Comparison

Folio vs Arky

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Folio

Features
Read full description

Folio is a local-first library for Markdown and plain text on Mac. Bring notes and docs into one place, organize them with folders and tags, explore connections with Link Map, and write with private on-device assistance—without juggling loose files in the Finder. Library & organization • Import Markdown and text via the file picker, drag-and-drop, or Import from Git Link for public GitHub repositories and individual files. • Needs Organizing gives new imports a clear inbox before you file them. • Folders and nested structures help you group work the way you think. • Tags cut across folders so you can filter by topic or project. • Pinned favorites and Recently Opened put what you need one click away. Explore connections • Link Map visualizes connections between your notes. • Follow links to explore related ideas and navigate your library from a new perspective. Reading & writing • Use Editor, Preview, or Split View to draft and see rendered Markdown side by side. • Use Writing Assistant to refine drafts, improve wording, and turn rough ideas into clearer notes with private on-device help. • Find text within the current document. • Sort notes by title, date added, last opened, and more. • Search across your library from the sidebar. Share & export • Share notes as Markdown or plain text. • Export documents to a folder you choose in Finder. Whether you’re collecting research, drafting READMEs, or building a personal knowledge base, Folio keeps your Markdown connected, organized, searchable, and easy to revisit.

About

Arky

Read full description

Where ideas take shape. Arky is a visual workspace for mapping and structuring your thinking. It helps you organize notes and source material in connected Docs and Canvases, understand your project’s structure, and ask AI questions grounded in your project context. Arky for iPhone is designed for exploring and reviewing your existing workspace on the go. With Arky for iPhone, you can: • Browse your projects and recent work • Move between a spatial Canvas and focused Doc view • See connections and understand your project’s structure at a glance • Ask questions with AI that understands your project context • Review notes and source material wherever you are In this iOS 1.0 release, project content in Docs and Canvas is read-only. Creating or editing project content is available in the Arky web app. An Arky account is required. Some features may depend on your workspace plan.

Screenshots

Folio4 screens
Arky4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Arky at none against Folio's 1. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Folio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Arky asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 5 level
Folio versus Arky: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFolioArky
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDinh Bao Thang DuongArky

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Folio

One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$9.99
None

Arky

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Folio free?
Folio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Arky free?
Arky is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Folio or Arky have ads?
Neither Folio nor Arky shows ads.

Other comparisons