Files.md: Open-Source Local-First Markdown Note-Taking App with LLM-Friendly Design

Files.md is an open-source alternative to Obsidian that treats every piece of your life as plain .md files. The project has been in development for five years and currently has 886 GitHub stars. It is designed to be private, local-first, and LLM-friendly — the entire codebase is simple enough for one person or an LLM to hold in their head.

Key Features

• Local-first by default: Your data never leaves your device unless you choose to sync. No telemetry or server contact.
• Multiple sync options: iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive (cloud-folder sync), self-hosted Go binary, or hosted beta at app.files.md.
• Works offline: Open web/index.html directly — no build system needed. Portable, just a browser.
• Telegram chatbot: for on-the-go quick entry of notes, tasks, journal entries, and checklists.
• LLM-optimized: The code is simple and modular, making it easy for AI agents to extend the app to custom needs.
• One idea per note: Encourages atomic notes (one concept per file), linking via [, and revisiting to connect ideas.

Quick Start

To try it without any setup, open app.files.md in Chrome, click Install files.md in the address bar, and open a local folder. Changes persist to disk. Force refresh (Cmd+Shift+R) occasionally for updates.

To sync across devices without a server, place your markdown folder in iCloud/Dropbox/Google Drive. For full control, run the self-hosted server (single Go binary) and optionally enable the Telegram bot.

Philosophy

Files.md intentionally omits complex plugins, graph views, and advanced templates. It restricts features to force deep thinking: start with zero folders, one note per idea, link related notes, and apply knowledge immediately. The project is built around the idea that software should stay out of the way and that LLMs can help grow the software as you grow your knowledge.