note.md: A Local-First Research Workspace for Mac

Introduction

note.md is an academic tool designed specifically for Mac users. It acts as a single application that combines the functions of a reference manager, a PDF reader, and a note-taking app. Students and researchers can use it to read papers, manage sources, write linked notes, and create literature reviews without switching between different programs. The tool is built for privacy and keeps all data stored locally on the user's computer.

Benefits

note.md offers several key advantages for academic work. First, it unifies the research process. Users can drop all their thesis papers into one place and organize them without needing background tabs in other apps. Second, it simplifies note-taking. Users can write notes in plain text markdown while reading a PDF in a side-by-side view. This makes it easy to turn notes into full chapters later. Third, it handles citations automatically. The tool can pull metadata from a PDF to create citations in formats like BibTeX or APA with just one click. Every citation is linked to the exact spot in the PDF where the idea came from. Finally, it prioritizes privacy. All AI features run on the user's Mac. No data is sent to the cloud, and there is no internet connection required for core tasks.

Use Cases

This tool is ideal for students and researchers at top universities who need a streamlined workflow. It is perfect for reading and organizing large collections of academic papers. Researchers can use the graph view to see how different sources and ideas connect. This helps in understanding the bigger picture of a research topic. Writers can use the distraction-free mode to focus on drafting their papers. The local AI features allow users to search their workspace by meaning rather than exact words. This is useful when looking for specific concepts across hundreds of documents. The tool is also great for anyone who wants to own their data and avoid proprietary file formats.

Pricing

note.md offers a free tier that includes the full writing workspace. This covers PDF management, note-taking, citation insertion, and graph views. There is also a premium option for users who want advanced AI features. These features include semantic search, matrix extraction, and evidence scanning. The premium plan starts at $4.99 per month for students. The app is available for download on the Mac App Store.

Vibes

The tool has gained attention for its focus on privacy and local-first design. Users appreciate that their notes and PDFs never leave their machine. The interface is described as minimal and distraction-free, which helps writers focus on their work. The transparency of the AI features is also a plus, as the developers document how the technology works. This builds trust with users who are concerned about data security and black-box algorithms.

Additional Information

note.md is built with a technical philosophy that values transparency and open standards. The developers provide deep dives into the local AI models used in the app. This includes details on chunk sizes and model parameters. The tool uses markdown as its core storage format. This ensures that user data remains portable and readable even if the app changes or stops being supported. The design aims to make the interface disappear so users can focus entirely on their research and writing output.