FSNotes

FSNotes is a note-taking application that operates directly with the file system. The application handles plain text, Markdown, and RTF formats, storing all data in local or synchronized directories. The interface is centered around keyboard use and offers an adjustable two-panel view.

★★★★★

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• File system storage. Each note is saved as an individual file on the disk. This methodology enables external access and editing with any text editor. Synchronization can be achieved using services like iCloud Drive or Dropbox, utilizing their designated folders. The application detects file changes and updates the interface automatically.
• Support for multiple formats. The application is compatible with plain text, Markdown, and RTF. Markdown files are preserved in their original syntax, while RTF files retain rich formatting. The editor allows switching between the writing view and the rendered Markdown preview, showing the final result in real time.
• Keyboard-centric interface. All main actions have configurable keyboard shortcuts. Navigation, searching, creating, and editing notes are performed without needing a mouse. Global system shortcuts allow capturing clipboard content and opening the search from any application.
• Elastic two-panel view. The main interface is split into a note list and an editing area. This layout can be arranged in either vertical or horizontal orientation. The divider between panels is adjustable, allowing the areas to be resized according to user preferences.
• Live syntax highlighting. The Markdown editor incorporates syntax highlighting for over 170 programming languages within code blocks. The application includes several color themes for this highlighting. The highlighting is applied during writing, identifying headings, lists, links, and text emphasis.
• Image management. Images can be inserted into notes by dragging and dropping files onto the editor. In Markdown preview mode, images are displayed embedded. Images are stored as attachments in a folder associated with the note, maintaining relative references.
• Organization with tags. The tagging system allows categorizing notes using user-defined keywords. Tags are assigned in the note's YAML header or through a dedicated interface. Searches can be filtered by one or more tags to narrow down the result list.
• Quick search and indexing. The main search field filters the note list in real time, as you type. The search examines the title and the entire content of the files. Matching terms are highlighted both in the list and in the editor for immediate identification.
• Cross-platform synchronization. Using file-system-based folders like iCloud Drive, notes are kept in sync between the macOS and iOS versions. Changes made on one device are propagated to the other through the synchronization mechanism of the underlying service.
• External editing and opening. Any note can be opened with a default external editor application. FSNotes monitors changes to the file on disk and reloads the updated content in its interface. There is also an option to reveal the note in the system's Finder.
• Note pinning. Notes considered important can be pinned to the top of the list, above the rest. This pinning status synchronizes between devices. This function ensures quick access to critical references or tasks without needing searches.
• Performance with large volumes. The manager is designed to operate with collections exceeding ten thousand files. The interface responds fluidly during navigation and searching under these conditions. Content indexing is performed efficiently to maintain speed.
• iOS sharing extension. On iOS devices, a system extension allows creating notes from other applications. Selected content, such as text or web links, is sent directly to FSNotes without needing to open the main application, streamlining information capture.
• Quick creation on iOS. Using the 3D Touch function or a widget, a field can be accessed to write a new note immediately. The default keyboard in this view is configurable. This action saves the content directly into the designated synchronization folder.
• Copy Markdown code. A specific command allows copying the content of the current note in its processed Markdown format, with the syntax converted to HTML, to the clipboard. This function facilitates the export of formatted content for use in web publications or documentation.

The development of FSNotes began in 2017, created by Oleksandr Hlushchenko. The application was conceived as an evolution of the Notational Velocity concept for modern macOS systems. The code is written in Swift, Apple's programming language, and the application is distributed as a sandboxed package for enhanced security. The iOS version was released later, extending the file-based management philosophy to mobile devices.

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