Octarine

A local-first Markdown notes app with daily notes, graph view and optional bring-your-own-key AI.

Verified facts: 9 of 9
Alternatives ranked: 7
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 1

About Octarine

Octarine is a desktop note-taking app that stores everything as plain Markdown files in folders you choose, so your notes stay readable in any other editor and can be synced with whatever storage or Git setup you already use. It aims at people who like the Obsidian model of local files but want a more polished, ready-to-go editor without assembling plugins. The editor is WYSIWYG rather than split source and preview, and it comes with daily and weekly notes, templates, full-text search, a graph view, custom filtered views and a web clipper. AI features such as a writing assistant and chatting with your notes are available, but you supply your own API key or point it at a local model, so there is no AI subscription from the vendor. The free version covers the core editor; Pro features are sold as a one-time licence rather than a subscription, with a separate per-seat licence for teams. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux, and the licence also unlocks an iOS app.

Best for: Writers and PKM fans who want local Markdown files with a finished editor and no subscription.

What works

Notes are plain Markdown files stored where you choose
One-time licence instead of a monthly subscription
Daily notes, templates, graph view and custom views built in
AI works with your own API key or a local model

Why people leave

Closed source, unlike Logseq or Joplin
No built-in sync service; you bring your own storage or Git
No Android app
Themes, folder colours and many editor extras need the paid licence

Top Octarine alternatives

See all 7

1
Obsidian
Same local Markdown-folder approach with a huge plugin ecosystem and an Android app; free for personal use.
80.5
2
Bear
A polished Markdown notes app for Apple devices with built-in iCloud sync, if you only use Mac and iPhone.
70.3
3
Logseq
Open-source and free, storing notes as local Markdown, but built around an outliner and block references.
67.8
4
UpNote
Cheap lifetime licence and built-in sync across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android, but notes live in its own database.
65.4
5
Joplin
Open-source Markdown notes with end-to-end encrypted sync and apps on every platform, including Android.
63.9

Why people left Octarine

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Octarine: common questions

Is Octarine free?

Octarine has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Yes (checked on Octarine's own site).

Is Octarine open source?

No, Octarine is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Logseq, Joplin and Zettlr.

What platforms does Octarine run on?

Octarine is available for macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to Octarine?

The highest-ranked Octarine alternatives right now are Obsidian, Bear and Logseq. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 7 Octarine alternatives

Octarine facts

9 of 9 verified

Pricing: Pay once, no subscription; Checked Oct 29, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Pay once. Keep it forever. No subscriptions.”
Personal licence: $79 one-time, up to 3 devices; Checked Oct 29, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Personal $ 79 one-time One license for you, on up to 3 devices .”
Team licence: $129 per seat, one-time; Checked Oct 29, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Manage your devices Team $ 129 per seat , one-time Seats your company owns.”
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, plus iOS app; Checked Oct 29, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “macOS, Windows & Linux Access to the iOS app”
File format: Plain Markdown files; Checked Oct 29, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Stored as plain Markdown.”
AI: Bring your own API key or local LLM; Checked Oct 29, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “AI features require you to bring your own API key or a local LLM.”
Starting price: $79 one-time, up to 3 devices; Checked Nov 1, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Personal $ 79 one-time One license for you, on up to 3 devices .”
Team plan: $129 per seat, one-time; Checked Nov 1, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Manage your devices Team $ 129 per seat , one-time Seats your company owns.”
Free plan: Yes; Checked Nov 1, 2026octarine.app(opens source in a new tab); “Will the Free plan continue to receive updates?”