How to Build Your Own Standard Notes
Replace Standard Notes with a custom build. Free your mind. A free, secure note-taking app with powerful end-to-end encryption and unparalleled privacy features.
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 39 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 39 features
Note Types(12 features)
Track and manage budgets and personal finance notes
Store and manage code snippets with syntax highlighting
Store family-related records and important documents
Securely store health-related records and medical information
Create private journal and diary entries
+7 more in this category
Security(8 features)
Use Standard Notes as an authenticator app to store 2FA secrets for other services
On mobile, enable face or fingerprint biometrics to protect app access
Audited, industry-leading end-to-end encryption where only you have access to the keys required to decrypt your data
Code is completely open and independently audited by leading security researchers
Set a unique passcode to require authentication anytime the app is launched
+3 more in this category
Platforms(6 features)
Native Android application for mobile devices
Native iOS application for iPhone and iPad
Native desktop application for Linux systems
Native desktop application for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
Access notes through web browsers on any device
+1 more in this category
Data Protection(4 features)
Automated backups and secure cloud sync ensure that data is safe and sound
View revisions of notes from the very beginning with infinite undo functionality for frequently edited notes
Receive encrypted copies of entire text-based dataset delivered to email inbox daily
Move notes to trash where they can later be recovered or permanently deleted
Organization(4 features)
Create nested folders from tags with easy drag and drop organization
Archive notes to stow them away from main view
Pin notes to the forefront of list for notes requiring recurring focus
Build advanced custom queries for viewing and organizing notes, such as showing notes edited in last day or notes with specific keywords
Sync & Access(2 features)
Seamless syncing of notes and files across unlimited devices including iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Windows, and Linux
Always have an offline copy of your data so you can access notes and files even without an internet connection
Customization(1 features)
Choose from a selection of visual interpretations including Midnight and other styles that change workspace appearance
Data Management(1 features)
One-click export option to preserve notes in a simple text file that can later be imported or converted to other service formats
Cost Calculator
Pricing data not available for Standard Notes. Check their website for current pricing.