App contender
Hibiscus — The Private AI Notepad for Mac
The private AI notepad for Mac.
The short version
What is Hibiscus — The Private AI Notepad for Mac?
Hibiscus is a macOS application designed for note-taking that stores notes locally in Markdown format. It provides tools for writing, dictation, and AI-assisted editing, allowing users to choose between on-device AI, local models via Ollama, or connected models using personal API keys.
A local-first, Markdown-native writing environment that does not require an account for core note-taking features and allows users to select their own AI processing route.
Product capabilities
Key features
- Markdown-native editor
- Local note storage
- Offline and local dictation
- Audio-file transcription
- Quick Capture system shortcut
- Locked notes with password or Touch ID
- Custom AI pipelines
- Document transformation for PDF, Word, RTF, Markdown, and text
- Task extraction
- Research with citations
Ways to use it
Use cases
- Meeting notes
- Writing
- Research
- Task management
- Dictation
Who it is built for
Best for
At a glance
Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Does not require an account for core features
- Notes are stored locally
- Supports offline dictation
- Markdown-authoritative format
Things to consider
- Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Mobile apps and MCP integrations are currently in development
Plan information
Pricing
Offers a perpetual license for Mac. Options include a Founder License ($49), Lifetime Updates ($239), and an optional Update Pass ($39/year).
7-day free trial
Prices and plans can change. Confirm current terms on the official pricing page before purchasing.
Compatibility & availability
Technical details
Integrations
Platforms & channels
Official destinations
Links
Quick answers
Hibiscus — The Private AI Notepad for Mac FAQ
Does Hibiscus require an account?
No, an account is not required to create, edit, search, import, or export local notes.
Does offline dictation need internet?
A local route does not require internet once its required model is available on the Mac.
Can I export my notes?
Yes, notes export as portable Markdown without loss.
Explore nearby ideas
Tags
Research trail
Official sources
These pages were used for the factual profile above. They may change after the research date.
Put it to the test
Would you smash it?
Start a 25-match round and give your favorite apps permanent points.




