Turtl – The Secure, Collaborative Notebook

Turtl is an open-source note-taking application with a free option that emphasizes security. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It has been in development since 2015, and an iOS version is expected soon.

Turtl Functionalities

Turtl is designed as a secure note-taking platform that allows users to store their information with high privacy protection. The Turtl development team has focused on using encryption to ensure that user data is protected from unauthorized access. Turtl uses end-to-end encryption for all notes. All information is encrypted before it’s sent from your computer or phone. This way, even Turtl servers cannot access the content of the notes.

Turtl can accommodate various content types: plain text or formatted using Markdown standard, files, bookmarks, passwords, images, etc. This allows for the creation of complex notes. The user interface is clear but doesn’t follow the latest visual standards. The application visualizes each note using cards. Cards can be moved around the board (workspace) using the Drag and Drop function. There are numerous keyboard shortcuts on desktop platforms that facilitate work.

Turtl doesn’t organize documents in a hierarchical system, such as folders, but uses tags instead. This creates a more flexible structure. Notes are searched using tags or text fragments from the notes. They can also be sorted by creation date. Turtl supports sharing notes and boards with other users, enabling team collaboration. Security remains high, as the application has a range of permissions, from read-only to full ownership of shared content.

There are extensions for Chrome and Firefox that are not full applications, but only facilitate bookmarking for desktop programs. When you install the extension, it collects information (URL, main image, description) about the current page you’re on in the internet browser and sends it (encrypted) to the Turtl desktop application. During testing, we noticed that browsers block these extensions because they’re not in line with the latest standards (they need updating).

Turtl can also work offline. You only need internet access when logging into the application, when sharing data with other users, or when synchronizing. Data is automatically synchronized, but due to the decentralized nature of the server, this can be somewhat slower. If you want more control over your data, you can also install your Turtl server, which is also open-source software. Instructions on how to do this can be found HERE.

Should You Install Turtl?

Turtl has a free version with basic features. This includes, among other things, 50 MB for data and collaboration for up to three users. In the premium edition, for $3 per month, you get 10 GB for data and collaboration for up to ten people. There’s also a Business option that costs $6 per month and offers 50 GB and collaboration for up to 50 people.

Turtl is an application strongly focused on privacy and security. It supports various content types and is flexible. It has a free option and is open-source, so it can be further verified and customized. Turtl can also be seen as a secure alternative to Evernote, although it has far fewer features. It’s fully functional on the Android platform as well.

The application is still in the Beta phase of development. Although there’s interest in developing a web application, it hasn’t been realized yet. Larger notes can slow down due to synchronization. Due to end-to-end encryption on the device itself, in case of losing the master password, the data remains permanently inaccessible. Currently, Turtl is less popular compared to some other similar applications, so its community is smaller.

Note-taking applications are now an essential tool for productivity. Turtl is a simple and functional application. In any case, it’s an excellent choice for users who work with sensitive data and for whom privacy and security are paramount. If you fall into these groups, you know what to do.

Platform:
Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, iOS (coming soon)

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