A privacy-first note-taking app for ADHD brains
Squirrel Notes is designed for people with ADHD or anyone who needs a frictionless way to capture, organize, and find their thoughts — all wrapped in a clean, distraction-free interface.
Free forever · No credit card · Encrypted in your browser
New in 2.0
Write in the document. Your notes stay plain markdown.
2.0 writes rich text by default. Markdown stays the storage format, so nothing is converted and nothing is locked in.
A document, not a split view
Headings, tasks, tables and images render as you type. Type ##, - [ ] or / and keep going.
One note at a time
Tabs are gone. Pick a note in the library and it opens. Fewer things left open, fewer things pulling at your attention.
Everything about a note, beside it
The info panel holds the outline, the note's tasks, its tags, files and public link. The page itself stays clear for writing.
Markdown when you want it
Switch any note to Markdown to see the source, full width, with syntax colours and line numbers. Switch back without losing your place.
On your phone
The whole app, sized for one hand
2.0 on mobile has the same library, tasks, files and settings as the desktop. Text is set larger so it reads comfortably, and the top bar leaves room for your note's title.
- Tags, files and the outline sit one tap away in the note sheet
- Split, export, move or delete a note from the same sheet
- Install it to your home screen and it works offline
Everything you need, nothing you don't
Powerful features designed for frictionless note-taking with privacy and security baked in from the start.
Document editor
Write in a rendered document with slash commands, markdown shortcuts and a block menu. Switch to the Markdown view any time.
Hierarchical collections
Unlimited nesting, color-coded tags, drag-and-drop organization, and a scratchpad for quick captures.
Smart Search & Spotlight
Cmd+P fuzzy search, Smart Search with tag:/collection:/has: queries, saved searches, and Smart Collections (Pro).
Library panel & command palette
Your library sits beside the note you are writing. Cmd+K opens the command palette for instant access to every action.
Tasks & file management
Tasks page aggregates all checkboxes, grouped by due date. Files page for centralized attachment management. All encrypted.
Templates & sharing
8 built-in templates. Public note sharing with passphrase encryption (Pro).
Focus & reader mode
Hide distractions for focused writing. Reader mode for full-width rendered notes. Auto-lock keeps data secure.
Zero-knowledge encryption
AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2. Your passphrase never leaves your browser. Recovery codes on every plan.
Security is core, not an afterthought
All user content — note bodies, titles, collection names, tag names, and attachment filenames — is encrypted client-side using AES-256-GCM with keys derived from your passphrase via PBKDF2. Your passphrase never leaves the browser and is never sent to the server.
How Squirrel Notes keeps your data privateYour login
Authenticates you to the server and establishes your secure session
Your passphrase
The secret key that encrypts your notes — never leaves your browser
Quick unlock PIN
Optional shortcut that wraps your encryption key for faster unlocking
Simple, transparent pricing
Start free with all core features. Upgrade to Pro for extended storage and automation.
Free
Full-featured secure note-taking for everyone
- Unlimited notes, collections, tags
- Document editor with Markdown view
- End-to-end encryption (AES-256-GCM)
- Recovery code
- File attachments (20 MB storage)
- Offline access & PWA
- Cross-device sync (60s polling)
- Tasks page and Files page
- Focus mode & reader mode
- Note splitting and Markdown export
- Built-in capture templates (8)
- Themes (8 options)
- Command palette and Smart Search
Pro
Introductory pricingAdvanced features for power users and automation
- Everything in Free
- Real-time sync (~1s WebSocket)
- Public note sharing
- Saved searches
- Smart Collections
- REST API access
- MCP server (AI / Claude integration)
- Higher attachment storage (500 MB)
- Larger file uploads (up to 10 MB)
- Priority support
Learn more about Squirrel Notes
Article
Introducing Squirrel Notes
The story behind building a privacy-first note-taking app for ADHD minds, and the design decisions that make it different.
Read article →
Article
How Squirrel Notes keeps your data private
A technical deep-dive into the zero-knowledge encryption architecture that ensures your notes remain truly private.
Read article →
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