# Standard Notes — End-to-End Encrypted Note-Taking App

> Standard Notes is a free, open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking application. It provides a simple, distraction-free writing experience with cross-platform sync, extensible editors, and full data ownership through self-hosting or the official cloud service.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Standard Notes — End-to-End Encrypted Note-Taking App

## Quick Use
```bash
# Self-host the server
git clone https://github.com/standardnotes/server.git
cd server
docker compose up -d
# Or download desktop/mobile apps from https://standardnotes.com
```

## Introduction
Standard Notes is a privacy-focused, open-source note-taking application that encrypts all data end-to-end before it leaves your device. It runs on every major platform (Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android) and offers a clean, minimal interface designed for long-term note keeping without vendor lock-in.

## What Standard Notes Does
- Provides a distraction-free writing environment with markdown and rich text support
- Encrypts all notes, tags, and files client-side using XChaCha20-Poly1305 and Argon2
- Syncs encrypted data across unlimited devices via the official server or a self-hosted instance
- Supports extensible editors including a Super editor with embedded media and task lists
- Offers file attachments, nested tags, smart views, and note history with version tracking

## Architecture Overview
The application is a monorepo containing web, desktop (Electron), and mobile (React Native) clients plus a Node.js sync server. The encryption protocol (SNJS) handles all key derivation, item encryption, and conflict resolution on the client side. The server never sees plaintext content — it stores and relays opaque encrypted payloads.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Deploy the server stack using Docker Compose with the official docker-compose.yml
- Configure environment variables for database connection, SMTP, and file storage
- Set up a reverse proxy (Nginx, Caddy) with TLS for secure sync over HTTPS
- Point desktop and mobile clients to your custom sync server URL in settings
- Back up the database regularly since encrypted data cannot be recovered without user keys

## Key Features
- Zero-knowledge architecture means the server operator cannot read your notes
- 100+ year longevity design: plain text core format ensures future readability
- Listed marketplace for community and official editor extensions
- Two-factor authentication and session management for account security
- Offline-first design with automatic sync when connectivity returns

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Joplin** — open-source with E2EE opt-in; Standard Notes encrypts everything by default
- **Obsidian** — local markdown vault with plugins; Standard Notes adds built-in E2EE sync
- **Notesnook** — similar E2EE focus; Standard Notes has a longer track record and self-host option
- **Apple Notes** — convenient but closed ecosystem; Standard Notes is cross-platform and open source
- **Logseq** — graph-based knowledge management; Standard Notes focuses on simple, linear note-taking

## FAQ
**Q: Is the free plan usable?**
A: Yes. The free tier includes unlimited notes, cross-platform sync, and end-to-end encryption.

**Q: Can I export my data?**
A: Yes. Export all notes as a decrypted JSON or plaintext backup at any time from the app settings.

**Q: Is the self-hosted server fully featured?**
A: Yes. The self-hosted server supports all features including file uploads and real-time sync.

**Q: How does conflict resolution work?**
A: When edits conflict, Standard Notes preserves both versions and lets you manually merge or pick the correct one.

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

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-0475c690
Author: Script Depot