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Standard Notes
End-to-end encrypted notes app
ProductivityFreeOpen SourceReplaces Bear ($30/yr)
Quick Take: Standard Notes
4.8
Standard Notes is the gold standard for anyone who values privacy over flashiness. It is not the most feature-rich app in terms of AI integration or flashy UI animations, but it is undoubtedly one of the most secure and reliable. The peace of mind provided by its zero-knowledge encryption, combined with the longevity of being open-source and part of the Proton ecosystem, makes it an essential tool for the modern era. It is a 'forever' app—a digital vault that respects the user absolutely.
Best For
- •Privacy Advocates
- •Journalists & Lawyers
- •Developers & Sysadmins
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask standard-notesWhat is Standard Notes?
Standard Notes is a premier, privacy-focused note-taking application designed for individuals and professionals who prioritize data security and longevity above all else. Unlike many modern note-taking tools that mine user data or store content in accessible plain text formats on servers, Standard Notes is built upon a philosophy of absolute privacy through end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Every keystroke is encrypted locally on your device before it ever syncs to the cloud, ensuring that no one—including the developers, your ISP, or government agencies—can read your notes. Founded in 2017 by Mo Bitar, Standard Notes has evolved from a simple plain-text editor into a powerful productivity suite. A significant milestone in its history occurred in April 2024, when Standard Notes was acquired by Proton, the Swiss privacy company behind Proton Mail and Proton VPN, cementing its status within the gold-standard ecosystem of privacy tools. Despite this acquisition, it remains open-source and committed to its original principles. For Mac users, Standard Notes offers a robust, Electron-based desktop application that runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs. It distinguishes itself from the broader Apple ecosystem by offering true cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, Web) and a unique 'extensibility' model. While the base application is a minimalist plain-text editor, it transforms via 'Editors'—plug-ins that turn the interface into a Markdown writer, a code snippet manager, a spreadsheet tool, or a task manager. This architectural decision keeps the core app lightweight and stable while allowing users to customize functionality to their specific needs. It serves as a digital safe deposit box for your life's work, ensuring that your data remains yours forever, accessible for decades to come regardless of platform shifts.
Deep Dive: Standard Notes Architecture & Ecosystem
To truly appreciate Standard Notes, one must look beyond the interface to the architectural decisions that define its resilience and security profile.
History & Background
Standard Notes was born out of frustration with the ephemeral nature of modern software. Founder Mo Bitar envisioned an app that would last 100 years. Launched in 2017, it grew steadily through a transparent, sustainable business model, rejecting venture capital that might compromise user privacy. In 2024, its mission was amplified through its acquisition by Proton, uniting it with a global leader in privacy tech while maintaining its open-source license (AGPLv3).
How It Works
The client-server model is distinct. The server is 'dumb'—it only stores encrypted blobs of data and has no knowledge of the contents. The client (your Mac) handles all logic: encryption (XChaCha20-Poly1305), decryption, and search. This means search indexing happens locally, which is why searching vast databases doesn't compromise privacy but relies on local CPU power. The 'Items' architecture treats every note, tag, and extension as a generic 'item', allowing for extreme flexibility in how data is related.
Ecosystem & Integrations
The plugin system is sandboxed. Editors run in a controlled environment, ensuring that a third-party editor cannot exfiltrate your data. The ecosystem extends to 'Listed', a blogging platform built into Standard Notes. You can publish a private note to the public web with a single click, effectively turning your private notebook into a public blog (Listed.to) without needing a separate CMS, maintaining the E2EE chain until the moment of publication.
Future Development
Under Proton's stewardship, the roadmap focuses on deeper integration with the Proton suite (Drive, Mail, Pass). We can expect streamlined identity management (Proton Login), enhanced collaboration features that respect E2EE, and continued performance optimizations for the mobile applications to bring them to parity with the desktop experience.
Key Features
Uncompromising End-to-End Encryption
The foundational feature of Standard Notes is its industry-leading encryption architecture. Utilizing XChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption on the client side, your data is secured with a key derived from your password using Argon2, a memory-hard password hashing function. This means that when your notes sync to the Standard Notes servers (or your self-hosted server), they arrive as indecipherable gibberish. This 'zero-knowledge' architecture ensures that even in the event of a data breach on the server side, your content remains mathematically inaccessible to attackers. It is privacy by design, not just policy.
Modular Editor Experience
Standard Notes rejects the 'one size fits all' approach to text editing. Instead, it utilizes a modular system called 'Editors'. Users can switch between different editing environments for different notes. The 'Super' editor allows for rich text with markdown support, 'Code' offers syntax highlighting for developers, 'Spreadsheet' provides Excel-like functionality for data organization, and 'Token' offers a unique way to handle authenticators. This flexibility allows the app to serve as a coding scratchpad, a daily journal, and a project management tool simultaneously, without bloating the core interface.
Infinite Version History (Note History)
Standard Notes includes a powerful version control system often referred to as 'Note History'. Unlike simple undo functions, this feature saves snapshots of your notes over time. For paid users, this history is often infinite, allowing you to travel back to a version of a document from months or years ago. This is crucial for long-form writers and developers who might accidentally delete critical sections of work. It provides a safety net that operates automatically in the background, ensuring data integrity against user error.
Complete Cross-Platform Synchronization
In an ecosystem often divided by 'walled gardens', Standard Notes is completely agnostic. The application offers first-class support for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and the Web. The synchronization is instantaneous and reliable. You can start typing a secure memo on your Mac at the office, continue editing it on your Android phone during the commute, and finish it on a Linux machine at home. The seamless state management ensures that your workspace is always current, regardless of the hardware you are holding.
Self-Hosting Capabilities
For the ultimate privacy enthusiasts and system administrators, Standard Notes offers the ability to self-host the syncing server. While the official cloud is secure, self-hosting gives users absolute control over the physical location and management of their data. Standard Notes provides Docker containers and documentation to set up your own sync engine. This feature is a rarity in modern SaaS applications and speaks volumes about the company's commitment to open-source principles and user sovereignty.
Encrypted Files and Attachments
Standard Notes extends its encryption capabilities beyond text to include files and attachments. Users can upload documents, images, and videos directly into their notes. These assets are encrypted with the same rigor as text data before upload. This transforms the application into a secure cloud storage locker (similar to a secure Dropbox or Google Drive) where you can store sensitive documents like tax returns, medical records, or legal contracts, accessible only through your authenticated client.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
To protect the gateway to your encrypted data, Standard Notes supports robust Two-Factor Authentication. This adds a critical layer of security, ensuring that even if your master password is compromised (e.g., via a keylogger or social engineering), an attacker cannot access your account without the second factor. Given that Standard Notes often houses a user's most sensitive life data, this feature is essential for maintaining the integrity of the security model.
Who Should Use Standard Notes?
1The Privacy-Conscious Journalist
A journalist working on investigative pieces often handles sensitive information and protects confidential sources. Using Standard Notes on a MacBook Air, they draft articles using the Markdown editor. They rely on the peace of mind that comes from knowing their drafts are E2EE encrypted; if their laptop is seized or their cloud account hacked, the data is unreadable. They use the 'Token' feature to generate 2FA codes for other secure accounts, consolidating their security toolkit. The ability to lock the app with a local passcode adds an extra layer of defense during field work in hostile environments.
2The Polyglot Software Developer
A developer who switches between a customized Linux desktop at home and a MacBook Pro at work uses Standard Notes as their persistent code snippet library. They utilize the 'Code' editor which supports syntax highlighting for Python, JavaScript, and Rust. They store API keys, environment configuration notes, and complex algorithm snippets. The cross-platform nature is non-negotiable for them. They also self-host their Standard Notes server on a private VPS to ensure they have total ownership of their intellectual property and to integrate with their personal backup scripts.
3The Organized Student/Researcher
A graduate student managing a thesis uses Standard Notes to organize vast amounts of research. They create a folder hierarchy (using tags) for different chapters. They use the 'Spreadsheet' editor to track citations and data points, and the 'Super' editor for drafting chapters with rich formatting. The 'Note History' feature saves them from disaster when they accidentally overwrite a paragraph. They attach PDFs of research papers directly to their notes, keeping source material and analysis in one secure, encrypted context that is accessible from their iPad during lectures.
4The Personal Diarist
A user committed to digital journaling wants a safe space to record personal thoughts, mental health tracking, and life events without fear of data mining for ad targeting. They use the 'Plain' editor for a distraction-free writing experience. They apply a calming, dark theme (like 'Midnight') to reduce eye strain during late-night writing sessions. The longevity focus of Standard Notes appeals to them; they are confident that the text files they create today will be readable 20 years from now, effectively creating a digital time capsule.
How to Install Standard Notes on Mac
Installing Standard Notes on macOS is straightforward. You have the option of a direct download for the latest features or utilizing the Mac App Store for simplified updates.
1
Download the Installer
Navigate to the official Standard Notes website (standardnotes.com) and click the 'Download' button. The site will automatically detect macOS and offer the universal DMG file suitable for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Alternatively, search for 'Standard Notes' in the Mac App Store.
2
Install the Application
If you downloaded the DMG, open the file and drag the Standard Notes icon into your Applications folder. If installing via the App Store, simply click 'Get' and then 'Install'. The App Store version handles updates automatically in the background.
3
Create an Account & Set Encryption
Launch the app. You will be prompted to create an account. This is the most critical step: choosing a strong password. This password generates your encryption keys. Standard Notes cannot reset this password for you. If you lose it, you lose access to your data forever.
Pro Tips
- • Store your password in a separate password manager immediately.
- • Enable 'Touch ID' unlock in the desktop app settings for quick access.
- • Download the 'Backup' of your encryption keys provided during setup.
Configuration Tips
Mastering the Tag System
Standard Notes does not use traditional folders; it uses a powerful hashtag-based system. To create a nested folder structure, use tags like '#work', '#work/projects', and '#work/admin'. This simulates a folder tree in the sidebar while allowing a single note to exist in multiple 'folders' simultaneously (e.g., a note tagged '#project-a' and '#urgent'). Spend time early on defining your taxonomy to keep your database organized as it grows.
Automated Backups via Email
Even with cloud sync, redundancy is key. Go to the 'Backups' section in settings and enable 'Daily Email Backups'. This service will send you an encrypted JSON file of your entire database every day. It ensures that even if you lose access to the main servers or your devices, you always have a copy of your data in your inbox that you can decrypt and restore later.
Selecting the Right Editor Default
Don't settle for the default plain text editor if it doesn't suit your workflow. Navigate to the 'Plugins' menu and install the 'Super' editor or 'Markdown' editor. Once installed, you can set one as the default for all new notes. This saves you the repetitive step of manually switching the editor type every time you create a new entry, streamlining your daily usage.
Alternatives to Standard Notes
While Standard Notes is unique in its strict adherence to privacy, several other applications compete in the secure note-taking space on Mac.
O
Obsidian
Obsidian stores files locally as plain Markdown, offering great privacy if paired with a secure sync solution. However, it lacks the native, seamless E2EE cloud sync out-of-the-box that Standard Notes provides, requiring user configuration for similar security.
J
Joplin
Joplin is the closest open-source competitor. It also offers E2EE and is free. However, Joplin's UI is generally considered less polished than Standard Notes, and it requires you to bring your own cloud (Dropbox, OneDrive) for syncing, whereas Standard Notes offers a turnkey solution.
A
Apple Notes
Built into macOS, it is convenient and free. While Apple has improved security with 'Advanced Data Protection', it is a proprietary ecosystem lock-in. It lacks the portability, open-source auditability, and Linux/Windows support that Standard Notes offers.
Pricing
Freemium
Standard Notes operates on a sustainable freemium model. The 'Standard' plan is free forever and includes unlimited devices, unlimited notes, and E2EE. It is restricted to plain text. The 'Productivity' and 'Professional' (sometimes branded as 'Core' or 'Plus') plans are paid subscriptions. These unlock the powerful 'Editors' (Markdown, Spreadsheets), Themes, unlimited file uploads, and extended note history. This model supports the ongoing development without selling user data.
Pros
- ✓Unbreakable end-to-end encryption by default
- ✓Open-source code verifiable by anyone
- ✓True cross-platform availability (Mac/Win/Lin/Mobile)
- ✓Infinite version history for data safety
- ✓Modular editors adapt to different workflows
- ✓No ads and no data tracking
Cons
- ✗Free version is limited to plain text
- ✗Subscription can be expensive for casual users
- ✗No native image cropping/editing within notes
- ✗Search functionality is basic compared to Evernote
- ✗Mobile app editors can feel less fluid than desktop
Community & Support
Standard Notes boasts a highly active and technical community. As an open-source project, its heart beats on GitHub, where users can audit code, report bugs, and request features. There is an official Slack/Discord community for real-time discussion and a dedicated forum for long-form troubleshooting and tips. The documentation is extensive, covering everything from basic usage to complex self-hosting instructions. Following the Proton acquisition, support channels have become even more robust, often fielding privacy-centric questions with high expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Standard Notes
No. This is a fundamental feature of its security model. Your password is the key used to encrypt your data before it leaves your device. Standard Notes does not store your password or your encryption keys. If you lose your password, your data is cryptographically inaccessible forever. You must back up your password or the 'Account Key' generated during setup.
Our Verdict
4.8/5
Standard Notes is the gold standard for anyone who values privacy over flashiness. It is not the most feature-rich app in terms of AI integration or flashy UI animations, but it is undoubtedly one of the most secure and reliable. The peace of mind provided by its zero-knowledge encryption, combined with the longevity of being open-source and part of the Proton ecosystem, makes it an essential tool for the modern era. It is a 'forever' app—a digital vault that respects the user absolutely.
Best for:Privacy AdvocatesJournalists & LawyersDevelopers & Sysadmins
About the Author
Productivity & Workflow Analyst
Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management
8+ years in operations management · PMP certified
Related Technologies & Concepts
ProtonEnd-to-End Encryption (E2EE)ElectronMarkdownArgon2Open Source
Proton (Parent company that acquired Standard Notes in 2024.), End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) (Core technology ensuring data privacy within the app.), Electron (Software framework used to build the macOS desktop client.), Markdown (A key markup language supported via the 'Advanced Markdown' editor.), Argon2 (Key derivation function used to secure user passwords.), Open Source (Development philosophy allowing public audit of the code.)
Related Topics
Secure Productivity Tools
Applications focusing on data privacy and encryption for professional use.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Standard Notes was acquired by Proton in April 2024.[cite-1]
- Standard Notes uses XChaCha20-Poly1305 for client-side encryption.[cite-2]
- The application offers a self-hosting option for the sync server.[cite-3]
- 1Standard Notes joins Proton
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2How does Standard Notes encrypt data?
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 3Self-hosting Standard Notes
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4Standard Notes GitHub Repository
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5Listed.to Blogging Platform
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: Standard Notes Mac app 2026; Standard Notes features macOS
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