FocusNote

What FocusNote is

FocusNote is a macOS outliner for organizing notes through keyboard controls. Its base app stores notes as files on your Mac, where they remain available offline. You can nest bullets, zoom into a node, fold parts of an outline, and move branches with the keyboard. Node references let bullets appear in multiple notes while keeping edits synchronized. Block-level backlinks, bidirectional wikilinks, and tags with autocomplete connect related material. For navigation, FocusNote includes breadcrumbs, search that can jump to matching nodes, PDF highlights, or attachments, and interactive 2D and 3D graph views. Nodes can contain spreadsheets, PDFs with highlights, whiteboards, and running code blocks. Other listed content tools include rich media embeds, Markdown export, flashcards with spaced repetition, and LaTeX formulas. FocusNote also lists Zen writing mode, fullscreen deep work locks, Pomodoro timers, task time logs, weekly calendars, and mindful breathing exercises. The Free Forever Base App costs nothing and includes local notes on macOS with offline access. FocusNote has no team dashboards or seats to administer.

Who it suits

FocusNote suits macOS users who want to organize writing and research in nested outlines, connect related notes, and work offline. Its listed tools also suit people who want focus timers, spaced repetition flashcards, or varied content types within their notes.

Getting started

1. Visit https://focusnote.app/.
2. Get the macOS app.
3. Start with the Free Forever Base App at no cost.
4. Keep notes as local files on your Mac and use them offline.

Verdict

Choose FocusNote if you want a local, offline macOS outliner with keyboard navigation and connected notes. Its range of content and focus tools may also suit writing and study workflows. Look elsewhere if you need team dashboards or seats to administer.