Can I move my notes from Apple Notes to Octarine?

Yes. The migration guide walks through the export and folder setup for Apple Notes.

Will Octarine lock me into another proprietary format?

No. Octarine works with standard markdown files stored in folders you choose.

Does Octarine replace every Apple Notes feature?

No. Octarine is focused on local-first writing and personal knowledge management. If a specialized Apple Notes feature is essential, it may remain the better fit.

Can I try Octarine without committing to the move?

Yes. Work from a copy of your exported notes first, verify the result, and keep your original library untouched while you decide.

Where are my notes stored?

In the workspace folder you select. The files remain visible and usable outside Octarine.

Octarine vs. Apple Notes

Outgrown Apple Notes? Octarine adds proper markdown, note linking, graph view, and Windows and Linux support.

Download for macOS Migration guide

Choose Octarine if

You've outgrown basic notes and want to link ideas into a knowledge base you can search and browse.

Choose Apple Notes if

You want a free app already installed on every Apple device and only need straightforward notes, scans, and quick capture.

Feature comparison

How They Compare

Capability	Octarine	Apple Notes
Price	Free, $79 for Pro features	Free
File Format	Standard markdown files	Apple's format
Platform Support	macOS, Linux, Windows	Apple devices only
Note Linking	Full bidirectional links	Links to notes, no backlinks
Knowledge Graph	Visual connection map	Nothing
Markdown Support	Full WYSIWYG	Minimal formatting
Code Blocks	Syntax highlighting	Not supported
Workspaces	Multiple separate vaults	One big collection
Templates	Create and reuse	Nope
Daily Notes	Daily Desk feature	Manual setup
Search	Fast	Pretty basic
Sync & Backup	Built-in Git sync + iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Syncthing	iCloud only
AI Features	Chat and writing assistant	Nothing
Keyboard Shortcuts	Extensive	Limited
Themes	30+ options	Just light/dark
Data Export	Already portable files	Limited options
Diagrams	Mermaid support	Not available

Strengths & Weaknesses

Octarine

Strengths

Price: Free, $79 for Pro features
File Format: Standard markdown files
Platform Support: macOS, Linux, Windows

Weaknesses

A smaller ecosystem than Apple Notes
Focused on personal notes rather than every possible workflow
Some Apple Notes features do not have a direct equivalent

Apple Notes

Strengths

Free and built into Apple devices
Excellent capture from the share sheet, camera, and Pencil
Simple iCloud sync with no extra setup

Weaknesses

Price: Free
File Format: Apple's format
Platform Support: Apple devices only

The bottom line

Summary

Apple Notes is fine for shopping lists and quick thoughts. If you're taking notes for work, research, or studying, you'll want links, templates, and proper formatting, and Octarine adds them without much complexity.

Octarine stores notes as plain files, so in 10 years those markdown files will still open in any text editor. Apple Notes keeps notes in Apple's own format, and Apple changes how its apps work over time.

If Apple Notes being free is the sticking point, Octarine's core features are free too, with no time limit. The Pro features are nice to have but not essential, and Pro is a one-time $79 payment. That's like... a few months of Netflix, for a tool you'll use every day.

Verification

Methodology

Compared against Apple's current Notes and iCloud user guides. Availability describes Apple's own supported platforms and web access.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-17

Making the move

Switching from Apple Notes to Octarine

Read migration guide Octarine docs

Frequently Asked Questions

Start writing with Octarine.

A fast, private Markdown workspace for capturing ideas, shaping notes, and keeping your writing in files you control.

Download for macOSIncludes a 7-day Pro trial.

Available onDesktop & iOS

macOSDetected Windows Linux iOS