Show HN: Files.md – Open-source alternative to Obsidian

TL;DR

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Files.md is an open-source, browser-based Markdown application designed as a lightweight alternative to Obsidian. It emphasizes simplicity, local storage, and open-source flexibility. The project has been in development for five years and is now available in beta.

Developers have launched Files.md, an open-source, browser-based application for managing Markdown files, offering a lightweight, local-first alternative to Obsidian. The project, in development for five years, is now available in beta, emphasizing simplicity, offline use, and user ownership of data.

Files.md is a web-based app that allows users to store, organize, and link Markdown files without requiring installation or cloud services. It supports offline use, local storage, and synchronization via cloud providers like Dropbox or iCloud. The app includes features such as a chat interface for quick note dumping, interlinking notes, and a Telegram chatbot for mobile access. The project is open source, with a minimal codebase designed for portability and customization, aiming to foster creativity rather than complex workflows.

The developer, who has been working on the project for five years, describes it as a tool for deep thinking, systematic knowledge growth, and note connection, contrasting it with more feature-rich but potentially overwhelming tools like Obsidian. The project’s source code is available on GitHub, and it is designed to be portable, requiring no build systems, just opening an HTML file in a browser.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it offers a lightweight, privacy-focused alternative to popular PKM tools like Obsidian, appealing to users who prefer simplicity and control over their data. It emphasizes the importance of using one’s own brain and notes for understanding, rather than relying on complex systems that can lead to deferred thinking or superficial comprehension. The open-source nature and portability make it accessible for customization and offline use, which can be especially relevant for privacy-conscious users and those seeking minimalistic workflows.

Background

The rise of personal knowledge management (PKM) tools like Obsidian has transformed how individuals organize digital notes. However, critics have pointed out that such tools can become overly complex or lead to over-reliance on system features, potentially impeding genuine understanding. The developer’s critique of Obsidian’s plugins, graph views, and the potential for creating a ‘second brain’ that distracts from actual thinking provides context for this new project. The trend toward open-source, local-first apps reflects a desire for more control, simplicity, and privacy in digital note-taking.

“No need to install anything, all you need is a browser. Extremely simple code. One person or an LLM can fit the whole project in head.”

— the developer of Files.md

“The goal is to foster creativity, not add complexity. It’s about using your brain, not advanced templates or AI workflows.”

— the developer

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how widely adopted Files.md will become or how its features will evolve post-beta. The extent of community contributions and future integrations, such as support for other messengers beyond Telegram, remain uncertain.

What’s Next

Next steps include expanding user testing, gathering feedback from early adopters, and potentially adding features like support for additional messaging platforms. The developer may also work on improving synchronization options and user interface refinements based on community input.

Key Questions

Is Files.md ready for daily use?

As a beta release, Files.md is functional but may still have bugs or limited features. Users should evaluate its suitability for their workflow accordingly.

Can I customize or extend Files.md?

Yes, since it is open source with a simple codebase, technically inclined users can modify or extend its features to suit their needs.

Does Files.md support synchronization across devices?

Yes, it supports out-of-the-box synchronization via cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, or Google Drive, or through its own binary server.

How does Files.md compare to Obsidian?

Unlike Obsidian, which is feature-rich and plugin-heavy, Files.md emphasizes minimalism, local storage, and simplicity, aiming to avoid information overload and system complexity.