OctoNote vs Scratch.
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
OctoNote
This app lets you write and store notes in markdown format, syncing them directly to your GitHub Gists. It offers beautiful rendering, code syntax highlighting, and version control for organized and accessible notes.
- Markdown writing and rendering
- GitHub Gists integration
- Code syntax highlighting
- Live preview
- Version history
- Secret Gists (Premium)
- Custom syntax themes (Premium)
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OctoNote - GitHub Powered Markdown Notes THE POWER OF GITHUB MEETS BEAUTIFUL NOTE-TAKING OctoNote transforms the way developers and power users take notes by harnessing GitHub Gists—giving you cloud sync, version control, and universal access without the bloat of traditional note apps. Write in markdown. Save to GitHub. Access anywhere. MARKDOWN DONE RIGHT - Gorgeous rendering that makes your notes look like miniature websites - Full syntax highlighting for code blocks—perfect for developers - Seamless editing with a clean, distraction-free interface - Live preview to see your formatted notes as you write GITHUB GISTS INTEGRATION - Automatic sync to your GitHub profile—your notes live where your code lives - Edit anywhere through GitHub's web interface or OctoNote - Version history built in—never lose a previous version - Share effortlessly via Gist URLs with beautiful browser rendering - No vendor lock-in—your notes are standard markdown on GitHub BUILT FOR DEVELOPERS & POWER USERS Whether you're documenting code snippets, maintaining technical wikis, or organizing project notes, OctoNote gives you the tools you need: - Save meeting notes with code examples - Maintain personal knowledge bases - Share formatted documentation instantly - Keep research organized with tags and structure OCTONOTE PREMIUM Upgrade to unlock the full power of private note-taking: - Secret Gists that don't appear in public search - Custom syntax formatting themes (11+ beautiful options from Xcode Light to Atom One Dark) - Flair for your app icon - Private by default for sensitive work notes and personal journals SIMPLE. POWERFUL. YOURS. OctoNote doesn't try to be everything—it's focused on doing one thing exceptionally well: giving you beautiful, powerful markdown notes backed by the reliability of GitHub. No proprietary formats. No complicated export processes. Just your notes, in standard markdown, stored safely on GitHub and accessible from anywhere. Perfect for: - Software developers and engineers - Technical writers and documentation specialists - Students studying computer science - Anyone who loves markdown and wants their notes future-proof REQUIREMENTS OctoNote requires a GitHub account (free accounts work perfectly). All features—both standard and Premium—are available to users with any GitHub account tier. Download OctoNote today and transform the way you take notes.
Scratch.
This app offers a minimalist approach to task management, using a single Markdown canvas for all your daily notes and to-dos. It prioritizes speed and simplicity, allowing you to quickly capture thoughts without navigating complex menus or forms. Enjoy offline access or cloud sync for seamless data management across devices.
- Single Markdown canvas for tasks and notes
- Plain text with Markdown support
- All data in one continuous page
- Offline local mode for privacy
- Cloud sync for multi-device access
- Home and lock screen widgets
- Instant opening and fast performance
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Most task apps get in your way. You open them up just to write down a quick thought, and suddenly you’re picking dates, picking projects, and clicking through dropdowns. Scratch is built on a simpler idea: treat your to-do list like the paper scratchpad on your desk. It gives you a single, clean Markdown canvas for your entire day. Open the app, type what you need to do, and get back to what you were working on. No folders to manage, no forms to fill out, and no clutter. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT * Just Plain Text: Use standard Markdown for list, checkboxes, headings, hyperlinks, and highlighting. * Everything in One Place: No nested submenus or lost lists. Your active tasks, daily notes, and quick brain dumps all live on one continuous page. * Your Data, Your Choice: Want complete privacy? Use Scratch in 100% offline Local Mode — your notes stay locked on your device. Need access everywhere? Turn on Cloud Sync to mirror your data on other devices. * Instant Access with Widgets: Keep your list front and center. Use home screen widgets to view your scratchpad at a glance, or add lock screen widgets to check tasks without even unlocking your phone. * Blazing Fast: It opens instantly and stays out of your way so you can capture ideas as fast as you think of them. If you like keeping things simple, Scratch is for you.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Scratch. at 5.0 against OctoNote's 3.7. Scratch. also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and device support (4 vs 2). OctoNote's advantage is ratings volume (10 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. OctoNote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Scratch. sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Scratch. holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OctoNote has 10 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
OctoNote ships an update every 2 months, Scratch. every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | OctoNote | Scratch. |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (10 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 10 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Base11 Studios Ltd | Dustin Wiens |
Customer experience
OctoNote
Scratch.
In-app purchases
OctoNote
- Premium (Monthly)$1.991 Month
- Premium (Yearly)$11.991 Year
- OctoNote Premium - Lifetime$49.99
Scratch.
- Small Tip$1.99
- Medium Tip$4.99
- Large Tip$9.99









