Field guide / Memos

The reef cousin

NemoMemo vs. Memos

The unusual comparison page where we tell you the other product is excellent.

Memos is the open-source, self-hosted memo app that inspired NemoMemo — a private, Markdown-native timeline you run yourself. We think it is excellent, and if you have never tried a self-hosted memo timeline, starting with either app will teach you whether the shape fits your brain.

The two projects share a philosophy (quick capture, plain Markdown, your server) and differ in maturity and personality. Memos is the larger, older project with a bigger feature surface and a huge community. NemoMemo is an independent recreation that trades some of that surface for ephemerality and warmth.

Run Memos if you need…

  • SSO / identity-provider login
  • S3-compatible attachment storage
  • Webhooks, RSS feeds, and a web clipper
  • Interfaces in 40+ languages
  • The reassurance of a large, long-running community

Run NemoMemo if you want…

  • Dory memos — notes that delete themselves after 24 hours, attachments and share links included
  • Expiring share links (1, 7, 30 days, or never)
  • A filter language shared by search, saved views, and the API
  • A warmer, reef-flavored take on the same idea
MemosNemoMemo 🐠
LicenseMIT (open source)ELv2 (source-available)
StorageSQLite, MySQL, or PostgreSQLSQLite
Ephemeral notesNot built inDory memos (24h)
DeploymentOne containerOne container
CostFreeFree to self-host

If the Memos feature list is what you need today, run Memos — seriously, and go star them on GitHub. If a smaller, cuter timeline with permission to forget sounds right, NemoMemo is a docker run away.

Memos lives at github.com/usememos/memos.