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Nolio

github.com

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid
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Spec score 7.9 #16 of 30 in Secure Notes Apps

What it is

Nolio is a free, open-source notes app that stores encrypted notes locally, without cloud storage, third-party servers, or telemetry. Each note is encrypted with AES-256-GCM; key derivation uses Argon2id or a 600,000-iteration PBKDF2 fallback. The master password is essential: the maker says notes cannot be recovered without it and there is no password reset. The vault can lock after a configurable idle period or through Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + L. Its editor supports headings, lists, task lists, quotes, code blocks, callouts, tables, images, and links. Pasted Markdown is converted into rich blocks, and slash commands insert blocks from the keyboard. Notes can be organized into nested pages with unlimited subpages, alongside Favorites, Recent, All Notes, Trash, and a command palette. Desktop users can open resizable sticky-note windows and pin them above other windows. Encrypted backups can be exported to a chosen location, and imports verify the backup password before writing data. Nolio runs in a browser and on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Spec sheet

What it does
Nolio is a local-first encrypted notes app that stores notes on the device, with no cloud, third-party servers, or telemetry.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Auto-lock
The vault automatically locks after a configurable idle period and can also be locked with Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + L.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Backups
Encrypted vault backups can be exported to a user-selected location; imports verify the backup password before writing data.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Desktop widgets
Desktop users can open resizable, frameless sticky note windows that can be pinned above other windows.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The README lists Windows EXE and MSI installers, macOS DMG installers for Apple Silicon and Intel, and Linux AppImage, DEB, and RPM packages.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Encryption
The vault uses per-note AES-256-GCM encryption, with keys derived using Argon2id or a 600,000-iteration PBKDF2 fallback.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations and API
The README describes local storage and app features but does not list third-party integrations or an API.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Markdown
Pasted Markdown is automatically converted into rich blocks, and slash commands insert blocks from the keyboard.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Organization
Notes can be organized into nested pages with unlimited subpages, and the app includes Favorites, Recent, All Notes, Trash, and a command palette.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Password recovery
The maker says notes cannot be recovered without the master password and that there is deliberately no password reset.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Rich text editing
Its Plate-based editor supports headings, lists, task lists, quotes, code blocks, callouts, tables, images, and links.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Storage and platforms
The desktop app uses encrypted SQLite storage, the web app uses IndexedDB, and the product runs in a browser, on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Free encrypted notes; no specific usage limits stated Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Nolio plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source
  • Notes stay local without cloud or telemetry
  • Supports nested pages with unlimited subpages
  • Encrypted backups can be exported
  • Available on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android

Limits

  • Notes cannot be recovered without the master password
  • There is no password reset

Who it suits

Nolio suits people who want encrypted notes kept on their own device and need a rich editor or nested-page organization. It may also suit desktop users who want pinned sticky-note windows or encrypted backups.

Verdict

Nolio’s local-first design and encrypted vault suit users comfortable managing their own master password. Keep that password safe: the maker says lost-password recovery is not available.

Where Specifiction places it

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