Overview

Standard Notes Free Download – Simple and Secure Note-Taking App

Standard Notes is a free and open-source note-taking application that prioritizes privacy, simplicity, and long-term sustainability. With end-to-end encryption and a clean, distraction-free interface, Standard Notes offers a secure alternative to commercial note-taking apps. This article provides a comprehensive guide to downloading, installing, and using Standard Notes.

What is Standard Notes?

Standard Notes is a free, open-source note-taking application developed by Standard Notes LLC. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and offers end-to-end encryption for all notes. The latest stable version is 3.250.13, released in August 2026.

Standard Notes is designed to be simple, secure, and sustainable. It offers a distraction-free writing experience with a clean interface that puts your notes front and center. Standard Notes is completely free, with optional paid extensions for advanced features like themes, editors, and cloud backups.

Key Features of Standard Notes

End-to-End Encryption

All notes are encrypted with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you can access your data. Standard Notes uses the XChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption algorithm for secure note storage.

Distraction-Free Interface

Standard Notes offers a clean, minimal interface that is designed for focused writing. No ads, no clutter, just your notes.

Cross-Platform

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with consistent features across all platforms.

Open Source

Standard Notes is completely open-source, allowing anyone to audit the code and verify its security.

Long-Term Sustainability

Standard Notes is designed to be sustainable, with a business model that ensures the app will continue to be maintained and improved over the long term.

How to Download Standard Notes

Standard Notes can be downloaded from the official website at standardnotes.com.

Installation Guide

Windows Installation

1. Download the Windows installer from standardnotes.com
2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
3. Choose the installation directory (default is recommended)
4. Complete the installation and launch Standard Notes
5. Create an account to enable synchronization

macOS Installation

1. Download the macOS package (.dmg) from standardnotes.com
2. Open the .dmg file and drag Standard Notes to Applications
3. Launch Standard Notes from Applications

Linux Installation

1. Download the Linux package from standardnotes.com
2. Install using your distribution's package manager

Why Choose Standard Notes?

Standard Notes is the best free note-taking app for users who prioritize privacy and simplicity. With end-to-end encryption, a clean interface, and cross-platform support, Standard Notes offers a secure and focused note-taking experience. The open-source nature of the app ensures transparency and security.

For users who need to format JSON data in their notes, the JSON Formatter tool can help format code snippets. The Color Palette Generator is useful for creating color schemes for note organization.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 7+, macOS 10.13+, Linux, Android, iOS
• Processor: Any modern processor
• Memory: 256MB RAM minimum
• Disk Space: 50MB for installation

Alternatives to Standard Notes

Other note-taking apps include Joplin (open-source, Markdown) and Turtl (open-source, encrypted). Standard Notes' focus on simplicity, security, and long-term sustainability makes it the best choice for users who want a reliable, private note-taking app.

Conclusion

Standard Notes is the best free secure note-taking app, offering end-to-end encryption, a distraction-free interface, and cross-platform support. Download Standard Notes today and keep your notes private.