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noteli

Noteli is a free, open-source (MIT) command-line note-taking tool for developers.

Our take: Noteli is a free, MIT-licensed command-line notes app built with TypeScript, MongoDB, and Auth0.

Best forNote takers
ReviewedPricing: Free
3.8 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try noteliFree (open source, MIT License)
The bottom line

A bare-bones free CLI note manager for developers; essentially unmaintained as of 2026.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isNoteli — open-source CLI note-taking tool for developers.
Our takeNoteli is a free, MIT-licensed command-line notes app built with TypeScript, MongoDB, and Auth0.
The npm package was last published circa 2021 and shows no formal releases, indicating the project is effectively unmaintained. The tool is and has always been fully free.
Why we rate itZero cost and fully transparent code make it a low-risk experiment for CLI enthusiasts; the MIT license means you can fork and self-host.
The catchUnmaintained since ~2021, with no releases, no active issue responses, and no AI features.
Requires Auth0 + MongoDB setup, raising the barrier for casual users.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • CLI-first developers wanting a quick terminal note store
  • Open-source hobbyists who want to fork and extend
  • Zero-budget personal note management via the shell
Not good for
  • Non-technical users expecting a GUI or mobile app
  • Anyone seeking AI-assisted or meeting-focused note-taking
  • Teams needing active support or regular updates
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Slow: requires npm global install, Auth0 app configuration, and MongoDB Atlas setup before capturing a single note.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    Single-user design; no multi-user, sharing, or team workspace features exist.
  3. Walled garden
    Low: MIT license, data lives in your own MongoDB instance — full portability.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try noteli

A look inside

noteli product screenshot

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this note-taking app allow users to organize thoughts with backlinks and tags?

It uses backlinks, tags, and hierarchical organization to structure notes, making information retrieval and linking intuitive.

Does this note-taking app help users organize ideas and collaborate with teams?

Yes, this note-taking app enables users to capture ideas, organize content with tags and folders, and collaborate in real time across shared workspaces.

How can Noteli help in creating and sharing beautiful digital stories?

Noteli allows users to create and share visually appealing digital stories with multimedia and interactive features.

How does this note-taking app organize ideas and tasks for personal or team productivity?

Note-taking apps organize ideas and tasks by providing structured notes, tagging, and collaboration features for personal or team productivity.

What solutions does this tool offer for capturing, organizing, and managing meeting notes?

The platform captures, organizes, and manages meeting notes with transcription, tagging, searchable archives, and collaborative editing tools.

Alternatives

  • Step up

    Obsidian (free desktop markdown vault) or Notion for richer note-taking with active development.

  • Lighter alternative

    GitHub Gists or a simple local text file for zero-setup terminal note capture.

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Tags

#NoteTaking#Productivity

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