Standard Notes

Overview

Standard Notes is a powerful, privacy-first alternative to Google Keep that prioritizes security and longevity above all else. While Google Keep is convenient, it operates within the Google ecosystem, meaning your thoughts and lists are stored on servers where they could theoretically be scanned for data profiling. Standard Notes changes the paradigm by implementing zero-knowledge encryption by default.

Unlike most note-taking apps that prioritize “flashy” features, Standard Notes focuses on being a “100-year app.” It uses simple, sustainable data formats to ensure that your notes remain accessible for decades. For anyone looking to de-Googlify their digital life, this tool provides a seamless transition into a more secure and private workflow without sacrificing cross-platform synchronization.

Key Features

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

The core of Standard Notes is its security architecture. Your notes are encrypted on your device using keys derived from your password. By the time your data reaches the sync server, it is an unreadable scramble of characters. This ensures that even in the event of a server breach, your private thoughts remain private.

Longevity-Focused Design

The developers emphasize “digital durability.” The app uses standard data formats and avoids proprietary “lock-in” mechanisms. Their goal is to ensure that even if the company ceased to exist tomorrow, you would still be able to decrypt and read your notes using standard tools.

Extensible Editing Tiers

Standard Notes follows a modular approach. While the base application is a minimalist plain-text editor, users can “plug in” different editors. This allows the app to transform into a Markdown editor, a code snippet manager, a spreadsheet tool, or a task manager, depending on your specific needs.

Privacy & Security

Standard Notes is widely considered the gold standard for note-taking privacy. Its commitment to security is evidenced by its regular third-party audits (conducted by firms like Trail of Bits). Because the software is open-source, the security community can verify that the encryption is implemented correctly and that there are no hidden “backdoors.”

Furthermore, Standard Notes does not include any analytics or tracking scripts in its applications. Unlike Google Keep, which tracks how and when you use the app, Standard Notes has no idea who you are or what you are writing. For those who want the ultimate level of privacy, the server software can be self-hosted on your own hardware.

Getting Started

1. Create an Account: Visit the Standard Notes website or download the app. You only need an email and a strong password.
2. Set Your Password: Choose a strong, unique password. Because Standard Notes is zero-knowledge, there is no ‘Forgot Password’ link. If you lose your password, you lose your data.
3. Download the Clients: Install the app on your phone and desktop to ensure your notes stay in sync everywhere.
4. Import Data: If you are moving from Google Keep, use Google Takeout to download your notes, then use the Standard Notes import tool to migrate your archives.

Who Is It Best For?

Standard Notes is ideal for:

• Privacy Advocates: Anyone who wants to ensure their private thoughts aren’t being analyzed by big tech.
• Journalers: Those who keep a daily diary and want to ensure it remains private and accessible for a lifetime.
• Developers and Writers: Users who appreciate Markdown support and a distraction-free interface.
• Self-Hosters: Tech-savvy individuals who want to manage their own data infrastructure.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a direct clone of Google Keep’s “sticky note” aesthetic, you might find Standard Notes’ minimalist interface a bit of a departure. However, if your goal is to move your data into a “fortress” where it is protected by world-class encryption and open-source transparency, there is no better choice.

While the free version is somewhat limited to plain text, the peace of mind provided by its security architecture is unmatched. For users willing to invest in a subscription, Standard Notes becomes a versatile, all-in-one workspace that can replace not just Google Keep, but also parts of Evernote or Notion.