FUTO Notes
by FUTO Notes
What FUTO Notes is
FUTO Notes is a free, open-source notes app that keeps notes on your device and works offline. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted setups. Notes are plain Markdown files supporting headings, checklists, tables, wikilinks, and fenced code. Desktop users can open an Obsidian vault directly; notes, folders, wikilinks, tags, checklists, and tables carry over, but embeds, aliases, and plugins do not. Offline use requires no account, while internet access is needed for synchronization or other network features. There is no hosted sync service: you run a single-user sync server with one password. Before upload, notes, filenames, and folder paths receive on-device AES-256-GCM encryption. Sync supports Markdown notes and supported images up to 100 MiB per encrypted file; other file types are excluded. FUTO says it uses no analytics, advertising, or third-party tracking, and crash reports can be disabled.
Who it suits
It suits people who want local Markdown notes, offline access, and optional self-managed synchronization. Desktop users with Obsidian vaults may also find the direct vault opening useful.
What it does well
- Works offline without an account
- Plain Markdown supports structured notes
- Runs on major desktop and mobile platforms
- Obsidian vaults open without importing
- On-device AES-256-GCM encryption before upload
What to know first
- Sync server must be run by the user
- Sync files have a 100 MiB limit
- Embeds, aliases, and plugins do not carry over
- Non-Markdown files do not sync
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FUTO Notes | No paid tier, license key, or in-app purchase · Sync requires a server you run | Free |
As notes.futo.tech lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
FUTO Notes combines local-first storage, Markdown files, and broad platform support without a hosted sync service. It is most suitable when you are comfortable operating synchronization yourself and accepting its file and Obsidian compatibility limits.
Facts from FUTO Notes's own pages
- Company
- FUTO says it was founded in 2021 by Silicon Valley veteran Eron Wolf and is based in Austin, Texas. · futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Notes, filenames, and folder paths are encrypted on-device with AES-256-GCM before upload. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Feedback
- Users can send feedback from Settings without an account and may attach screenshots. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2021 · notes.futo.tech, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Austin, Texas, United States · notes.futo.tech, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Desktop users can open an Obsidian vault, and notes, folders, wikilinks, tags, checklists, and tables carry over; embeds, aliases, and plugins do not. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The app may be used for any purpose, including at work, while modifying and redistributing the app is limited to non-commercial purposes. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Local files
- Each note is a Markdown file, and desktop users can open an Obsidian vault without importing it. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Markdown
- Notes use plain Markdown, including headings, checklists, tables, wikilinks, and fenced code. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Offline access
- Yes · notes.futo.tech, 21 Sept 2026
- Offline use
- The app works offline without an account; internet is needed only if you enable sync or use other network features. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- FUTO Notes runs on iOS and iPadOS 18 or later, Android 9 or later, macOS 11 or later, Windows 64-bit, and Linux x86_64. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- FUTO says it does not use analytics, advertising, or third-party tracking, and crash reports can be disabled in Settings. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FUTO Notes is an offline-first notes app that stores notes on your device. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Sync
- There is no hosted sync service; users run the sync server themselves, which is single-user and uses one sync password. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
- Sync limit
- Sync carries Markdown notes and supported image files, with a fixed 100 MiB limit per encrypted file; other file types do not sync. · notes.futo.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Where FUTO Notes stands on Freedom251
- Notes apps#12 of 83
- Note-taking apps#50 of 216