I have been working with open beta versions of FoldNotes (https://foldnotes.io and am quite impressed. FoldNotes is native Swift apps on Mac and iOS with iCloud sync.
The developer (who is quite responsive) describes it as Markdown notes that fold.
Daily Notes, Queries, Database views, Graphs; they are all there. He says he built the app for his personal needs and it has been a daily driver for over 2 years. Now he is building it up for public consumption, and it is a nice environment to work in.
I have migrated my work from Obsidian to FoldNotes. I had Obsidian built to meet my needs but the key word there is “built.” I am a writer and worker, not a builder. I seek to get work done (difficult with my CRIMPing obsession, but possible.) FoldNotes grabbed for its native environment, and as I work with it I become more and more impressed with the capabilities.
One really neat trick is, on iOS, native Bike files can be edited in place, meaning you can have an iPad/iPhone Bike file editor today. Edit the file, changes are made to the actual Bike file, not a copy (that is the definition of Edit in Place.) The app can also edit in place External files by linking to directories on your Mac.
Very nice environment for a wiki or PKM. The developer says it is getting close to launch.
I have no connection to the developer, who I understand is in Australia. I am simply a user of the beta software who really likes it and wanted to share. If you do not accept my view of the software you can follow the link in my post and decide for yourself.
I didn’t get past their cookie notice (Australian Check). If it takes me 5 min to uncheck their 100+ legitimate interest settings, I delete the tab and make sure I never use the site again.
We do have problems with drive-by postings from developers who, perhaps unintentionally, are exploiting the community by treating it as a forum for ads.
In this case, the OP is someone with an interest in note-taking apps, and has a posting history here.
That said, it is very much worth being careful about installing software from unknown developers, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is security.
Does anyone know (or seen hints) what the cost of this will be? I notice from the FAQ there will be a subscription or lifetime options. but no mention of the cost that I could see.
From the FAQ: “iOS app (iPhone and iPad) is free to download and use. We may add optional Pro features later, but the current features will remain free.”
The Mac version prices have not been announced, although the FAQ said they would be announced alongside the beta versions (which have been available for a couple weeks.)
HI Developer here;
Thank you — this is exactly the right instinct, and I’d much rather a community hold that line than not. Drive-by developer posts that treat a forum as free ad space are a real problem, and being cautious about software from unknown developers is simply good sense.
In the interest of not being a lurking developer: the app being discussed is mine. I didn’t start this thread and I’m not here to pitch it — but since trust and security are the subject, it feels more honest to put my hand up and give you things you can check rather than take my word for:
The Mac build is Developer ID–signed and notarised by Apple (so it’s passed Apple’s malware scan and Gatekeeper), and the iOS app went through App Store review.
I’m not anonymous — it’s published by a registered company, Foldsoft Pty Ltd (ACN 697 343 570), which anyone can look up on the ASIC register.
And on lock-in, the thing I’d care most about as a user: your notes are just plain Markdown files in your own iCloud or local folder. No proprietary database, nothing to export. If you ever stop trusting me — or simply lose interest — you keep every file and open them in any editor. You’re never captured.
None of that replaces your own caution, and it shouldn’t. Glad to answer anything, including the sceptical questions — and equally glad to step back if the thread would rather I didn’t hover.
