Caliu vs Apple Notes
Apple Notes is free, everywhere on Apple devices, and deeply integrated with the system. Caliu trades that integration for things Apple Notes does not offer: real Markdown, tags that come from your writing, export to open formats, and an API your tools and AI agents can use.
| Feature | Caliu | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Markdown editingApple Notes uses rich text; there is no Markdown mode. | ||
| Nested hashtag organizationApple Notes has flat tags; Caliu nests them (#work/project) straight from the text. | ||
| Native Mac, iPhone and iPad apps | ||
| Full web appiCloud.com offers a limited Notes web view and needs an Apple ID; Caliu's web app is the full editor, works offline, and opens with no account at all. | ||
| Export to open formatsCaliu exports Markdown, TXT, HTML, ePub, PDF and RTF. Apple Notes exports PDF, and little else without third-party tools. | ||
| REST APIApple Notes automation is limited to Shortcuts and AppleScript on device. | ||
| MCP server for AI agents | ||
| Reminders attached to notesApple splits this into the separate Reminders app. | ||
| Note version history | ||
| Real-time collaborationApple Notes shared notes and folders are excellent; Caliu offers public read-only share links. | ||
| Scanned documents and system integrationDocument scanning, Quick Notes and system-wide capture are Apple Notes strengths. | ||
| PriceApple Notes is entirely free. Caliu's core is free; Pro is $1.99/month or $17.99/year. |
Pick Caliu if
- You write in Markdown, or want your notes stored in a portable plain-text format.
- You want organization to happen while you write: hashtags become nested tags, no filing step.
- You want your notes programmable: REST API, MCP server, and AI tools that read and write notes.
- You want to be able to leave: full export to Markdown and other open formats, any time.
Pick Apple Notes if
- You want an app that costs nothing at any tier and is already installed on your Apple devices.
- You collaborate on shared notes with family or colleagues in real time.
- You rely on document scanning, Quick Notes or Apple Pencil system integration.
Switching from Apple Notes
Apple Notes has no bulk export to open formats, so migration takes a third-party exporter that converts notes to Markdown files. Once you have .md files (or a .zip of them), Caliu imports them in one step. Caliu also imports Bear backups and TextBundle archives.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caliu free like Apple Notes?
Caliu opens with no account and no signup, on the web included, and those notes are yours on that device. Signing in is free and is what syncs them across devices. The free tier is a complete notes app: unlimited notes, sync, and export. Caliu Pro ($1.99/month or $17.99/year) adds version history, voice dictation, drawing and API access.
Can I move my Apple Notes into Caliu?
Not directly, because Apple Notes has no bulk Markdown export. Use a third-party exporter to turn your notes into Markdown files, then import the files or a zip archive into Caliu.
Does Caliu lock me in the way Apple Notes does?
No. Your notes are plain Markdown, exportable at any time to Markdown, TXT, HTML, ePub, PDF and RTF, and reachable over a documented REST API. Leaving Caliu is a supported feature, not an obstacle course.
Why would I pay for a notes app when Apple Notes is free?
If Apple Notes covers your needs, keep using it, it is a great app. Caliu is for people who specifically want Markdown, automatic hashtag organization, export freedom and a programmable API, none of which Apple Notes offers.