Rook
Keep code notes in a native Mac app.
Rook combines formatted notes, code blocks, syntax highlighting, tables, and to-do lists in a local macOS app. It can import Markdown and export individual notes as Markdown or JSON. Its optional local MCP helper accepts new notes from supported AI clients. The app is free; the public MIT repository contains the website, helper, and community notes, while the compiled Mac app is proprietary.
Product preview
See Rook in action
What is Rook best for?
Rook is a free Markdown tool best suited to mac developers who keep reusable notes and code snippets. It is available as Desktop app on macOS, and its source status is proprietary.
Verified editor profile
Reviewed October 6, 2026
MarkdownList independently checked these facts against the product, its official documentation, or its public source. Missing items mean not verified, not necessarily unsupported.
Editing experience
Files and offline use
- Works offline
Long documents
- Document search
- Tabs or multiple documents
Markdown support
- Tables
- Task lists
- Syntax-highlighted code
At a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Source
- Proprietary
- Best for
- Mac developers who keep reusable notes and code snippets
Availability
Platforms
Surfaces
Related tools
Obsidian
A private and flexible knowledge base.
Keep a personal knowledge base in local Markdown files, with source editing, inline Live Preview, and a separate reading view. Link notes with backlinks, explore connections in a graph or Canvas, and organize note properties with Bases. Community plugins extend the app; optional paid Sync and Publish services add device synchronization and web publishing.
Desktop app · Mobile app
macOS · Windows · Linux · iOS · Android
Octarine
A private Markdown workspace for notes and daily planning.
Capture ideas, organize knowledge, and plan from a fast local-first editor that keeps notes as plain Markdown files. Octarine combines a Daily Desk, workspace search, tasks, properties, backlinks, optional AI assistance, shared-note feedback, and a companion web clipper across desktop and iOS.
Desktop app · Mobile app · Browser extension
macOS · Windows · Linux · iOS