Five Habits for a Better Markdown Notes System

A notes system only helps if you keep using it. These habits keep a plain-text Markdown collection useful over years.

1. One folder, few subfolders

Deep folder trees make notes hard to find. Keep a flat structure and rely on search and links instead.

2. Name files for search

Start file names with the topic, not the date, so they sort and search well.

3. Link related notes

A link between two notes is more useful than a tag on either. Add one whenever you notice a connection.

4. Review weekly

Spend ten minutes each week tidying new notes and deleting what you no longer need.

5. Keep your files local

Plain files on your own device stay readable without any app or account, and they are easy to back up.

GlissNotes is a free local-first Markdown notes app for Mac, Windows, web and Android. Its MCP server lets Claude read your notes folder, so you can ask questions about your own notes.