Files.md launches as open-source Obsidian alternative

Zakirullin has launched Files.md, a markdown-based knowledge management tool, on GitHub [GitHub]. The open-source project supports note-taking, internal linking, and tagging, with extensibility through plugins and themes.

── What shipped ──

Files.md runs locally and stores data in plain markdown files, giving users full control over their content. It includes a live preview mode, customizable interface, and plugin system for adding functionality. Unlike Obsidian, which is free for personal use but closed-source, Files.md is fully open-source under the MIT License [GitHub].

── Why it matters ──

Open-source alternatives like Files.md challenge dominant tools by offering transparency and full user ownership. Developers can audit, modify, or extend the codebase without restrictions. The project’s reliance on standard markdown files ensures portability—users aren’t locked into a proprietary format.

The GitHub repository shows early but active development, with documentation and contribution guidelines in place. While it lacks mobile apps and sync features found in Obsidian, its local-first design appeals to privacy-focused users and minimalists.

Obsidian’s popularity proved demand for networked note-taking, but its business model—free core, paid sync and collaboration—has drawn criticism. Files.md enters at a time when users are increasingly skeptical of vendor lock-in, especially in knowledge management tools used for long-term personal data [GitHub].