Notebooks: Write and Organize

Verdict

Notebooks stores notes in open markdown/HTML files and syncs across devices via Dropbox or WiFi, which reviewers repeatedly praise for keeping their data portable and out of a subscription trap. That same sync setup is also where the recurring complaints live, from broken syncing to characters in titles causing hours of cleanup.

Best for

Someone who wants their notes saved as plain markdown/HTML files they can open outside the app, and who's willing to manage Dropbox or WiFi sync themselves rather than relying on iCloud alone.

Dealbreaker

Sync between devices is a recurring pain point: some reviewers report it breaking entirely or requiring workarounds like stripping special characters from note titles, and a handful mention crashes or freezing once a notebook grows large.