this post was submitted on 09 Mar 2026
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So I'm moving away from apple because of all the trump bootlicking Tim Apple is doing.

Anyways, anyone got any self hosted notes app that has a flat file structure?

The most important part is the flat file structure. I want flat files because it makes it a LOT easier to back up than a db.

So any suggestions?

TIA

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[–] relaymoth@sh.itjust.works 16 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Logseq. Have used it for years. Sync across devices via syncthing. Since its all markdown files there should be no issues.

Need to restore? Copy files to new location, point the program at the new folder and you're good to go.

[–] myrmidex@belgae.social 3 points 5 months ago

Seconded, came here to suggest exactly this. Do prefer syncthing over their built-in cloud sync, as the former is much more dependable.

[–] dcatt@lemmy.dbzer0.com 10 points 5 months ago (3 children)
[–] Esjott@feddit.org 3 points 5 months ago

+1 for Joplin. Sync via webdav-server (nginx, nextcloud) or their sync server. Works like a charm.

[–] osanna@lemmy.vg 2 points 5 months ago

I installed joplin, and while it doesn't have flat file structure, I think this is the way to go. It's easy enough to create backups through the UI.

[–] dr_robotBones@reddthat.com 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Does everyone pay for Joplin or is there a way to get it to work for free?

[–] sakphul@discuss.tchncs.de 5 points 5 months ago

You can use Joplin without Paying. You only need to pay for Joplin Cloud for syncing. But you can use a selfhosted Joplin Server or Webdav to sync you notes without it.

[–] lukecyca@lemmy.ca 10 points 5 months ago (2 children)

I tried SilverBullet and it was really good and really neat, but not for me. Now I’m using Obsidian, which is easy enough to self host, but the company that makes it is small and indie and I decided to support them with a subscription.

I also switched to Asahi Linux 5 months ago. After decades of being an Apple fan, they are most unappealing these days.

[–] osanna@lemmy.vg 1 points 5 months ago

there's a dongle for that!

[–] glitching@lemmy.ml 7 points 5 months ago (1 children)

why would you host anything? that's just an app. QOwnNotes (stupidest name ever) stores .MD files that you can syncthing, rsync, copy, edit externally, whatever, allowing you never to be locked-in again. all the toolboxes can be turned off, netting you a UI that looks like apple's notes.

[–] osanna@lemmy.vg 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I never really considered that tbh. but for what it's worth, I like a central repository

[–] glitching@lemmy.ml 3 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

that's what syncthing is for. you can set it up to sync the Notes folder to your other devices in a read/write way or just one way, so you got your central repo.

also, qown has nextcloud notes sync built in.

[–] MagnificentSteiner@lemmy.zip 6 points 5 months ago
[–] adonkeystomple@lemmy.ml 2 points 5 months ago

I’ve liked using standard notes.

[–] osanna@lemmy.vg 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

oh, I should note (geddit?), it should have an ios app and a macos app/web accessible site.

[–] RheumatoidArthritis@mander.xyz 2 points 5 months ago

SNotepad + Syncthing

[–] the_radness@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago

Some CalDav servers also do notes. As others have noted, Joplin has a self-hosted option. If you're willing to go with a service, Obsidian is .md based and multiplatform.

I use Memos. It doesn't use a flat file structure, but it does just use a SQLite database file. You can open it in any SQLite browser to read your notes, or copy it somewhere for backups.

[–] oyzmo@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago
[–] captcha_incorrect@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago
[–] artyom@piefed.social -1 points 5 months ago (2 children)

Do you think your boy Pichai isn't licking boots? He sat right next to Tim Apple at the inauguration.

[–] ivn@tarte.nuage-libre.fr 7 points 5 months ago

That's why they are asking for a self-hosted solution, not a Google one.

[–] osanna@lemmy.vg 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

eh, I'm going to keep my iphone, but I want to cancel icloud, because fuck giving them any extra money so they can buy yet another golden statue for trump.

[–] artyom@piefed.social -1 points 5 months ago