What it does
Blinko is a note app built for jotting down quick thoughts on small cards before they slip away. Notes are stored as plain text with Markdown, a simple way to add formatting.
It uses AI to help you find things again. Using a method called RAG (retrieval-augmented generation, where the AI looks up your own notes before answering), you can search in everyday language instead of exact keywords.
You run it on your own server, so your notes stay under your control. There are apps for macOS, Windows, Linux and Android, and an online demo to try first.
Who it's for
People who want a private, self-hosted place for quick notes with AI-powered search.
Can I use it without coding?
With some setup. The server is started with Docker using a one-line script; after that you use it through the apps or a browser. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- FreeNothing to pay or sign up for.
- Runs on
- Mac, Windows, Linux, Phone, Server
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Install Docker on the computer or server that will hold your notes.
- Run the install script from the README to start Blinko.
- Open Blinko in your browser or its app and start writing notes.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (GPL-3.0): Free to use; if you share a changed version, you must share your source code too.
- More on staying safe