OpenVLT
OpenVLT is a free, open-source notes app that stores note content as plain Markdown files on your server.
What OpenVLT is
OpenVLT is a free, open-source notes app that stores note content as plain Markdown files on your server. Its editor includes wiki-links, foldable headings, slash commands, and more than 20 extensions. Canvas notes add pressure-sensitive handwriting, shape recognition, configurable page sizes, and background patterns. Custom properties are saved in YAML frontmatter and can be viewed in table or kanban layouts. Markdown files are the source of truth; SQLite holds metadata, search indexes, and sync state rather than note content. OpenVLT supports peer-to-peer syncing between instances and Google Drive backups, while document-level asynchronous sync can leave a conflict file when edits happen at the same time. Users can connect ChatGPT or Claude subscriptions, or enter API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, and OpenRouter. Locked notes use AES-256-GCM with a password-derived key kept in the browser. Authentication includes bcrypt-hashed passwords, optional WebAuthn biometric login, and a 24-word recovery key. The app is self-hosted, with macOS, Linux, and Docker setup options, and is licensed under AGPL-3.0.
Good
- Markdown files remain the source of truth.
- Canvas supports handwriting and shape recognition.
- Custom properties have table and kanban views.
- Supports peer-to-peer sync and Google Drive backups.
- Optional WebAuthn biometric login is available.
Watch out
- Self-hosting requires setup on your own hardware.
- Simultaneous edits can create a conflict file.
- Sync is asynchronous and document-level.
Who it suits
It suits people who want to self-host notes as Markdown files and use a browser-based editor with canvas and organization options. It also fits users who want sync between instances or AI-provider connections.
Verdict
OpenVLT offers a Markdown-centered, self-hosted notes setup with editor, canvas, and sync features. Its asynchronous conflict handling is worth considering if notes may be edited simultaneously across instances.
Plans and prices
From OpenVLT's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted open-source | Free | Run on your own hardware · Docker, CLI, or manual setup · No subscription |
The facts
Each one read from OpenVLT's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI integrations
- Users can connect ChatGPT or Claude subscriptions, or provide API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, and OpenRouter.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Authentication
- Authentication supports bcrypt-hashed passwords, optional WebAuthn biometric login, and a 24-word recovery key.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Canvas
- Canvas notes support pressure-sensitive handwriting, shape recognition, configurable page sizes, and background patterns.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Data storage
- Markdown files are the source of truth, while SQLite stores metadata, search indexes, and sync state rather than note content.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Editor
- The Markdown editor includes wiki-links, foldable headings, slash commands, and more than 20 extensions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Locked notes use AES-256-GCM with a key derived from the lock password using PBKDF2; the key stays in the browser.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project as licensed under AGPL-3.0.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Note organization
- Custom note properties can be shown in table or kanban views and are stored in YAML frontmatter.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenVLT is a self-hosted notes app that stores notes as plain Markdown files on your server.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The documentation directs users to email support or open an issue on GitHub.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Sync and backup
- OpenVLT supports peer-to-peer sync between instances and Google Drive backups.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Sync limitation
- Sync is document-level and asynchronous, and simultaneous edits can produce a conflict file for the user to review.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Install platforms
- The quick install guide supports macOS and Linux, and the product also documents Docker deployment for servers.checked 8 Oct 2026
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