Can I open-source Napkin?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. AppFlowy (75k stars), AFFiNE (71k stars), Joplin (56k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Napkin — self-host with docker and stop paying.
Napkin: People pay for a writing surface they trust for years, plus migration tools, sync, and tiny interaction details that disappear into habit.
xconflict-safe multi-device sync
xmature importers and exporters
xcollaborative editing and sharing
xnative mobile clients
These projects already replace it, free.
AAtomicShort notes turn into a semantic graph without waiting for you to become an archivist.open source↗AAppFlowyAI-powered workspace with docs, wikis, and kanban boards built in Rust/Flutteropen source↗AAFFiNEDocs, whiteboards, and databases fused into one local-first workspaceopen source↗What each one is, in full: AppFlowy · AFFiNE
all 8 open-source alternatives to Napkin →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Napkin pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free download / trial | $0/user | $0/user | Subscription is required for continuing use; official listing does not publish a trial length or numeric idea cap |
| all features, monthly | $5/user | — | All app features; offline use with tens of thousands of ideas; iPhone only |
| all features, yearly | — | $3.33/user | All app features; offline use with tens of thousands of ideas; iPhone only |
free tierno permanent free tier; trial length and numeric allowance are not published
billingmonthly ($5) + annual ($40/year) through Apple
hidden costsThe App Store also lists older generic $3/month and $30/year SKUs, but their current availability is unclear. Subscription is required, and the rebuilt app currently requires iOS 26 on iPhone.
verified 2026-08-13 · source ↗
Can I open-source Napkin?
Yes. Atomic replaces Napkin today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Napkin cost?
Napkin's pricing is usage-based or varies by plan · The official pricing URL is recorded, but a stable current amount was not safely recoverable in this pass. Do not publish a number until rechecked..
What do I lose by replacing Napkin?
Honestly: conflict-safe multi-device sync; mature importers and exporters; collaborative editing and sharing; native mobile clients. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Napkin?
Yes: Atomic (Short notes turn into a semantic graph without waiting for you to become an archivist.) AppFlowy (AI-powered workspace with docs, wikis, and kanban boards built in Rust/Flutter) AFFiNE (Docs, whiteboards, and databases fused into one local-first workspace) All 8 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/napkin/alternatives.