Reflect
A minimal daily-notes app with backlinks, now rebuilt as open source on local Markdown files.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Reflect
Reflect is a note-taking app built around daily notes and backlinks, with a fast, keyboard-first editor. In 2026 the team rebuilt it as Reflect Open: notes are now plain Markdown files in a folder you choose, synced through iCloud Drive or Git, and the code is open source under the MIT licence. The Mac app is free, while the iPhone and iPad app needs a paid subscription through the App Store. AI features are optional and use your own API key, so requests go straight to your provider and notes marked private are kept out. It also offers web clipping on Mac and audio memos with transcription. The original Reflect, now called Reflect Classic, is still maintained for existing subscribers. The drawbacks are the narrow platform support, with no Windows, Android or web app for the new version, and a young codebase. It suits Mac users who want Roam-style linked daily notes in portable files.
Best for: Mac users who want linked daily notes stored as plain Markdown files.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free, open-source Mac app
- Notes are plain Markdown files you own
- Sync via iCloud Drive or Git
- Optional AI with your own API key
Why people leave
- No Windows, Android or web app for the new version
- iPhone and iPad app needs a subscription
- Young rewrite, so fewer features than older rivals
Top Reflect alternatives
See all 6- 1
Obsidian80.3The same local Markdown approach with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.
- 2
Logseq72.8Free, open-source daily-notes outliner with backlinks on Windows and Linux too.
- 3
Roam Research59.6The original daily-notes-and-backlinks tool, in the browser.
- 4
Bear55.9A polished Apple-only Markdown app if you don't need backlinks everywhere.
- 5
NotePlan55.3Daily notes in Markdown files combined with tasks and your calendar.
Why people left Reflect
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Reflect: common questions
Is Reflect free?
Reflect has a free plan and paid plans.
Is Reflect open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at team-reflect/reflect-open.
What platforms does Reflect run on?
Reflect is available for macOS and iOS.
What are the best alternatives to Reflect?
The highest-ranked Reflect alternatives right now are Obsidian, Logseq and Roam Research. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.