Show HN: Files.md – open-source alternative to Obsidian
Files.md is a new open-source, local-first note-taking app designed to simplify knowledge management using plain Markdown files, explicitly positioning itself as a minimalist alternative to feature-rich tools like Obsidian. Its appeal on HN stems from its emphasis on user ownership, extreme simplicity (LLM-friendly code, no build systems), and a philosophical stance against "Second Brain" complexity. This "Show HN" sparked discussion on the merits of pared-down tools versus feature-laden applications and the value of truly open-source software.
The Lowdown
Files.md is a "Show HN" project presenting an open-source, local-first application for managing personal knowledge using simple Markdown files. Developed over five years by a small team, it aims to be a minimalist alternative to complex personal knowledge management (PKM) systems like Obsidian, focusing on essential features and user ownership.
- Local-First and Ownership: All files are plain .md, stored locally, ensuring full user control and data portability without proprietary formats. The software itself is open-source, promoting tweakability and longevity.
- Minimalist Design: The project champions "restrictions foster creativity," offering only necessary features and advocating for a "first brain" approach over complex "Second Brain" methodologies that can lead to deferring actual thought.
- PWA and Offline Capabilities: It works as a Progressive Web App (PWA) directly in the browser, offering offline functionality and easy installation without complex build systems, aiming for long-term accessibility (e.g., opening
web/index.htmlin 10 years). - Telegram Chatbot Integration: A key feature is the Telegram chatbot, allowing users to quickly dump thoughts, notes, and tasks on the go, which are then synchronized across devices.
- LLM-Friendly Codebase: The codebase is designed to be extremely simple and small, making it understandable for a single person or even an LLM, aligning with its open-source philosophy.
- Philosophical Stance: The author deeply critiques the "Second Brain" concept, arguing that elaborate systems can create an illusion of mastery without fostering genuine understanding or critical thinking. Instead, Files.md encourages active thinking and connection-making rather than passive note accumulation.
In essence, Files.md presents itself as a deliberate counter-movement to the increasingly feature-heavy PKM landscape, offering a refreshingly simple, open, and user-centric approach to knowledge management that prioritizes critical thought over tool complexity.
The Gossip
Open-Source Ownership Opinions
A central theme revolved around the value proposition of Files.md being genuinely open source, in contrast to applications like Obsidian, which some commenters mistakenly perceived as open source. The developer emphasized that in the 'AI-era,' users should own both their data and the software that accesses it, allowing for personal customization beyond plugin systems. This sparked a discussion on how open-source developers get compensated, with the creator mentioning newly added sponsorship options.
Alternative Ascriptions and Expectations
Commenters debated the appropriateness of calling Files.md an 'alternative to Obsidian.' Some users, upon hearing 'alternative,' expected feature parity or API compatibility and were surprised by Files.md's distinct, minimalist philosophy. Others appreciated that it offered a truly different approach to note-taking rather than just a clone, highlighting its unique strengths over direct feature comparison.
Simplicity's Charms and Mobile Challenges
Many commenters praised Files.md's clean aesthetic and simple look and feel. The developer shared that the project was a culmination of five years of work and recent intense UI/UX refinement, underscoring the commitment to its design principles. There were questions regarding mobile usability, specifically about following inline links. The author clarified that the mobile experience is still being refined, suggesting the Telegram chatbot as the more convenient way to interact with notes on mobile devices.
Comparative Cataloging of Knowledge Tools
As is common on Hacker News for tools in this category, several users offered comparisons or suggested other similar applications. Tiddlywiki and Zettlr were mentioned as existing alternatives. One commenter provided a love-hate perspective on Tiddlywiki, acknowledging its functionality while noting its historical JavaScript complexities.