A simple Notion alternative for markdown notes
Notion is a powerful all-in-one workspace. If what you actually want is fast, distraction-free note taking, MarkdownStack keeps it simple: plain markdown, folders and #tags, full-text search, and one-click publishing — in your browser, with your notes always exportable.
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Why people look for a Notion alternative
- Plain markdown, not blocks: your notes are portable text that you can export as .md files at any time.
- Fast and focused: a writing app first, without databases, templates and project boards to manage.
- Easy publishing: share a note or a folder with a link and a custom short URL, to everyone or only your followers.
- AI on your own key: a built-in assistant that works with your notes, plus a Claude (MCP) connector.
MarkdownStack vs Notion
| MarkdownStack | Notion | |
|---|---|---|
| Note format | Plain markdown text | Blocks stored in Notion's workspace |
| Focus | Writing and organising notes | All-in-one workspace: docs, wikis, projects |
| Editor | Live markdown editor with Reading/Editing toggle and View source | Block editor with a slash menu |
| Organising | Nested folders, #tags, [[wikilinks]], full-text search | Pages, databases, views and relations |
| Databases, boards, templates | Not available | Yes — core to Notion |
| Team collaboration | Share read-only: publish notes, follow people, comment on public notes | Real-time collaboration, teamspaces and permissions |
| Publishing | Publish a note or folder with audience control and custom short URLs | Publish pages to the web |
| AI | Built-in assistant with your own API key, plus a Claude MCP connector | Notion AI on paid plans |
| Export | Any folder or the whole vault as a .zip of .md files | Export options available |
| Price | Free while in beta | Free plan with limits; paid plans for teams |
When Notion is the better choice
Pick Notion if you need team collaboration, databases, kanban boards or templates in one workspace. Pick MarkdownStack if you mostly write notes, want plain markdown you can export, and prefer something quick and uncluttered.
What you get with MarkdownStack
Full-text search
Every note is searchable the moment you save it — titles, tags, and body text, all at once.
Tags & folders
Add #tags inline as you write, or nest notes inside folders. Both work together — mix and match however you think.
Private by default
Every note starts private. Nothing leaves your vault until you publish a note or a whole folder — and you choose who gets to see it.
One live editor
Markdown turns into formatted text as you write — click any block to edit it in place. Need the raw text? View source is one click away.
Works on every screen
The full markdown editor works on mobile too — live editing and autosave on your phone, not just desktop.
Import your vault
Upload a folder of .md files and they land exactly where they were — folder structure, tags, and all.
Frequently asked questions
Is MarkdownStack a good Notion alternative?
For personal note taking and writing in markdown, yes. It does not have Notion's databases, boards or real-time team editing.
Can I move my Notion pages to MarkdownStack?
Export your Notion content as Markdown, then upload the .md files — they land in the same folder structure. Notion databases and CSV exports are not supported.
Does MarkdownStack have AI like Notion AI?
Yes — a built-in assistant that can find, create and edit your notes using your own API key, and a Claude MCP connector.
Can I share notes publicly?
Yes. Publish a note or a whole folder to everyone or only to your followers, with a custom short URL.
Is it free?
MarkdownStack is free while in beta.