Markdown notes on iPhone, without the setup

What is a Markdown note?

Markdown is plain text with simple marks for formatting. A heading can start with #, a list item with -, and bold text can sit between pairs of asterisks. Markdown files commonly use the .md extension.

Because the text itself is readable, you can use a plain-text editor to inspect it. A Markdown-aware app can display the formatting too. The original Markdown syntax documentation explains the basics.

Here's a small, generic Markdown example. It illustrates the format, rather than Nave's exact file structure:

# A warmer kitchen

Try a small lamp by the window.

## Next steps
- Measure the windowsill.
- Choose a warm bulb.

**Keep in mind:** leave room for the kettle.

You can still understand the note even if an app shows the # and ** marks as text.

Capture first; formatting can wait

In Nave, start a note by voice or keyboard. You don't need to decide on a filename, write a heading in Markdown, or set up a folder system before capturing your thought.

Your words save on the iPhone first. When an AI provider is available, Nave can add a title and summary and connect related notes into a thread. Learn how automatic organization works.

Markdown is the storage format. The app's summary, actions and connected threads are the experience built around those files. Opening the text in another editor doesn't mean that editor will reproduce every Nave feature.

Find the files behind your notes

With iCloud Drive enabled, look in Files › Browse › iCloud Drive › Nave. Nave stores one Markdown file per note.

For the full walkthrough, including what to do if the folder is missing, follow Find your Nave notes in iCloud Drive.

If iCloud Drive is off, notes are stored locally in Nave's Documents folder. Don't assume a local note has reached another device just because you can see it in Nave.

Open a copy outside Nave

1. Find the note's Markdown file in Files.
2. Make a copy in a separate folder before experimenting with another editor.
3. Open that copy with an app that supports plain text or Markdown. Files may offer a preview; the available opening and editing options depend on the apps installed on your iPhone.
4. Check that the text is readable. If you edit it elsewhere, keep it as plain text with its Markdown extension.

For copying steps, use the iCloud guide's extra-copy walkthrough.

A readable file gives you a way to keep your writing. It is not a promise that every note-taking app can import Nave's threads, actions or other app-specific details.

Files you own, with a clear AI choice

Nave does not keep a server copy of your stored note files. That does not mean every AI option is entirely local: Nave's built-in AI sends note text through its server to a provider, and your own key sends requests directly to that provider. Apple Intelligence runs on a supported iPhone.

Choose the setup that suits the material you're writing. The privacy page explains which data leaves the device for each option.

A useful first note

Start with a decision you're making this week. Capture one observation today and another after you've learned something new. You get the convenience of a notes app while keeping the writing in a readable format.

If you prefer to speak, try turning a voice note into action items. If you want to compare approaches to notes and files, read why Nave was built.