Standard Notes

Standard Notes is an end‑to‑end encrypted note‑taking application that stores text, files and other content in a single, secure location. It synchronizes data across unlimited devices on fast, free, encrypted sync, and the source code is publicly available under GPL‑3.0, allowing anyone to self‑host the backend services and, optionally, the web frontend. The self‑hosted architecture consists of microservices for API routing, authentication, syncing, background workers, a database and a Redis cache, with Docker‑based installation recommended for ease of deployment.

The software targets individuals and professionals who need a private, reliable workspace for personal notes, project documentation, or publishing through the optional “Listed” feature. Its design emphasizes longevity and sustainability, offering a free tier without subscription requirements and the ability to run the entire stack on a private server.

Developers can extend the platform via extensions and plugins, and the project provides documentation, community channels on Discord, Twitter and a forum, and a help site for troubleshooting and setup guidance.