note.md

note.md is a desktop application for macOS built specifically for academic and research work. It combines a markdown-based writing editor with tools for managing literature, like PDFs and scientific papers, all stored locally on your computer. You can read a PDF in one pane while taking notes in another, automatically generate citations from the PDF's metadata, and organize all your sources in one place. The core promise is privacy and portability; your notes and data never leave your machine, and they're saved in standard markdown format, so you're never locked into a proprietary system.

What makes note.md stand out is its integrated workflow. It's not just a note-taking app; it's a workspace where reading, writing, and knowledge management connect. You can create bidirectional links between your notes and sources, which then appear in a visual Graph View, helping you see connections in your research. A premium feature called Semantic Search uses local AI models to let you search your workspace by meaning, not just keywords, while keeping your data private. Other notable features include support for LaTeX math, complex tables, and the ability to export your citation library as a .bib file or your knowledge graph for use with Neo4j.

This tool is a clear fit for students, academics, researchers, and any individual creator working on long-form, source-heavy writing projects. It's designed for someone who reads many PDFs, needs to keep their citations straight, and wants to develop ideas in a structured, interconnected way without relying on cloud services. The free version covers the core writing and organization features, making it a powerful, focused alternative to more general-purpose note-taking apps.