PenPage — Privacy-First WYSIWYG Markdown Editor
Write Markdown visually. Keep it local. Publish when ready. Free, no sign-up.
Why PenPage?
PenPage is a privacy-first, local-first note-taking app that keeps your data on your device — not on our servers. Write in real WYSIWYG Markdown with instant formatting, no split-pane preview needed. Use it as an offline Markdown editor for notes, CLAUDE.md files, and AI prompts.
- Privacy First — Your notes are stored locally in your browser using IndexedDB. We never see, access, or store your content.
- Real WYSIWYG Markdown — Type Markdown and see beautifully formatted results instantly. Headings, bold, italic, code blocks, lists, and more — all rendered in real time.
- No Account Required — Start writing immediately. No sign-up, no email verification, no passwords.
- Completely Free — No ads, no subscriptions, no premium tiers. Every feature is available to everyone.
Features
- Real WYSIWYG Markdown Editing — Type naturally with Markdown shortcuts and see formatted output as you write. Supports headings, bold, italic, strikethrough, code blocks, lists, links, images, and more.
- CLAUDE.md and AI Prompt Editor — Keep AI instructions, prompts, and agent configuration in clean, portable Markdown.
- Local-First Storage — All data stored in your browser's IndexedDB. Works without internet, loads instantly, and your notes are always available.
- End-to-End Encryption — Protect sensitive folders with AES-256-GCM encryption. Only you can read your encrypted notes.
- Google Drive Sync — Optionally sync your notes across devices via your personal Google Drive. Your data stays in your control.
- PWA & Offline Support — Install PenPage as an app on any device. Works fully offline with automatic sync when you're back online.
- Folders & Workspaces — Organize your notes with a flexible folder hierarchy and multiple workspaces.
- Export & Backup — Export your notes anytime as Markdown files or full backups. Your data is never locked in.
PenPage vs Other Note-Taking Apps
PenPage is a privacy-first alternative to cloud-based note apps like Notion, Google Keep, and Evernote — it stores everything locally on your device. There's no server that can be breached, no company that can read your notes, and no subscription that can expire. If you value privacy and own your data, PenPage is built for you.
Compared to Obsidian, PenPage offers a true WYSIWYG experience — you see formatted text as you type, with no separate preview pane. And unlike most Markdown editors, PenPage works entirely in your browser with zero installation required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PenPage a good Notion or Obsidian alternative?
PenPage is a privacy-first alternative if what you mainly do is write notes and documents. Unlike Notion, no server holds your content — it lives in your browser. Unlike Obsidian, there is nothing to install and no separate preview pane, because Markdown formats as you type. PenPage does not try to replace Notion's databases or Obsidian's plugin ecosystem.
Where are my notes stored?
In your browser's IndexedDB, on your own device. We never see, access, or store your content. You can optionally sync through your personal Google Drive, or link a local folder to keep plain .md files on disk.
Do I need an account?
No. Open penpage.com and start writing. An account is only needed if you want Google Drive sync or want to publish pages under your own handle.
Can I use it to edit CLAUDE.md and AI prompt files?
Yes. PenPage can link to a local folder and sync .md files in both directions, so CLAUDE.md, agent instructions, and prompt libraries stay editable as plain Markdown on disk.
Does PenPage work offline?
Yes. Install it as a PWA and keep writing with no internet connection. Your notes are already local, so there is nothing to download before you can start.
Can I encrypt sensitive notes?
Yes. Any folder can be locked with AES-256-GCM encryption derived from your passphrase. Encrypted notes stay encrypted in Google Drive, and the passphrase never leaves your device.
Get Started
PenPage works right in your browser — no download or account needed. Just open penpage.com and start writing.
For more information, visit our Help & FAQ page.