Apple Notes alternative
Keep the simplicity. Add Markdown, nested tags, backlinks, version history and calc blocks that answer every line.
Varlig is free and syncs through the same iCloud. Math Notes answers after an “=”; a Varlig calc block answers every line beside it, with totals, units, currencies, dates and a look at how each answer was read.
What comes with you
- Your notes, as Markdown
- Pictures and files saved with them
Move in three steps
- In Apple Notes on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 or later, export each note you want as Markdown.
- In Varlig on your Mac, choose File › Import Notes… and choose the exported files or their folder. On iPhone and iPad, use Import Notes… or Import Folder… in a note list’s … menu.
- Check the review and import. Varlig makes copies, so your notes stay in Apple Notes too.
Varlig imports the Markdown that Apple Notes writes. Anything Apple Notes doesn’t export as Markdown, such as Math Notes, stays in Apple Notes.
Varlig and Apple Notes, side by side
| Feature | Varlig | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Varlig Pro from $2.99 a month | Free |
| Sync between your devices | Free, through your own iCloud | Free, through iCloud |
| Shared notes | Free | Free |
| Calculations | An answer beside every line, with totals, units, currencies, dates and explanations | Math Notes: variables, units and currencies, answered after “=” |
| Markdown | Every note is Markdown | Import and export, one note at a time (iOS 26 and macOS 26 or later) |
| Where it runs | Mac, iPhone and iPad, from the App Store | Built into iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch, and on iCloud.com |
| Handwriting and graphs | Sketches, and function plots from a calc line; no handwritten math | Handwriting, and graphs in Math Notes |
Checked October 2026. Prices in US dollars, as each app lists them; they may change.
Questions about switching from Apple Notes
Do I have to stop using Apple Notes?
No. Varlig imports copies, so your notes stay in Apple Notes too, and both apps sync through your own iCloud.
Which versions of Apple Notes can export Markdown?
Apple Notes on iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 or later exports a note as Markdown. On earlier versions, copy a note’s text into Varlig instead.
What about Math Notes and handwriting?
They stay in Apple Notes, which doesn’t export them as Markdown. In Varlig, calculations go in calc blocks, which answer every line.
Write the plan.
Varlig does the sums.
Get Varlig FreeImport, iCloud sync and shared notes are free in Varlig. Varlig Pro adds power tools when you want them.