ailenshen/apple-notes-mcp

Free

Apple Notes 双向 Markdown 转换：读取笔记为 Markdown，写入 Markdown 自动转为原生格式。SQLite 直连 <100ms，支持 stdio + HTTP 双模式。

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (40 stars)

About ailenshen/apple-notes-mcp

Apple Notes MCP Server enables AI assistants to read, write, search, update, and delete Apple Notes while preserving native formatting. Unlike plain-text-only solutions, this tool uses Notes.app's built-in Markdown import to create natively styled notes with headings, bold, italic, lists, and inline code. It offers two modes: stdio (for Claude Desktop, Claude Code) and HTTP (for remote access via tunnel). The server reads the Notes database directly via SQLite for fast listing and searching (under 100ms) and uses AppleScript for reading notes. It auto-detects and guides users through required macOS permissions (Full Disk Access and Accessibility). Requires macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later and Node.js 24+.

Key Features

Read notes as Markdown with full content including headings, bold, italic, lists, inline code

Write Markdown that automatically converts to natively formatted Apple Notes

List notes and filter by folder

Search notes by keyword

Create, update, and delete notes

Native formatting via Notes.app's built-in Markdown import

SQLite direct read for fast listing and searching (under 100ms)

Dual mode: stdio (for local MCP clients) and HTTP (for remote access)

Automatic permission detection and guided setup for Full Disk Access and Accessibility

Open source and free

Pros & Cons

Pros

Creates real native Apple Notes styles, not plain text
Fast SQLite-based listing and searching (<100ms)
Clear error messages when permissions are missing, with instructions to fix
Supports both local (stdio) and remote (HTTP) access
Open source and free to use

Cons

Requires macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later and Node.js 24+
Requires Full Disk Access and Accessibility permissions for node (setup needed)
Markdown import has limitations: block quotes keep content but lose indent style, links keep text but lose URL, tables and footnotes not supported
Writing a note uses a delete-and-create approach which may take ~1 second
Only works on Apple devices (macOS)

Best For

Integrate Apple Notes with AI assistants like Claude Desktop or Claude CodeAutomate note management: list, search, create, update, delete notes programmaticallySync or backup Apple Notes content as MarkdownAccess Apple Notes from remote devices via HTTP tunnelBuild workflows that create natively formatted meeting notes, action items, or project documents

FAQ

What macOS version is required?

macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later is required.

What permissions are needed?

Full Disk Access to read the Notes database, and Accessibility to auto-confirm the Import dialog when creating notes. These must be enabled for node in System Settings.

How does native formatting work?

When creating a note, the server opens a Markdown file with Notes.app, which automatically imports it as a natively formatted note with real headings, bold, italic, lists, and inline code.

Can I access Apple Notes from another device?

Yes, run the server with --http flag to get an endpoint URL. You can then point remote MCP clients to that URL. For internet access, use a tunnel like ngrok or Cloudflare Tunnel.

What Markdown elements are supported?

Headings, bold, italic, lists, and inline code are fully supported. Block quotes keep content but lose indent style. Links keep text but URL is lost. Tables and footnotes are not supported.