NoteForge is a free, open source note-taking app for Windows 10 and 11, laid out like OneNote: notebooks, sections and pages. Your notes stay on your PC, encrypted with AES-256-GCM under a master password, and any notebook can have a password of its own.
It works fully offline: no account, no cloud, no tracking. The only network request is an optional check for updates, and an update installs only if it's signed by the same publisher. The installer, the portable exe and the app are code-signed by James Cupps.
The editor has headings, lists, tables, checklists, code blocks, links and images, with Find & Replace, dark and light themes, auto-lock when you step away, encrypted backups, the last three versions of your notes kept, and crash-safe saves.
Use the signed installer, run the portable exe from any folder or a USB stick, or install it with Scoop. MIT licensed.
Features
- Notebooks, sections and pages, laid out like OneNote
- AES-256-GCM encryption under a master password
- A separate password for any notebook
- Fully offline: no account, no cloud, no tracking
- Headings, lists, tables, checklists, code blocks and images
- Find & Replace with match case and an undoable Replace All
- Auto-lock after idle time, and Ctrl+L to lock now
- Encrypted backups, and the last 3 versions of your notes kept
- Code-signed installer and portable exe; signed updates only
- Dark and light themes