Pubky Notes: Note-Taking App with You in Control

Synonym
3 min readOct 28, 2024

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Introduction

We’re all used to note-taking apps — Evernote, Google Keep, and others that let us jot down thoughts or create to-do lists. But have you ever wondered who actually owns your notes and what control you have over them? That’s where Pubky Notes comes in. As part of Pubky’s hackweek, we’ve created a simple note-taking app that takes a different approach: you control your data. Built on the Pubky Core protocol, this app makes sure that your notes are stored on your homeserver, giving you full ownership and flexibility.

What is Pubky Notes?

At first glance, Pubky Notes functions like any other note-taking app. You can create an account, jot down thoughts, and organize your notes. But what sets it apart is behind the scenes — every note you write is saved to your home-server using the Pubky protocol. This means your notes are decentralized, stored privately, and accessible wherever you are, without relying on a single service or platform.

Your Data, Your Control

Pubky Notes puts you in the driver’s seat. You decide whether your notes are public or private. Whether you’re drafting personal reflections or creating content to share, the choice is yours. Plus, because your notes are stored using the Pubky protocol, you can reuse your data across different applications without the hassle of exporting or migrating. For instance, you could create a grocery list in Pubky Notes and later use that same list in a shopping app — seamlessly.

How Does It Work?

Here’s what makes Pubky Notes different:

  • Portability: Your notes aren’t locked into the app. Thanks to the Pubky protocol, your data can move between applications, giving you true ownership.
  • Data Ownership: You own your data. Whether it’s private or shared, it’s under your control on your home-server, not on a centralized service.
  • For Developers: Pubky Notes demonstrates how the Pubky SDK can be used to build decentralized apps that prioritize user control over data.

Why It Matters

Decentralization is about empowering you and having the choice to opt-out. By storing notes on your home-server using Pubky Core, Pubky Notes shows how everyday tools can benefit from this approach. It’s a step towards user sovereignty — you’re no longer confined to one platform or service, and your data truly belongs to you.

Looking Ahead

While Pubky Notes is a straightforward note-taking app now, it opens up exciting possibilities. Imagine expanding it into collaborative writing, task management, or sharing to-do lists with friends — all without relying on third-party services to manage your data. It’s a glimpse into how decentralized applications can reshape our digital tools, offering more freedom, privacy, and flexibility.

Conclusion

Pubky Notes isn’t just about taking notes; it’s a practical example of the Pubky protocol in action. By giving you control over your data, it highlights the potential of decentralized data applications in everyday life.

Additional Resources

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Synonym
Synonym

Written by Synonym

Founded in 2020, Synonym is leading the way for a Bitcoin-centric economy by designing and developing an ecosystem of products and protocols.

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