PINote guides: get started, write, and keep your notes
Practical guides for PINote on Mac: first-run setup, the Markdown editor, templates, local storage, keyboard shortcuts, and choosing a notes app.
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Start with the job you have right now. Each guide answers one question: how to open PINote, how to write, where files go, or whether a different app is a better fit.
Start here
Get started with PINote
Install the Mac app, find the menu bar icon, write the first note, and set a global shortcut. Use this if PINote opened and you cannot see a window.
Keyboard shortcuts
Show or hide the window, toggle the note list, format Markdown, import, export, and open Trash. Only the Quick Open shortcuts can be changed.
Write
Markdown editor
Slash menu, Markdown as you type, LaTeX math, images, attachments, and copying a whole note. Every editing feature is in the free version.
Markdown templates
Download a weekly plan, meeting notes, and a release checklist as ordinary .md files. Use them in PINote or another editor.
Keep and move
Local storage, backup, and folder sync
What stays on your Mac, what an export includes, how a backup differs from Pro folder sync, and what “local” does not promise.
Choose an app
Compare Mac notes apps
Quick capture beside other work, a writing library, or linked knowledge? Compare PINote with Apple Notes, FiveNotes, SideNotes, Tot, Bear, FSNotes, and Obsidian.
Need help with the app?
The help guide covers installation, the editor, Pro, Family Sharing, and restoring a purchase. For account-free local writing, download PINote. macOS 14 or later is required; Pro is an optional one-time purchase.