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Tolaria - an open-source local AI note-taking tool that combines Notion and Obsidian.

Tolaria is an open-source local note-taking tool for the AI era, created by Luca, the author of Refactoring, based on 5 years of full-time writing experience and managing over 9000 notes. The tool combines Notion's block editing experience with Obsi...

What is Tolaria?

Tolaria is an open-source local note-taking tool for the AI era, created by Luca, the author of Refactoring, based on 5 years of full-time writing experience and managing over 9,000 notes. The tool combines Notion's block editing experience with Obsidian's local data sovereignty concept, storing notes in pure Markdown + YAML files, with built-in Git version control, and supports bidirectional links and type categorization views. Through its native MCP server, Tolaria can seamlessly connect to external AI platforms like Claude Code, giving users a highly flexible knowledge management system without being locked into the cloud or bound to a subscription.

Tolaria's main functions

  • Block editing experienceSupports Notion style / Commands, drag-and-drop images, and modular layout—all content is written to pure Markdown in real time.
  • bidirectional link network:pass [[wikilinks]] Establish note associations and automatically track backlinks and references.
  • Lightweight Type Classification: Mark the note type (such as Project, Essay) and assign a color icon; this serves only as a visual lens and does not force you to fill in fields.
  • Built-in Git version controlIt manages the entire notes repository as a Git repository, supporting commits, pushes, history browsing, and Diff comparisons, replacing the traditional recycle bin.
  • AI native integrationBuilt-in MCP server allows external AI such as Claude Code to directly read directories, search notes, and create or modify files.
  • Query ViewFilter notes by type, date, tag, etc., and save them as a custom view to achieve lightweight database functionality.

Tolaria's technical principles

  • Local-first file architectureTolaria abandons black-box databases; each note is independent. .md The file includes a YAML frontmatter to store metadata, which can be read and retrieved directly using the system text editor or terminal tools.
  • Git as the underlying storage engineThe note repository is a Git repository where all add, delete, and modify operations are automatically generated into commit records. It uses mature version control to achieve cross-device synchronization and historical rollback.
  • MCP Open Protocol Integration with AIThe built-in Model Context Protocol server exposes the note library as a standardized context interface, enabling external AI agents to directly manipulate the file system and avoid confining AI capabilities within its own paywall.

How to use Tolaria

  • Visit the official website to downloadVisit the Tolaria website https://tolaria.md/ to download and install the corresponding macOS/Windows/Linux client.
  • Create a local VaultWhen you open this page for the first time, select or create a local directory as your notes library. All data will be saved in this folder.
  • Writing and LayoutUse after creating a new note / Bring up the command menu to insert modules such as text, code blocks, tables, and images.
  • Establish associationEnter in the text [[ Search and link to other notes; the system automatically maintains bidirectional references.
  • Categories and ViewsIn the properties panel on the right, select the Type and Status for the note, and then create a filter view in the left column to summarize notes of a specific type.
  • Version SubmissionAfter editing, click the Git status bar at the bottom, fill in the commit information, and push to the remote repository to achieve backup.
  • Connecting AI toolsEnsure that Claude Code or Codex is installed locally. Configure one-click connection via MCP, and use natural language commands to allow AI to organize, query, or rewrite notes.

Key information and usage requirements for Tolaria

  • Open source and freeThe project is open source, requires no account registration, has no subscription fees, and is not locked to the cloud.
  • AI self-containedIt does not have a built-in closed AI; users need to install tools such as Claude Code and connect via MCP.
  • Platform supportThe official website offers downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux (currently, the version is iterating rapidly, and minor bugs may exist on some platforms).
  • Data formatWe strictly use standard Markdown + YAML to ensure that it can be read by any tool and that migration is cost-free.
  • Current ecological statusThere is currently no private plugin marketplace; functionality relies on the official core implementation and collaboration with external AI tools.

Tolaria's core advantages

  • Absolute Data SovereigntyPure local file storage; Tolaria is no longer maintained, but the knowledge base remains complete and usable.
  • Version control professionalizationBuilt-in Git replaces the rudimentary recycle bin, providing programmer-level history tracking and branch management capabilities.
  • AI strategy opennessMCP serves as a friendly container for external AI, without binding to specific models, allowing users to always retain control over AI selection.
  • Lightweight classification conceptType serves only as a navigation lens, avoiding the early setup burden caused by Notion's "structure-first" approach.
  • Modernized editing experienceIt retains Notion's block editing and keyboard-first interaction while saving to the universal Markdown format.

Tolaria's project address

  • Project official websitehttps://tolaria.md/
  • GitHub repository:https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria

Comparison of Tolaria's similar products

Dimension Tolaria Notion Obsidian
Data storage Pure local Markdown files Cloud-based proprietary database Local files + optional cloud sync
Version control Built-in Git, complete Diff history Page history (paid) Depends on third-party Git plugins
AI Integration Open MCP protocol, with its own AI Built-in closed AI (paid subscription) The interface is open, but the AI plugin needs to be configured manually.
Classification method Type Lens, field not mandatory. Database Schema, Structure First Tags + folders + links: flexible but loosely structured.
Collaboration skills There is currently no native collaboration feature; it relies on Git. Powerful real-time multi-user collaboration Collaboration requires the use of third-party services.
Open source properties Open source and free Closed-source commercial software Free to use, closed source, open plugin ecosystem
Target audience Technical users who value local sovereignty and Git Users who value out-of-the-box functionality and teamwork Users who prefer high customization and plugin extensions

Tolaria's application scenarios

  • Building a personal knowledge baseSuitable for knowledge workers who need long-term accumulation, cross-platform synchronization, and who highly value data autonomy.
  • Writing and Content CreationAuthors can use Type to manage topic selection, materials, and final drafts, and use Git to track the entire article revision process.
  • Technical Documents and NotesDevelopers can use Git to manage technical document versions and use AI to automatically organize scattered debugging records and compare solutions.
  • AI-assisted knowledge organizationThis feature allows fragmented notes to be summarized and structured into long articles by external AI and automatically archived to a specified directory.
  • Academic and research managementManage literature and experimental records using local files and YAML metadata, and quickly filter research topics using query views.
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