Blinko

Blinko is an open-source web app and server that provides a card-based note-taking system designed for capturing fleeting thoughts and organizing inspiration. The software is deployed as a server via Docker or as a desktop and mobile application, allowing users to maintain a personal knowledge base across different devices.

Users can store ideas as plain text and organize them using a card-based interface. The system supports multi-platform deployment across macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. It focuses on data ownership by keeping all notes and information within the user's own hosted environment, which prevents reliance on third-party cloud providers for data storage and privacy.

Key features

• AI-powered RAG for natural language note retrieval
• Self-hosted data storage for privacy and control
• Full Markdown support for text formatting
• Multi-platform support via Tauri
• Plain text storage for fast access
• Docker-based deployment for quick setup
• Open-source codebase available on GitHub

The application is built with a lightweight architecture using React and Next.js, with a backend that utilizes PostgreSQL. It integrates Retrieval-Augmented Generation to allow users to query their own knowledge base using AI, which transforms a collection of static notes into an interactive database. This makes it suitable for individuals managing a high volume of short-form notes who require a way to surface specific information without relying on manual tagging or complex folder structures. The use of Tauri ensures that the desktop versions remain efficient and fast while maintaining a consistent user experience across different operating systems.

Blinko is a personal knowledge management tool for those who prefer a card-based layout over traditional long-form documents and want total control over their digital archives.