File model
Plain Markdown vault or encrypted app-managed vault.
Obsidian stores notes as Markdown files in a local folder. Onnoir stores notebook content in a local encrypted vault and exports Markdown when you want readable copies outside the app.
Comparison
Onnoir vs Obsidian for encrypted local notebooks.
Obsidian is a powerful local Markdown knowledge base. Onnoir is different: it uses an encrypted app-managed local vault with rich pages, Cabinet source material, document text search, and explicit recovery workflows.
The practical difference
Workflow
Onnoir keeps source material, document search, and recovery visible.
Onnoir is designed for private research that includes writing, local files, media, document previews, extracted PDF and DOCX text, OCR-readable PDF content when indexing succeeds, canvases, threads, search, Atlas context, export, and backups.
Document handling
The differentiator is not only notes; it is the research object around them.
Obsidian is excellent when Markdown files are the center of the workflow. Onnoir is stronger when notes, Cabinet files, document previews, search handoffs, and encrypted recovery belong in one app-shaped local library.
Limits
Onnoir is less plugin-driven by design.
If you want a highly customizable Markdown vault and plugin ecosystem, Obsidian may fit better. If you want an opinionated encrypted notebook with built-in document handling and recovery paths, Onnoir is the better fit. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Decision guide
Which one should you use?
Use Onnoir when
Encryption, backups, source material, document search, and an app-managed private library matter most.
Use Obsidian when
Plain Markdown files, customization, and plugins are central to your workflow.
Use both when
You want Onnoir for private encrypted work and Markdown export for selected downstream workflows.
Good fit for Onnoir
- encrypted local notebook workflows
- private source-heavy research with PDFs and documents
- users who want explicit backup and export controls
Not the focus
- plugin-first customization
- plain Markdown as the primary storage model
- mobile-first PKM in the current desktop app
Questions
Does Onnoir store notes as plain Markdown files?+
No. Onnoir stores notebook content in a local encrypted vault and can export readable Markdown copies.
Can Onnoir search PDF or DOCX source material?+
Yes, when document indexing is enabled and extraction succeeds. Onnoir can index supported text from PDFs, DOCX, Markdown, plain text, and OCR-readable PDFs.
Is Onnoir more private than a plain local Markdown folder?+
Onnoir is designed around an encrypted local vault. A plain local Markdown folder is readable by any process or user account that can access those files.
Related
Compare related workflows.
Start with the free local app.
Available for macOS and Windows with no account required. Before updates, create and verify a recoverable backup.