Memos is an open-source, self-hosted note-taking application written in Go that emphasizes quick capture and markdown-native workflows. The project prioritizes simplicity and data ownership, allowing users to run the entire application as a single Go binary with a minimal footprint of approximately 20MB when deployed via Docker. The tool stores all notes in markdown format, ensuring portability and preventing vendor lock-in, while maintaining zero telemetry to protect user privacy.
The application features a timeline-first user interface designed for instant note capture without requiring users to navigate folder hierarchies. Users can open the application, write their thoughts, and save them with minimal friction. Deployment is straightforward, supporting multiple database backends including SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, with installation options ranging from Docker containers to native binaries for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The project also provides Docker Compose configurations for production deployments, Kubernetes support through Helm charts, and a live demo at demo.usememos.com for users who want to evaluate the tool before installation.
The codebase is licensed under the MIT License and exposes both REST and gRPC APIs, making it extensible for integration with other tools and workflows. The project has established itself as a notable open-source initiative, with the repository classified across multiple domains including note-taking, self-hosted applications, privacy-first tools, knowledge bases, journaling platforms, and personal note systems.
The application has secured sponsorship from companies including CodeRabbit, SSD Nodes, and InstaPods, with the project actively encouraging community support through GitHub Sponsors. The combination of technical simplicity, strong privacy guarantees, and active community maintenance positions Memos as a practical alternative to cloud-based note-taking services for users seeking self-hosted solutions.
