Projects / Beaver Notes

Beaver Notes

Notes & Knowledge

A desktop notes tool centered on local storage, Markdown, and linked notes; this entry describes stable version 4.4.0.

Use with conditions
Last updatedRelease 2026-04-17
Open source licenseMIT
PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux
DeploymentDesktop

About this project

Beaver Notes is a local-first desktop note application. Its version 4.4.0 documentation says that notes remain on the device by default and do not require registration. Folders, tags, and links organize ideas and connect related entries. Official desktop distribution covers macOS, Windows, and GNU/Linux, with personal notes forming the main working collection.

The editor supports Markdown, and locked notes provide an additional access restriction for selected material. Synchronization can use a provider chosen by the user, while an offline workflow remains available. The stable-version documentation points mobile users to Beaver Pocket and labels its iOS and Android distribution channels as beta rather than established desktop-equivalent releases.

The repository default branch is now a Tauri-based version 5 rewrite explicitly marked Beta. It lists collaboration, version history, backlinks, and plugins among developing features, with further synchronization work planned. Those statements should not replace the stable-version feature description. This introduction uses version 4.4.0 for baseline functionality and preserves the separate development status of the rewrite.

Decision guide
01

Why it is worth a look

  • Data stays on the device by default
  • No registration required for local use
  • The stable version supports the three major desktop platforms
02

Before you use it

  • The current main development direction is a v5 Beta rewrite; planned features must not be treated as stable capabilities
  • Beaver Pocket has been discontinued and replaced by the v5 mobile approach
  • Independently export data and verify recovery before a major-version upgrade
Manual setupLow
With an AI agentLow
DeploymentDesktop
Additional requirementsNot verified

Use a supported operating system; Have permission to install local applications; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.

03

What it can do

  • Markdown notes
  • Tags and folders
  • Note links
  • Locked notes
  • Optional synchronization methods

Who it fits

Good for

Starting offline with lightweight notes; People able to distinguish stable from testing versions

Not a fit

Requiring a unified mobile experience in the current stable version

Getting started

  1. Choose the stable 4.4.0 desktop package from official releases
  2. Create a test note and try tags or links
  3. Keep backups before evaluating v5 Beta

Alternatives to consider