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Files.md

An open-source markdown note-taking app with local-first storage and Obsidian-like features

Surfacing on:hn

Hot score

70/100

Tracking since 2026-05-18. Saturation 18%.

The sections below are AI-summarized from the source platforms listed at the bottom. Always verify against the original sources before acting on the information.

What is Files.md?

Based on community signals so far, Files.md is an open-source markdown note-taking application that aims to provide a local-first, privacy-focused alternative to popular tools like Obsidian. It allows users to create, edit, and organize notes in plain markdown files stored on their own device, ensuring data ownership and offline access. The app appears to emphasize simplicity and extensibility, though specific features and workflows are still emerging. As an open-source project, it invites community contributions and customization. The problem it solves is the need for a transparent, self-hosted note-taking solution that doesn't lock users into proprietary formats or cloud dependencies. Early discussions on Hacker News suggest interest from users seeking a lighter, more hackable alternative to Obsidian, with potential for plugin support and cross-platform compatibility. However, as the project is in early stages, documentation and stable releases may be limited.

How to use this signal

Three ways a creator, builder, or agent can put Files.md to work today. Each comes with a copy-paste prompt for ChatGPT or Claude.

  1. Write a launch / coverage article

  2. Add to competitive monitoring

  3. Try it / share take

Key features

  • Open-source and community-driven development
  • Local-first storage for privacy and offline use
  • Markdown-based note editing and formatting
  • Obsidian-like interface and note linking
  • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Extensible via plugins or custom scripts

Who should use this

Privacy-conscious note-takers and developers who want a transparent, self-hosted alternative to Obsidian, with the ability to customize and contribute to the tool's development.

Comparable tools

Other tools tracked by trendsmeter in the same space.

Where it's surfacing

Source trail

1 source attached to this trend.

Trend velocity

rising

Saturation

18%

Schema

Word v1

Use this trend

Share the report, or copy a prompt that turns this signal into a useful brief.

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The daily feed, API, and MCP endpoint all read the same schema.

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