How to Build Your Own Bear
Replace Bear with a custom build. Markdown notes you'll love
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 18 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 18 features
Media(4 features)
Scan documents directly into notes
Resize or crop images within notes
Look beyond URLs with rich media previews for links and PDFs
Insert sketches anywhere in notes inline with text, photos, and attachments using Apple Pencil or finger
Organization(3 features)
Organize notes and projects with flexible tags system
Structure notes with headings and use folding to focus on a section and hide others
Choose from over 250 icons to help tags stand out and pin important tags for easy access
Security(3 features)
Support for Apple's Advanced Data Protection
Notes are between you and iCloud with no server access to note content
Encrypt notes for an extra layer of protection from prying eyes
Customization(2 features)
Multiple app icon options for customization
Beautiful themes offer the perfect, cozy space to work
Collaboration(1 features)
Send notes to others and share ideas with the world
Export(1 features)
Export notes to multiple formats: PDF, HTML, DOCX, JPG, TXT, Markdown, TextBundle, RTF, ePub 3
Search(1 features)
Search for text inside photos and PDFs whether in a single note or across all notes
Storage(1 features)
Access to your notes stored locally
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Bear
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 18 features at very easy complexity.