NotchPadStart with the work you want to do
Obsidian is a strong choice for a Markdown-first knowledge base and its plugin ecosystem. NotchPad brings linked Markdown into a broader Mac workspace with rich notes, selected AI chats, sourced decisions and fast capture from the notch. Choose around your workflow, rather than expecting the apps to be interchangeable.
When NotchPad fits
- You want to edit linked Markdown files and keep briefs, selected chats and reviewed decisions in one project.
- You switch between longer writing in tabs or split view and a quick note, snippet or clipboard item.
- You want to share selected project context with Claude, Codex or another MCP client, with separate permissions.
- You work on an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 15 or later. A physical notch is optional.
When Obsidian is the better starting point
If your workflow depends on Obsidian community plugins, themes, custom queries or Obsidian-specific rendering, stay with the tool those features were built for. If you need a cross-platform notes app, compare Obsidian’s supported platforms against NotchPad’s Mac-only requirement. Obsidian’s core app is free; NotchPad is not a cheaper replacement for free.
Obsidian describes a vault as a local folder of Markdown files in its official storage guide. That portable foundation is useful, but each app can add its own behavior around it.
What NotchPad supports today
Linked Markdown folders, source and preview editing, local links and wikilinks with aliases, backlinks and local images. NotchPad also has a separate rich-note library. Projects bring those sources together without turning every item into a Markdown file.
File watching, revision-conflict checks and recovery copies support external editing. They do not establish compatibility with every Obsidian plugin or simultaneous editing setup. Explore the Markdown workspace.
Try a small collection before moving a vault
- Back up the original folder and choose a representative sample.
- Include ordinary links, wikilinks, aliases and local images.
- Check editing and rendering in both apps. Inspect any plugin syntax separately.
- Confirm which files you want to share with AI connections; linking a folder and sharing it are different choices.
Use a practical cross-app Markdown checklist. Keep your original setup until the workflows you rely on are verified.
The price and privacy trade-offs
NotchPad offers every feature for 14 days without a card or automatic charge. Pro is $9.99 once for up to three Macs. Connected AI service fees are separate. Saved content remains readable, copyable and exportable after an unpaid trial ends. See pricing.
Local storage does not mean every file is encrypted or every connected AI runs offline. Review storage and sharing, then follow the MCP setup guide if you want to connect an AI app.
Try the workflow with your own sample notes
Every feature is free for 14 days. No card and no automatic charge. Pro is $9.99 once for up to three Macs.