What it does
Knotbook is a downloadable notes and research workspace for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Users can work in a folder of ordinary Markdown notes or package a workspace into a portable .knotb file; features include backlinks, daily notes, templates, databases, a canvas, an outliner, and PDF support. The app is free to download, with Pro features sold as a one-time purchase. Its support page says it is under active development.
Choose between a plain Markdown folder and a portable workspace
Knotbook supports two storage modes: an existing folder where each note is a Markdown file, or a single .knotb workspace that can be moved or shared as one file. It adds backlinks, tags, daily notes, templates, tables, and database and canvas views, plus PDF and other research material. This offers more structure than a text editor while still leaving the folder-based notes readable in other programs.
The official homepage describes free downloads and a one-time Pro purchase of ₹2,999. The download page lists macOS, Windows, and Linux builds. Official support says the product is under active development, and the user guide warns that beta builds are not code-signed, so operating systems may display first-launch warnings. I did not install Knotbook, import a folder, switch workspace modes, or test PDF handling or export.
Strengths
- Folder workspaces keep each note as a Markdown file that can be opened and backed up outside Knotbook.
- Backlinks, search, daily notes, templates, databases, and a canvas provide several ways to organize research.
- Free downloads are available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, with Pro sold separately as a one-time purchase.
Watch out for
- The product is under active development, and its guide warns that beta builds may trigger unsigned-app warnings on first launch.
- The .knotb mode packs workspace content into one file, which is less transparent than keeping every note as a separate Markdown file.
Best for
- Desktop users who want linked notes and research materials with a Markdown folder option
- People who want to move or share a workspace as one file while keeping notes editable as Markdown
Sources
- Knotbook | Notes and Research as Plain Files You Own (Oct 25, 2026)
- Download Knotbook (Oct 25, 2026)
- Knotbook Support (Oct 25, 2026)
- Knotbook User Guide (Oct 25, 2026)