms in this thread; the most compressed thread commented on today has 10 acronyms.

[Thread for this sub, first seen 1st Mar 2024, 09:05]
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OddFed ,
@OddFed@feddit.de avatar

MD Files with git

ryannathans ,

Silverbullet but you have to do your own authentication and TLS

crony , (edited )
@crony@lemmy.cronyakatsuki.xyz avatar

Honestly I just have a directory with markdown files I sync between my devices using syncthing.

For editing on pc I use neovim and for editing on phone I use markor.

fine_sandy_bottom ,

This. This is the answer.

Directory with markdown files and syncthing.

Use whatever editors on whatever device.

dust_accelerator ,

Nextcloud with the "Notes" plugin and app.

https://nextcloud.com/blog/nextcloud-notes-secure-note-taking-integrated/

https://github.com/nextcloud/notes

Strit ,
@Strit@lemmy.linuxuserspace.show avatar

This is also what I use. It ticks all of OPs boxes, but it might be overkill if you just want notes.

mhz OP ,
@mhz@lemm.ee avatar

Actually, nextcloud is what introduced me to the markdown format. Hiwever, i found myself using NC for its note app only, hence i'm looking for a lightweight alternative.

degen ,

If you like obsidian, synching works well to at least selfhost your data.

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