Notedog
Git-friendly portable Markdown journal, edit from a laptop
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What is Notedog?
Notedog is a portable, private Markdown journal for Android that keeps your entries as plain files on your phone. You can write on the device itself or edit from a browser on a laptop, desktop, tablet, or another phone when they are on the same local network, a hotspot, Tailscale, or the optional tunnel.
It is built around local ownership and portability. The app emphasizes that your phone is the source of truth, your notes are plain Markdown files, and you can move them, back them up, or open them elsewhere whenever you want.
The editor supports live preview and a wide range of writing formats, including GitHub-flavored Markdown, Mermaid diagrams, LaTeX math, ABC music notation, syntax-highlighted code, tables, and image attachments. It also offers optional Vim keybindings and automatic dark mode in the browser editor.
Notedog is aimed at people who want a private, phone-first journal they control, especially users who prefer Markdown, want Git-based backups, or want to connect scripts and AI agents through an API or MCP server. It is also a fit for people who want browser editing without giving up local storage or cloud dependence.
Notedog pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Core features are free: the Android editor, LAN or hotspot browser editing, Git backup, and Tailscale access. The optional built-in tunnel is paid and requires Google sign-in; it relays access but does not persist journal content. The website describes the tunnel as a subscription, while local use does not require an account or internet access. Free users can still use the app locally, back up with Git, and export notes as ZIP files.
Notedog pros
- Plain Markdown files you own
- Android phone stores the journal locally
- No Notedog account required for local use
- No analytics anywhere
- Browser editing from a bigger screen
- Works over local network or hotspot
- Tailscale support for remote access
- Built-in HTTPS tunnel option
- Git backup to GitHub, GitLab, Gitea, or your own server
- Export journal as ZIP
- Live preview for notes
- Supports Mermaid diagrams
- Supports LaTeX math
- Supports ABC music notation
- Syntax-highlighted code blocks
- Image attachments supported
- Optional Vim keybindings
- Automatic dark mode in the browser
- REST API for scripts
- MCP server for AI agents
Notedog cons
- Android only
- Browser access must be paired from the phone
- Pairing window lasts only 60 seconds
- Remote tunnel is a paid subscription
- Tunnel requires Google sign-in
- Remote tunnel stores limited account metadata
- Git backup requires internet access
- Remote access depends on network setup
- Browser sessions can be revoked, adding management overhead
- AI and script access require allowing API use
Frequently asked questions about Notedog
Where are my notes stored?
Your notes and attachments are stored in app-specific storage on your Android device. Each entry is a plain Markdown file, so the journal stays on your phone unless you choose to back it up or connect it elsewhere.
Can I edit from a laptop browser?
Yes. Notedog lets you pair a browser on your local network and edit the journal from a laptop, desktop, tablet, or another phone. The browser editor includes live preview and can be used with optional Vim keybindings and automatic dark mode.
Does Notedog need an account or internet connection?
No for local use. The core app and local browser editing work without a Notedog account or internet access. Internet is only needed for things like Git backup, remote tunnel access, or other external connections you choose to enable.
How is browser access protected?
Pairing requires approval on your phone and opens for 60 seconds only when you request it. Connections use HTTPS, and you can revoke paired browser sessions from inside the app.
What can I write in a journal entry?
The editor supports GitHub-flavored Markdown, Mermaid diagrams, LaTeX math, ABC music notation, syntax-highlighted code, tables, and image attachments. The live preview is designed to show those elements both on the phone and in the browser.
How can I back up or move my journal?
You can export the journal as a ZIP or back it up to GitHub, GitLab, Gitea, or your own Git server. Because the entries stay as ordinary Markdown files, they remain portable and easy to move elsewhere.
What is free and what is paid?
The Android editor, LAN or hotspot browser editing, Git backup, and Tailscale access are free. The built-in HTTPS tunnel is the paid option, and it requires Google sign-in.
Can I reach my phone from outside my network?
Yes. You can use the built-in tunnel or Tailscale to access the journal remotely. The tunnel is the paid path, while Tailscale is described as free.
Can scripts or AI agents access my journal?
Yes. Notedog provides a small REST API and an MCP server so your own scripts or AI agents can read and, when you allow it, write your journal. The site also mentions remote connections for tools like Claude.ai, ChatGPT, or Claude Code through the tunnel, or local CLI agents with a revocable API key.
Is the tunnel the same as hosting my journal in the cloud?
No. The tunnel relays access to your phone instead of hosting your journal content. The site says the relay does not persist journal content, and your journal remains on your device.