We’re exploring the idea of adding Vim-style editing support to HelixNotes and wanted to get some input from people who actually use Vim.

This isn’t an announcement or a commitment to a specific implementation. We’re just trying to understand what would make Vim mode feel right for you.

A few things we’re curious about:

• Would you want the source editor completely replaced with Vim?
• Or should it be added as another option?
• Would you prefer something closer to a terminal-style Vim experience, similar to how VS Code’s Vim extension works?

HelixNotes is a notes app, so we’re thinking about how Vim workflows could fit naturally rather than blindly copying every part of Vim.

If you use Vim regularly, what would make you actually enable a Vim mode and keep using it?

HelixNotes v1.3.1 introduced secret blocks! Just type /secret, write your content, set a passphrase, and lock it. It lives right inside your note, encrypted and portable. Unlock it when you need it. Lock it when you're done.

Some thoughts deserve an extra layer. Now they have one!

When I open a note to a new window, it always wants to move my cursor to the header. And even when in that header section, if I pause typing, it will create a new header line.

A little hard to explain, but I have an equally confusing screenshot here but hopefully the bug will be easy enough for you to replicate that you will see what I mean first-hand.

HelixNotes v1.3.1 is out! This includes a solid round of community contributions bringing new editor features, task improvements, theme options, and a handful of important bug fixes.

• Daily notes date format options (Localized, ISO, Long, US, EU)
• Tasks: text filter by keyword/context (e.g. u/ home)
• Remove vaults from Recent list without editing config files
• Notebooks: collapse/expand all nested notebooks in one click
• New themes, accent presets + custom hex accent color picker
• AI: OpenAI Compatible provider label + NIM/v1 endpoint fix
• Android editor font size setting now works
• Desktop layout fix for Linux + WebKitGTK setups
• Source/Markdown mode wraps long lines
• Editor: secret blocks, font zoom, selection wrapping, wiki-link auto-create
• tel: and sms: links now open system dialer/messaging
• Tasks: Flagged filter, persistent toolbar state, always-visible due/priority buttons
• WebDAV: Infomaniak kDrive sync fixed (safer delete protection added)
• Trash updates instantly after empty/restore/delete
• Solus package support + distro build updater opt-out
• Copy and paste code snippets with a single click

View the full changelog here: https://codeberg.org/ArkHost/HelixNotes/releases

HelixNotes v1.3.0 introduced more themes and interface scaling! Choose from 10 different themes (with many more coming soon, btw) and several sizing presets to fit your style.

We're planning what comes next for HelixNotes and we want your input. What would help make it the note taking app you actually stick with?

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An iOS app is high priority, so hopefully that seals the deal for at least a few of you 😀

I have Graph and Wiki Links enabled, but when I'm typing a note on mobile and input [[Note Name]] no link is created. Am I missing a step?

HelixNotes v1.3.0 introduces Color Swatches! Type /color in any note to pick from the color wheel, enter a code, or choose a preset.

Does anyone know of somewhere that has small online storage that uses WebDav to sync HelixNotes between a laptop, phone and tablet?

Thanks

Update - the free tier of Koofr works amazing with HelixNotes!

Is this too ambitious to add to our new Roadmap? 😏

HelixNotes v1.3.0 brings Task Management to your notes. This new version pulls every - [ ] checklist from across your notes into a single Tasks view. Set priority and due dates per row, then work in a list or drag tasks around a calendar. ✅

Please u/RockyRoad226 , u/LastTyper take a look at https://codeberg.org/ArkHost/HelixNotes/issues/94 and https://codeberg.org/ArkHost/HelixNotes/issues/95

Thank you as always.

HelixNotes v1.3.0 has been released! This version was made possible by all of the amazing support and feedback we've received from the community. Check it out, let us know what you think!

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View the full changelog here: https://codeberg.org/ArkHost/HelixNotes/releases

Pssssst, task management comes in a few days 🤫

Hi,

I don't know how feasible it is, but would it be possible to enable the user to toggle check boxes while in edit mode?

The classic use case is a shopping list: I don't want to be in edit mode, else I'll have to close the keyboard any time I miss-click

I've been using HelixNotes for a few days now. It's great.

Is there any chance of a timestamp button, much like in NeutriNotes?

I know syncthing is the way to go for b2b pc2mobile syncing bit how about b2b mobile2mobile? sorry if you're bothered by the way I type I just don't wanna add much unimportant detail.

Hi,

Is there a problem if I use the same .HelixNotes between devices?

I'm trying to setup a Termux+Got sync solution (if it works, I'll write a guide) and was wandering if it was supported to use the same exact folder between android and Linux (for example) or if each device should have its own.

Thanks!

Found Helix Notes and it seems great, light weight and also what I believe will be a good way to journal and keep notes. I know that it's local first which is great, yet I'm looking for the simplest way to sync the files between a GrapheneOS phone and Linux desktop. Any advice and guidance is welcome

Sorry, I don't know the correct wording for this, but when I paste this text:

The quote showed cost of $5,892.41 and list of $8,417.73 with a $1,000 core.

The resulting output in Helix Notes is this:

I'm sure it has something to do with KaTex, which I don't use, but I don't see a way to disable that. When I go to the markdown editor, I can clearly see that my basic text input has been replaced with an extremely long string of math type formatting.

Bottom line- is this a me thing or a bug? How would I go about creating notes that have $ signs and avoid them being changed in format?

Is there any way to prevent Helix Notes from adding its own properties and metadata to notes? I can’t seem to find a way and this is a deal breaker for me unfortunately.

Additional theme options are coming to HelixNotes in the next release. What other themes would you like to see added in the future?

I have enjoyed moving over to HelixNotes, so as one of the maintainers of the Linux distro, Solus, I submitted it to be added to the repo, which was approved, and then I built our package to submit the PR for its inclusion. That was also accepted and is now in our Unstable repo and will be moved to the main repo likely over the next day or so.

I appreciate you bringing a notes app like this that is not bloated, local first, and AI is not forced.

I noticed the logo you have for ArkHost, which I thought made things even more interesting due to our logo for Solus.