Tangent
Tangent offers an open-source notes app for Mac, Windows, and Linux, where writers can link notes and visualize connections.
About Tangent
Tangent is a notes app for Mac, Windows, and Linux built around linking between notes. Writers can link to existing notes or create new ones while writing, then follow connections through sliding panels and a branching map that builds as they type. Notes are stored as markdown files directly on the device and can be opened or edited by any text editor. The site states that Tangent is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license, with source code on GitHub.
Key features
- Link notes to existing notes or create new ones while writing
- Sliding panels show the path between related notes
- Branching map builds itself as you write
- Notes saved locally as markdown files on your device
- Files remain readable and editable in any text editor
- Stated as open source under the Apache 2.0 license
Best for: Writers who work in associative, branching ways and want their notes kept as plain markdown files on their own machine.
Good for
- Notes are stored locally as markdown, so no proprietary file format is required
- Visual navigation shows where you are and where you have been
- Described as free, with the site stating an Apache 2.0 open source license
Watch out for
- Only Mac, Windows, and Linux are named; no mobile or browser version is mentioned
Tangent at a glance
- Website
- tangentnotes.com
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Text Editors
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Text Editors
Tangent alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Tangent supports local note writing and knowledge management using wiki links and customized Markdown.
Open source
24 alternatives
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Tangent FAQ
Is Tangent free?
Yes. The site lists it as free and says it is open source under the Apache 2.0 license.
Where are my notes stored?
Tangent works with local files on your device, and notes are stored as markdown files that any text editor can read or write.
Which platforms does Tangent run on?
Mac, Windows, and Linux.
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