{
  "id": 17336131,
  "title": "I wanted my notes to be plain files, so I built a small Windows notes app (no Electron)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/i-wanted-my-notes-to-be-plain-files-so-i-built-a-small-windows-notes",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-31T04:21:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/oleg_che_e5f5713b4bf33876/i-wanted-my-notes-to-be-plain-files-so-i-built-a-small-windows-notes-app-no-electron-2l9h"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Writer desired a straightforward notes app, so they crafted Leaflet, a lightweight Windows application. Leaflet eschews databases, cloud storage, and embedded web browsers, opting instead for plain Markdown files within a regular folder. Users can link notes, search, and benefit from real-time formatting while typing. The app is written in C# with Avalonia, avoiding heavy processes like WebView or Electron. Leaflet starts swiftly and consumes minimal system resources, around 130 MB for a note containing 5,000 lines. It supports PDF export and offers three themes. Created as a folder of files, Leaflet allows users to keep notes in Git, synced folders, or USB sticks. The app lacks plugins and mobile apps but can be expanded using Git or cloud folders. Feedback on missing features or bugs is welcome via issues and comments.",
  "summary": "Most note apps keep your notes in their own database, or in the cloud behind an account, or they ship a whole web browser inside. I wanted something simpler: plain .md files in a normal folder, links between notes, search, and text that already looks formatted while you type. So I built Leaflet : a free, open-source (MIT) notes app for Windows, written in C# with Avalonia. No WebView, no…",
  "key_points": [
    "Writer created Leaflet, a lightweight Windows notes app",
    "Leaflet stores notes as plain Markdown files in a folder",
    "App offers real-time formatting, PDF export, and Git integration"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing local Markdown files over cloud databases offers users greater control over their data and simplifies synchronization across different storage methods and version control systems.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}