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Craft vs Notion
Which is the better note-taking for Mac in 2026?
We compared Craft and Notion across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both Craft and Notion are excellent note-taking. Read our full breakdown below.
Craft
Native document editor
Free
VS
Notion
All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases
Free
Visual Comparison
Notion
Notion — Official Website
Our Verdict
Both Craft and Notion are excellent note-taking. Craft is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Notion excels for those who value established ecosystems.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Craft | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
Quick Install
Craft
brew install --cask craftNotion
brew install --cask notionLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Craft?
Craft is a premium document and note-taking application built natively for Apple platforms that emphasizes beautiful design, blazing performance, and a seamless writing experience. Created by Luki Labs, a Budapest-based company, Craft launched in 2020 and quickly earned an Apple Design Award for its exceptional interface and thoughtful user experience. Unlike many modern productivity tools built with web technologies, Craft uses native Swift and AppKit/UIKit frameworks, resulting in an application that feels genuinely fast and responsive — scrolling is buttery smooth, animations are fluid, and the app launches nearly instantly even with large document libraries. Craft organizes content using a block-based editor where each paragraph, image, heading, or media element is an independent block that can be styled, rearranged, linked, or embedded. The app supports rich content types including Markdown, code blocks with syntax highlighting, LaTeX equations, tables, toggles, page cards (links to other documents displayed as visual cards), and inline media. Craft's document sharing is particularly polished — you can publish any document as a beautiful, responsive web page with a single click, making it ideal for sharing meeting notes, project proposals, or documentation with external stakeholders. The 'Daily Notes' feature provides a journal-like space for daily captures. Craft has expanded beyond Apple platforms with a web app and basic Android support, though the native Apple experience remains its strongest offering. Craft syncs via iCloud or Craft's own cloud infrastructure, supports real-time collaboration with comments and mentions, and integrates with tools like Calendar, Reminders, and various third-party services. In 2026, Craft offers a free tier with limited storage, a Pro plan at $5/month (or $45/year), and Business plans for teams. Its focus on document quality over database flexibility makes it a compelling Notion alternative for users who prioritize writing and presentation over structured data management. Craft's 'Craft X' extension framework allows developers to build custom extensions that integrate with the app, expanding its capabilities beyond the core feature set. The application also offers an AI assistant for writing, summarization, and content generation, available to Pro subscribers.
What is Notion?
Notion is the dominant all-in-one workspace application that has fundamentally changed how individuals and teams organize information, manage projects, and collaborate. Founded in 2013 by Ivan Zhao and Simon Last, Notion combines the flexibility of a document editor with the power of a relational database system, creating a platform where virtually any workflow can be built from modular components called 'blocks.' Notion's relational database system is its defining capability — users can create tables, Kanban boards, calendars, timelines, and galleries, each representing different views of the same underlying data. Properties can include text, numbers, dates, select/multi-select tags, formulas, relations to other databases, and rollup calculations. This flexibility allows Notion to function simultaneously as a project tracker, CRM, content calendar, company wiki, meeting notes repository, and personal knowledge base. The block-based editor supports rich content including text with inline formatting, embeds from hundreds of services (YouTube, Figma, Google Maps, etc.), code blocks with syntax highlighting, callouts, toggles, synced blocks (reusable content that updates everywhere), and inline databases. Notion is cloud-native, with all data stored on Notion's servers and accessible from any device via web, desktop (macOS, Windows), or mobile apps (iOS, Android). The platform supports real-time collaboration with commenting, mentions, team spaces, granular permissions, and audit logs for enterprise accounts. Notion's public API enables integrations with hundreds of tools, and the template marketplace hosts thousands of pre-built workflows for every conceivable use case. In 2026, Notion has expanded significantly with Notion AI (powered by large language models for summarization, writing assistance, and data analysis), Notion Calendar (a standalone calendar app), and Notion Mail, positioning itself as a comprehensive productivity suite rather than just a workspace tool. Pricing includes a generous free tier for individuals, Plus ($8/user/month), Business ($15/user/month), and Enterprise plans with advanced security and compliance features. Notion's formulas system allows computed properties within databases using a function-based syntax similar to spreadsheet formulas, enabling calculations, conditional logic, and data transformations directly within database views.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Writing and Editing Experience
CriticalCraftExcellent
Craft's editor is one of the best in the industry. Native rendering on Apple devices means smooth animations, instant responsiveness, and beautiful typography. The block-based system is intuitive, with drag-and-drop reordering, inline styling, and gorgeous default formatting. Writing in Craft feels premium and delightful.
NotionGood
Notion's editor is capable and flexible, supporting a wide variety of block types including databases, toggles, callouts, and embeds. However, the web-based rendering can feel sluggish compared to native apps, and the default typography is less refined than Craft's. The editing experience prioritizes functionality over aesthetic pleasure.
Verdict: Craft delivers a noticeably superior writing experience with native performance and refined aesthetics.
Database and Structured Data
CriticalCraftLimited
Craft does not have database functionality. It is primarily a document tool with some organizational features like folders and backlinks. For structured data management, users must rely on external tools or workarounds.
NotionExcellent
Notion's database system is its defining feature. Create relational databases with custom properties, rollups, formulas, and multiple views. This enables project management, CRM, content calendars, inventory tracking, and countless other structured workflows — all within the same workspace.
Verdict: Notion's database capabilities are in a completely different category. Craft has no equivalent functionality.
Real-Time Collaboration
HighCraftExcellent
Craft supports real-time collaborative editing with smooth cursor tracking, presence indicators, and commenting. The experience is reminiscent of Google Docs but with better visual design. Sharing documents externally as beautiful web pages is seamless.
NotionGood
Notion supports real-time collaboration on pages and databases. Multiple users can edit simultaneously, with commenting and mentions. However, the experience can feel slower than Craft's native implementation, especially on complex pages with many database views.
Verdict: Craft's native real-time collaboration is smoother and more responsive than Notion's web-based approach.
Cross-Platform Availability
HighCraftFair
Craft is primarily an Apple-ecosystem app (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) with a limited web version for viewing and basic editing. There are no native Windows, Linux, or Android apps. Users outside the Apple ecosystem have a degraded experience.
NotionExcellent
Notion runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and the web with full feature parity. The web version is a first-class experience, not a compromise. This makes Notion accessible to teams with diverse device ecosystems.
Verdict: Notion's truly cross-platform nature is a major advantage for teams and users with mixed-OS environments.
Templates and Ecosystem
HighCraftGood
Craft offers a curated template gallery with professionally designed templates for meeting notes, project briefs, and personal planning. The templates are visually polished but the selection is smaller than Notion's massive marketplace.
NotionExcellent
Notion has a massive template marketplace with thousands of free and paid templates covering every conceivable use case — GTD systems, OKR trackers, CRMs, content calendars, and more. The API enables integrations with Slack, Zapier, and hundreds of other tools.
Verdict: Notion's template ecosystem and API integrations create a much broader platform effect.
Document Sharing and Publishing
MediumCraftExcellent
Craft excels at document sharing. One-click sharing generates beautiful web pages with custom URLs. Documents can be shared with specific permissions, exported as PDF, Markdown, or DOCX, and even presented as slideshows. The shared pages look professional without any formatting effort.
NotionGood
Notion pages can be shared via public links with customizable permissions. The shared page experience is functional but less visually polished than Craft's. Notion also offers 'Publish to web' for public knowledge bases.
Verdict: Craft produces more visually impressive shared documents with less effort.
Performance and Speed
HighCraftExcellent
Craft is built as a native Apple app (Swift/AppKit/UIKit), resulting in instant startup, smooth scrolling, and responsive editing. It leverages Apple Silicon natively and uses minimal system resources.
NotionFair
Notion has improved performance significantly in 2026 but still relies on Electron for desktop apps. Complex pages with multiple databases can feel sluggish. Startup time and initial page loads are noticeably slower than native apps.
Verdict: Craft's native architecture provides dramatically better performance than Notion's Electron-based apps.
Who Should Choose Which?
1The Content Creator
Craft
For writing blog posts, newsletters, and marketing content, Craft's beautiful editor and one-click sharing produce professional results without design effort.
2The Project Manager
Notion
Notion's databases, Kanban boards, timelines, and team workspaces are purpose-built for project management. Craft lacks the structured data capabilities needed for project tracking.
3The Apple Enthusiast
Craft
Craft's native Apple design, Apple Pencil support, Handoff, and Shortcuts integration create the most cohesive Apple-ecosystem experience.
4The Startup Team
Notion
Notion can serve as a startup's wiki, project tracker, CRM, and meeting notes system in a single tool, reducing tool sprawl and costs.
5The Meeting Notes Taker
Craft
Craft's real-time collaboration and beautiful document sharing make it excellent for meeting notes that need to be shared with stakeholders.
6The Knowledge Base Builder
Notion
Notion's nested pages, database relations, and API integrations make it ideal for building comprehensive team knowledge bases and wikis.
Migration Guide
Craft → Notion
Export documents from Craft as Markdown files, then import them into Notion. Craft's visual formatting (card styles, toggle styles) may not transfer perfectly. Images and embeds will need re-embedding. Craft's folder structure can be recreated as Notion page hierarchy.
Notion → Craft
Notion pages can be exported as Markdown and imported into Craft. However, Notion databases, formulas, relations, and views have no Craft equivalent and will be lost. Only text-based content transfers cleanly. This migration is only practical if you're primarily using Notion for writing rather than database features.
Pro Tips
If you're considering switching from Notion to Craft, honestly assess how much you use databases. If databases are central to your workflow, Craft cannot replace Notion. If you mainly write documents and collaborate on text, Craft's superior writing experience may justify the switch.
Final Verdict
Overall Winner
Notion
9.0/10
Winner
8.4/10
Runner-up
Notion wins overall because its database capabilities, cross-platform availability, and massive ecosystem make it a more versatile tool for most users. However, Craft is genuinely superior as a writing and document tool — its native performance, visual design, and collaboration features create a premium experience that Notion cannot match. The choice depends on whether you need a workspace platform (Notion) or a writing tool (Craft).
Bottom Line: Choose Notion for an all-in-one workspace with databases, wikis, and project management. Choose Craft for the most beautiful writing and document experience on Apple devices.
Video Tutorials
Getting Started with Notion - Easy Tutorial for Beginners
Howfinity • 85.1K views
Notion Tutorial for Beginners
Kevin Stratvert • 1.6M views
MacBook Widgets and My Notion Keep Me Productive
Productivity Headquarters • 75.0K views
How to Get Started with Notion (without losing your mind)
Jeff Su • 1.2M views
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Craft excels at writing and document creation but lacks Notion's database, project management, and wiki capabilities. Craft can replace Notion for users who primarily write documents, but not for those who rely on structured data and relational databases.
About the Author
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Related Technologies & Concepts
Apple Design AwardElectronSwiftNotion APIKanbanBlock EditoriCloudZapier
Apple Design Award (Won by Craft for exceptional interface design.), Electron (The framework Notion's desktop app is built on.), Swift (The programming language Craft is built with natively.), Notion API (Notion's public API enabling third-party integrations.), Kanban (A project management view available in Notion's databases.), Block Editor (The content editing paradigm used by both apps.), iCloud (The sync mechanism used by Craft.), Zapier (An automation platform that integrates with Notion's API.)
Related Topics
Document and Writing Apps
Applications focused on creating and sharing beautiful documents.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Craft won an Apple Design Award.[cite-craft-official]
- Notion supports multiple database views including table, board, calendar, timeline, and gallery.[cite-notion-official]
- Craft Pro costs $5/month for individuals.[cite-craft-pricing]
- 1Craft - Create Amazing Documents
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2Craft Pricing
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 3Notion - Your connected workspace
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4Notion Pricing
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5Notion API Documentation
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: Craft vs Notion 2026 Mac comparison; Craft Docs pricing features; Notion database views 2026