Sugilite
A local-first markdown editor built for writers seeking thoughtful note organization.
Visit website Free to browse · updated 2026-06-27
What is Sugilite?
The tool centers on atomic notes as building blocks for a second brain, allowing users to capture ideas and connect them through wikilinks that transform folders into interconnected spaces. Frontmatter properties, embeds, and templates enhance structure while keeping everything in plain files on the local machine. Hybrid search fuses traditional terms with meaning-based results powered by an embedded model that runs entirely offline. This setup ensures notes become accessible tools for AI interactions without any data leaving the device. Users can write directly in the app or rely on the included server for external clients, maintaining full support for community themes and shortcuts from similar systems. The focus remains on long-term, private workflows free from cloud dependencies.
Key features
Local-first markdown editor with plain files
Hybrid search (keyword + on-device semantic retrieval)
Built-in EmbeddingGemma model for local embeddings
Standalone MCP server included
Full Obsidian vault compatibility
Wikilinks, frontmatter, embeds, daily notes, templates support
Integration with Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT, Cursor and other MCP clients
AI models Sugilite uses
EmbeddingGemma
built-in on-device model for embeddings and semantic retrieval
What you can use Sugilite for
Personal Knowledge Management
Capture notes in plain markdown files and connect them with bidirectional wikilinks to build a living index of thoughts that supports long-term recall and recombination.
Local Semantic Search
Run hybrid keyword and on-device embedding search across notes using the built-in EmbeddingGemma model so queries surface relevant content even without shared keywords.
AI Tool Exposure via MCP
Launch the standalone MCP server to let compatible clients treat the entire vault as searchable, readable, and writable tools without any cloud upload.
How to use Sugilite
- 1Download the installer for macOS or Windows from sugilite.app
- 2Launch the app and open an existing Obsidian vault or create a new folder
- 3Write notes using wikilinks, frontmatter, and embeds as needed
- 4Use the search palette for combined keyword and semantic results
- 5Optionally start the MCP server binary to connect external AI clients
Sugilite pricing
Pricing model: Free. Plan details are indicative — check the site for current prices.
Free
Free
- Local-first markdown editor
- Standalone MCP server
- Hybrid keyword + semantic search
- Obsidian vault compatible
- Windows/MacOS download
Editor's verdict
Pros
- +Fully local and private with no cloud or API keys required
- +Free and works with existing Obsidian vaults
Cons
- –Desktop only (macOS 12+ and Windows 10+)
- –Early-stage release (v0.0.42)
Our take: Sugilite is a solid writing & content choice. It's valued for fully local and private with no cloud or api keys required and free and works with existing obsidian vaults. The main trade-off is desktop only (macos 12+ and windows 10+). A good pick if you want capable AI without a high upfront cost.
Frequently asked questions
No. All files remain local plain markdown and embeddings run entirely on-device with no API keys or accounts required.
Summary
Sugilite is a solid writing & content choice. It's valued for fully local and private with no cloud or api keys required and free and works with existing obsidian vaults. The main trade-off is desktop only (macos 12+ and windows 10+). A good pick if you want capable AI without a high upfront cost.
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