Brainotes: free handwritten notes and PDF markup in a browser tab
Brainotes is a free, open-source notebook for writing by hand, similar to GoodNotes or OneNote, that runs in a browser tab with no account. Its developer built it for lectures, but the same tools could suit a client brief, contract draft, or proof you need to annotate. You can write directly on a PDF, sketch on an edgeless whiteboard, and export to PDF or PNG. The project page says notes stay in your browser and the app works offline once opened. Because notes live in browser storage, keep a .brainotes backup file of anything important.
- For
- Creatives and small business owners who mark up PDFs, sketch ideas, or take handwritten notes on a computer or tablet and want a free option that needs no account or subscription.
- Cost
- Free and open source under the MIT license, according to the project page. No account and no server. Notebooks are stored in the browser's own storage (IndexedDB), and the provider offers .brainotes files for backup and sharing. The project page says it works offline once it has been opened.
- Access
- Open to anyone with a web browser at notes.swimmingbrain.dev; no sign-up is required. The developer says it was made for lectures. An optional Bridge feature connects to a separate local server for coding agents and is not needed for basic use. Developers can also run it locally from the GitHub code.
Your moveOpen notes.swimmingbrain.dev, write on a PDF you already have, and export it to PDF to check the result. Then save a .brainotes backup file, since clearing browser data could remove notes stored only in the browser.
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