Best Task Manager App
TickTick
Cross-platform task, note-taking, and planning app with calendar views and habit tracking.
Paid Subscription35.99
- Web app
- iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- Android
- macOS
What is Flotnote?
Floating Markdown notes for Mac. Pay once, own your files Flotnote is a floating Markdown notepad for macOS 13 or later.
Our verdict
I would shortlist Flotnote for someone who already likes Markdown but finds that opening their notes app interrupts the thought they meant to save. A floating capture window and plain files are a useful pair: the window removes a step, while the files leave your future options open.
The Obsidian connection is file-based, not a second sync system or a plugin you must maintain. That is the part I value most. Links, tags and backlinks give it more depth than a disposable scratchpad without turning it into a team workspace.
There are limits worth taking seriously. It is Mac-only, backup depends on your setup, and lifetime licensing does not promise every future update. The privacy policy also makes a clear exception for Polar license verification. I would use the seven-day trial to check shortcut behavior and how well it fits the vault you already use.
Editorial assessment by Ashley Richmond, based on official product, support, privacy and terms pages and the vendor's demonstration video. This is desk research, not a hands-on installation or independent performance test.
Full review
Flotnote is a floating Markdown notepad for macOS 13 or later. A global shortcut brings a note above the app you are using, so you can capture a thought without switching to a full notes workspace. It is made by Achan, a solo developer working as Tiny Ship Sailors.
Notes are plain .md files in a folder you choose. Point Flotnote at an Obsidian vault or an inbox folder inside it and both apps use the same files. Wiki-style links, tags, headings and checklists stay in Markdown. New notes include a small YAML frontmatter block. Sync is handled by your chosen folder service, such as iCloud, Dropbox, Obsidian Sync or Git, rather than a Flotnote cloud.
The editor offers syntax highlighting, checklists, code blocks and find-and-replace. Full-text fuzzy search, note links and backlinks, tags, a searchable action panel and multiple floating windows help you find and organize notes. Notes can
Flotnote is a floating Markdown notepad for macOS 13 or later. A global shortcut brings a note above the app you are using, so you can capture a thought without switching to a full notes workspace. It is made by Achan, a solo developer working as Tiny Ship Sailors.
Notes are plain .md files in a folder you choose. Point Flotnote at an Obsidian vault or an inbox folder inside it and both apps use the same files. Wiki-style links, tags, headings and checklists stay in Markdown. New notes include a small YAML frontmatter block. Sync is handled by your chosen folder service, such as iCloud, Dropbox, Obsidian Sync or Git, rather than a Flotnote cloud.
The editor offers syntax highlighting, checklists, code blocks and find-and-replace. Full-text fuzzy search, note links and backlinks, tags, a searchable action panel and multiple floating windows help you find and organize notes. Notes can be copied or exported as Markdown, HTML or plain text.
Flotnote has a seven-day full-app trial without a card or account. The current launch price is $4.99 once, regularly $9.99, with LAUNCH50 applied automatically until October 31, 2026. One license covers two activations. The license does not expire; future updates are at the developer’s discretion, not a guaranteed update schedule. Refunds are available within fourteen days of purchase.
The vendor says the app does not collect note content or embed analytics. License activation is an exception to the no-server headline: it sends the license key and machine identifier to Polar for verification. Global shortcuts require macOS Accessibility permission. Files remain yours even if you stop using the app, but backup and sync are your responsibility.
Who it's for
Best for
- Mac users capturing quick thoughts
- Obsidian users wanting a floating inbox
- people who prefer local Markdown files
- solo writers seeking a one-time license
Not ideal for
- Windows or mobile users
- teams needing a shared workspace
- people wanting managed cloud backup
- buyers who require guaranteed lifetime feature updates
How we tested
Desk research of Flotnote's official product, pricing, download, support, Obsidian, privacy and terms pages on October 1, 2026. Genuine UI views were taken from the official website and its embedded vendor demo video. No hands-on installation or independent performance test.
At a glance
| Pricing | One-time |
|---|---|
| Free plan | No |
| Free trial | Yes (7 days) |
| Pricing page | View pricing |
| Platforms | macOS |
| API | No |
| Company | Tiny Ship Sailors |
| Apps Insight Score | 44/100 |
Why this app scored 44/100
Editorial Review 22/30
- Product quality 7/10 7/10
- Ease of use 4/5 4/5
- Feature depth 4/5 4/5
- Innovation 3/5 3/5
- Value for money 3/3 3/3
- Recommendation confidence 1/2 1/2
Trust & Verification 8/25
- AppsInsight badge installed Badge not installed 0/15
- HTTPS website HTTPS 1/1
- Business support email Provided 1/1
- Privacy policy published Provided 2/2
- Terms of service published Provided 1/1
- Security certifications None listed 0/2
- Knowledge base / help center Provided 2/2
- Social profiles linked 2 profiles linked 1/1
Community 0/20
- Verified reviews & rating 0 reviews (5 needed) 0/15
- Recent reviews No reviews yet 0/5
Product Profile 11/20
- Detailed description 270 words 2/3
- Screenshots 3 screenshots 1/3
- Demo video Video added 2/2
- FAQ 6 items 1/2
- Feature list 8 items 1/2
- Pricing published Plan tiers published 3/3
- Pros & cons Pros & cons listed 1/1
- Integrations 0 integrations 0/2
- API available No 0/1
- Company details 1 of 3 details filled 0/1
Freshness 3/5
- Listing recently updated Updated 0 days ago 3/3
- Recent changelog entry No changelog entries 0/2
Editorial points are assigned by AppsInsight editors and cannot be purchased or influenced.
How Flotnote compares
| Feature | Flotnote | TickTick | Otter.ai | LUCI Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Pricing | One-time | Paid Subscription | Paid Subscription | Free plan |
| Starting price | — | 35.99 | 16.99 | Free |
| Free plan | No | Included | Included | Included |
| Free trial | Yes (7 days) | No | Yes (7 days) | No |
| Platforms | macOS | Web app, iOS (iPhone & iPad), Android, macOS, Windows | Web app, Browser extension, iOS (iPhone & iPad), Android, macOS, Windows | macOS, Windows |
| Best for | Mac users capturing quick thoughts, Obsidian users wanting a floating inbox, people who prefer local Markdown files, solo writers seeking a one-time license | Students, solo professionals, SMB teams, cross-platform users, people managing personal and work tasks in one app | Sales teams, customer support teams, recruiters, educators, SMB marketing teams, enterprise operations teams | Founders, investors and sales leaders who live in meetings and want AI agents briefed from real context, privacy-conscious users who refuse cloud AI note-takers, and developers who want Claude Code or Cursor to remember their workday. |
Flotnote vs TickTick Flotnote vs Otter.ai Flotnote vs LUCI Desktop
Key features
Floating quick capture
Use a global shortcut to show or hide a note above the app you are using.
Plain Markdown files
Save notes as .md files in a folder you choose, with no separate proprietary database.
Markdown editing
Syntax highlighting, checklists, code blocks and find-and-replace support structured notes.
Multiple windows and export
Float several notes at once; copy or export Markdown, HTML or plain text.
Full-text fuzzy search
Search note contents rather than only titles with the note-search panel.
Wiki links and backlinks
Link notes with [[wikilinks]], browse linked notes and see incoming mentions.
Inline tags
Type tags with suggestions and open notes sharing the same tag.
Action panel and folders
Search commands for moving, duplicating, exporting or zooming notes, and create folders while moving.
Key benefits
- Capture a short thought without bringing a full notes workspace forward.
- Use the same Markdown files in Flotnote and an existing Obsidian vault.
- Move or open your files elsewhere without relying on Flotnote servers.
- Choose your own file backup and sync service instead of a bundled notes subscription.
Pricing
One-time7-day trialDeal
Solo
Personal license ($4.99 launch; $9.99 regular)
- One-time license with no expiry. Launch price $4.99 with LAUNCH50 automatically applied until October 31
- 2026; regular price $9.99. Full app
- two activations
- local Markdown files. Updates at developer discretion. 14-day full refund on request.
Launch price: $4.99 one-time
Flotnote lists a $4.99 launch price, regularly $9.99. LAUNCH50 is applied automatically at checkout through October 31, 2026. Personal license includes two activations; future updates are discretionary.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plain local files make data ownership and migration straightforward.
- File-based Obsidian compatibility needs no import or separate database.
- Seven-day full trial and a non-expiring one-time license with two activations.
- Search, links, backlinks and tags go beyond a basic scratchpad.
Cons
- Mac-only; requires macOS 13 or later.
- Sync and backup depend on the folder service you set up, not a managed Flotnote cloud.
- Future updates are at the developer's discretion, despite the non-expiring license.
- Global shortcuts require Accessibility permission; Polar receives license activation data.
Screenshots & media
Flotnote alternatives
View all alternatives
Otter.ai
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Timeless Code
Your meetings are the prompt - record once, remember forever, and let Claude Code use it.
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Hemory
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More Note Taking apps
Hemory
Always-on listening app that turns real conversations into a private, searchable memory your AI agents can…
Paid Subscription$10
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Timeless Code
Your meetings are the prompt - record once, remember forever, and let Claude Code use it.
Free+Paid
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- API / SDK
LUCI Desktop
Local computer memory for every AI agent - it remembers your whole day, fully on your…
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Otter.ai
AI meeting notes with searchable transcripts and workflow handoff
Paid Subscription16.997-day trial
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- Browser extension
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- Android
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Frequently asked questions
What is Flotnote?
Flotnote is a floating Markdown notes app for macOS. It saves notes as plain .md files in a folder you choose, with search, links, tags and multiple note windows.
Which Macs can run Flotnote?
Flotnote requires macOS 13 or later. Accessibility permission supports global shortcuts such as Command-period.
Does it work with Obsidian?
Yes. Point Flotnote at your Obsidian vault folder. Both apps read the same Markdown files, with links, tags and frontmatter stored in those files.
How much does Flotnote cost?
The personal license is a one-time purchase with two activations. The official site lists a $4.99 launch price, regularly $9.99, with LAUNCH50 applied automatically through October 31, 2026. The license does not expire; future updates are discretionary.
Is there a free trial or refund?
There is a seven-day full trial with no card or account required, but no permanent free plan is listed. Contact flotnote.app@gmail.com within 14 days of purchase for the refund offered in the terms.
Where are notes stored, and how does sync work?
Notes stay in your chosen local folder. Sync and backups use your own folder service, such as iCloud, Dropbox or Git, not a Flotnote cloud. License activation sends a license key and machine identifier to Polar; activation is not offline.