Getting started

ivyNote is a local-first Markdown notes app: notes are saved on your device first, so you can keep writing offline. Once you sign in to a server, changes sync to your other devices in the background.

1. Choose how to use it

Option	Best for	Account
Desktop app + local library	One computer, no sign-up	Not needed
ivyNote Cloud	Syncing between computers and browsers, ready to go	Needed
Self-hosted (coming soon)	Keeping all data on your own server	Needed (on your server)

• Desktop apps: Download
• Web app: click Open web app at the top right of this site and pick a data center (see Choosing a data center)

2. Write your first note

1. Click New, or press ⌘/Ctrl + N.
2. The first line is the title. Type Markdown such as ## Heading, - list or - [ ] task; the editor renders as you type.
3. There is no save button. The status shows "Saved on this device" or "Synced".

3. Organize

• Notebooks (folders): create them in the left shelf, nest them, drag notes to move.
• Tags: add tags from the note info panel.
• Links: type [[ to link another note. See Links and the graph.
• Search: ⌘/Ctrl + K searches titles and bodies, CJK included.

4. Continue on another device

Sign in to the same account on the same server and your notes appear. Offline edits are pushed once you are back online.

Tip: ⌘/Ctrl + </kbd> hides the shelf for focused writing.

Next

• Installing: including the macOS "is damaged" message
• Editor and Markdown: syntax and shortcuts
• Offline and sync: sync, conflicts and history