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Local-first notes

A local-first notes app for work that should stay on your machine.

Onnoir is built around a desktop library first. You can write, organize, search, attach source material, export readable copies, and keep recoverable backups without starting from an online account.

Onnoir shelf showing local notebooks, threads, search, and library context Onnoir shelf showing local notebooks, threads, search, and library context

How it works

Local workspace

Your notebook is a desktop library, not a hosted workspace.

Onnoir keeps notebook content in a local encrypted vault. That makes it a practical fit for private drafts, client notes, internal research, and source material you do not want to place in a web-first workspace.

Daily work

Local does not have to mean sparse.

Pages can hold prose, tasks, tables, callouts, code, math, Mermaid diagrams, images, files, and canvas references. The goal is to keep longer sessions fluid without spreading the work across unrelated tools.

Exit path

Keep readable copies and exact recovery separate.

Markdown export gives you readable files outside Onnoir. Encrypted .onbk backups preserve the local library for restore. Both matter when the work should remain portable.

Fit

When this is the right tool.

Good fit

  • private desktop notes
  • research libraries that mix writing and source files
  • workflows that need export and backup discipline

Not the focus

  • real-time team collaboration
  • browser-first publishing workflows
  • cloud sync as a required default

No account required

Start writing without creating a hosted notebook account.

Encrypted local vault

Notebook content starts on your device, protected by your passphrase and recovery material.

Search and structure

Use notebooks, threads, collections, Today capture, Atlas, and indexed document text to keep projects readable as they grow.

Questions

Does local-first mean Onnoir never uses the network?+

No. The website, downloads, update checks, and optional future services are separate from your local notebook content. The notebook workflow itself does not require a hosted account.

Can I export local notes?+

Yes. Onnoir supports readable Markdown export and encrypted .onbk backups for exact recovery.

Related

Keep exploring.

Start with the free local app.

Available for macOS and Windows with no account required. Before updates, create and verify a recoverable backup.