# Standard Notes — End-to-End Encrypted Notes with Longevity

> A privacy-focused note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, a 100-year longevity promise, and a self-hostable server for full data ownership.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Standard Notes — End-to-End Encrypted Notes with Longevity

## Quick Use
```bash
git clone https://github.com/standardnotes/server.git
cd server
docker compose up -d
# Open http://localhost:3001 — create an account to start
```

## Introduction
Standard Notes is a simple, encrypted note-taking app designed to last 100 years. Every note is end-to-end encrypted before it leaves your device, meaning not even the server operator can read your content. The self-hostable server gives you full control over where your encrypted data lives.

## What Standard Notes Does
- Encrypts all notes end-to-end with AES-256 and Argon2-derived keys before sync
- Syncs across desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile (iOS, Android), and web
- Supports rich editors including Markdown, code, spreadsheets, and task lists via extensions
- Provides tag-based organization with nested tags and smart filters
- Offers a self-hostable sync server for teams and privacy-conscious individuals

## Architecture Overview
The Standard Notes ecosystem has three parts: client apps, a sync server, and an encryption protocol (SNJS). The sync server is a Node.js application backed by MySQL that stores only encrypted payloads. Decryption happens exclusively on the client. The web and desktop apps are built with React and share a common core library for encryption and sync logic.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Clone the server repo and run `docker compose up -d` to start all services
- The stack includes the API server, a MySQL database, and a file uploads service
- Set `AUTH_JWT_SECRET` and other secrets in the `.env` file before first run
- Configure your client apps to point to your server URL in account settings
- Place behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS since the API transmits encrypted blobs

## Key Features
- Zero-knowledge encryption where the server never has access to plaintext
- 100-year longevity philosophy with simple, durable data formats
- Extensible editor system with Markdown, rich text, code, and spreadsheet editors
- Note history with version snapshots for reverting accidental changes
- Two-factor authentication and account recovery via encrypted backup keys

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Joplin** — open-source and supports E2EE but relies on third-party sync backends; Standard Notes bundles its own encrypted sync server
- **Obsidian** — powerful for knowledge graphs but not fully open-source; Standard Notes is open-source with native encryption
- **Notesnook** — similar encryption focus; Standard Notes has a longer track record and self-hosting option
- **Apple Notes** — convenient but locked to iCloud; Standard Notes is cross-platform and self-hostable

## FAQ
**Q: Can anyone read my notes on the server?**
A: No. Notes are encrypted on your device before sync. The server stores only encrypted blobs that are unreadable without your password-derived keys.

**Q: Is the self-hosted server free?**
A: Yes. The server and all core apps are open source. Some premium editor extensions require a subscription on the hosted service but work with self-hosted servers if you build them yourself.

**Q: How does the 100-year longevity promise work?**
A: Standard Notes commits to simple, stable data formats and long-term maintenance. Notes are stored as plain encrypted JSON, making them future-proof regardless of app availability.

**Q: Can I import notes from other apps?**
A: Yes. Standard Notes supports importing from Evernote, Google Keep, Simplenote, and plain text or JSON files.

## Sources
- https://github.com/standardnotes/app
- https://docs.standardnotes.com/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/31be3e02-3e03-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: AI Open Source