Vibecode Notion
track this build5 steps, step by step0%A solo notes-and-database workspace is buildable, but Notion's block editor, permissions, sync, templates, AI, integrations, and collaboration take real product work.
You are building a lean indie version of Notion. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== README.md ===== # Notion indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Notion workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Build a block-based notes app with markdown-ish editor, simple databases, backlinks, templates, and local/cloud sync. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - mature block editor - cross-device sync - permissions - database views - templates marketplace - integrations - AI workspace context If those capabilities are essential, use AppFlowy instead of pretending the gap is solved. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs". ===== BUILD_PLAN.md ===== # Build plan ## Original build brief Build me a personal notes-and-databases app to replace Notion. Requirements: - A local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, server-rendered pages with a little vanilla JS. No frontend framework, no build step. - Pages are Markdown, stored in SQLite, edited in a plain textarea with a live preview pane (render with marked). Markdown is the format, not blocks. - [[Wiki-style]] links between pages, with a backlinks section rendered at the bottom of every page. - Simple databases: a page can define a table (columns typed text/number/date/select), rows editable inline, stored as JSON in SQLite. - Full-text search across everything via SQLite FTS5, search box in the header. - A nightly export of all pages to a folder of plain .md files, so my notes are never trapped in the app. - Binds to localhost only. No accounts, no telemetry, everything on my machine. - Out of scope: real-time collaboration, cross-device sync, and a block editor. Do not build auth or hosting config, this runs on my own machine. - Include a README with setup steps and where the data lives on disk. ## Required capabilities - web app framework - database - auth - rich-text/block editor - optional LLM API - hosting ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden. ===== .env.example ===== # Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
You are building a lean indie version of Notion. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== README.md ===== # Notion indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Notion workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Build a block-based notes app with markdown-ish editor, simple databases, backlinks, templates, and local/cloud sync. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - mature block editor - cross-device sync - permissions - database views - templates marketplace - integrations - AI workspace context If those capabilities are essential, use AppFlowy instead of pretending the gap is solved. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs". ===== BUILD_PLAN.md ===== # Build plan ## Original build brief Build me a personal notes-and-databases app to replace Notion. Requirements: - A local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, server-rendered pages with a little vanilla JS. No frontend framework, no build step. - Pages are Markdown, stored in SQLite, edited in a plain textarea with a live preview pane (render with marked). Markdown is the format, not blocks. - [[Wiki-style]] links between pages, with a backlinks section rendered at the bottom of every page. - Simple databases: a page can define a table (columns typed text/number/date/select), rows editable inline, stored as JSON in SQLite. - Full-text search across everything via SQLite FTS5, search box in the header. - A nightly export of all pages to a folder of plain .md files, so my notes are never trapped in the app. - Binds to localhost only. No accounts, no telemetry, everything on my machine. - Out of scope: real-time collaboration, cross-device sync, and a block editor. Do not build auth or hosting config, this runs on my own machine. - Include a README with setup steps and where the data lives on disk. ## Required capabilities - web app framework - database - auth - rich-text/block editor - optional LLM API - hosting ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden. ===== .env.example ===== # Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
You are building a production product version of Notion. Create the following project files first, then implement the application by following them. Keep the files updated as decisions change. Do not collapse this into a single README or prompt. ===== PRODUCT.md ===== # Notion product brief ## Problem A solo notes-and-database workspace is buildable, but Notion's block editor, permissions, sync, templates, AI, integrations, and collaboration take real product work. ## Product outcome Build a block-based notes app with markdown-ish editor, simple databases, backlinks, templates, and local/cloud sync. ## Target user A serious builder who needs a maintainable product foundation rather than a one-off demo. ## Required capabilities - web app framework - database - auth - rich-text/block editor - optional LLM API - hosting ## Explicit non-goals for v1 - mature block editor - cross-device sync - permissions - database views - templates marketplace - integrations - AI workspace context ## Success criteria - The primary workflow is measurable end to end. - Setup is reproducible in a clean environment. - Failure, recovery, and support paths are documented. - Product claims match what the implementation actually guarantees. ===== ARCHITECTURE.md ===== # Architecture ## Starting brief Build me a personal notes-and-databases app to replace Notion. Requirements: - A local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, server-rendered pages with a little vanilla JS. No frontend framework, no build step. - Pages are Markdown, stored in SQLite, edited in a plain textarea with a live preview pane (render with marked). Markdown is the format, not blocks. - [[Wiki-style]] links between pages, with a backlinks section rendered at the bottom of every page. - Simple databases: a page can define a table (columns typed text/number/date/select), rows editable inline, stored as JSON in SQLite. - Full-text search across everything via SQLite FTS5, search box in the header. - A nightly export of all pages to a folder of plain .md files, so my notes are never trapped in the app. - Binds to localhost only. No accounts, no telemetry, everything on my machine. - Out of scope: real-time collaboration, cross-device sync, and a block editor. Do not build auth or hosting config, this runs on my own machine. - Include a README with setup steps and where the data lives on disk. ## Boundaries Separate the product into replaceable modules for interface, application logic, persistence, external integrations, and operational concerns. Keep domain logic independent from delivery frameworks and vendors. ## Production baseline - Configuration: validated at startup with safe local defaults where possible. - Security: least privilege, input validation, secret redaction, rate limits on abuse-prone paths, and no invented security primitives. - Data: explicit schema and migrations, transactional writes where integrity matters, backup and restore instructions. - Integrations: adapters around third-party providers, idempotent webhook or job processing, bounded retries, and timeouts. - Observability: structured logs with request or operation IDs, an error-tracking hook, and health/readiness checks where a server exists. - Quality: unit tests for domain rules, integration tests at module boundaries, and one end-to-end critical-path test. ## Decision records For each major dependency, document why it was chosen, its failure mode, and how it can be replaced. Do not introduce infrastructure until a requirement justifies it. ===== AGENTS.md ===== # Agent instructions - Read `PRODUCT.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` before changing code. - Implement milestone by milestone; keep each change reviewable and leave the application runnable. - Treat authentication, payments, encryption, imports, webhooks, and destructive actions as high-risk boundaries when present. - Never invent cryptography or silently weaken a requirement to make a test pass. - Use provider interfaces for external services and deterministic fakes in tests. - Add migrations and rollback or recovery notes for persistent data changes. - Log useful operational context without credentials, tokens, passwords, or personal data. - Update documentation and run all checks before completing a milestone. ===== MILESTONES.md ===== # Delivery milestones ## M0 — Decisions and scaffold - Confirm the runtime, persistence model, threat boundaries, and deployment target. - Create a reproducible local environment and continuous checks. ## M1 — Core workflow - Implement the smallest end-to-end product path with validation and tests. - Keep integrations behind interfaces. ## M2 — Trust layer - Add secure failure behavior, recovery paths, audit-relevant events, and data safeguards. - Test abuse cases and destructive operations. ## M3 — Operability - Add structured logs, error reporting hooks, health signals, backup/restore documentation, and deployment configuration. ## M4 — Release gate - Run a clean-install test, critical-path end-to-end test, dependency review, and documented rollback exercise. - Compare the shipped behavior with `PRODUCT.md` and publish remaining limitations. ===== OPERATIONS.md ===== # Operations ## Before release - Validate configuration and secrets at startup. - Define backup, restore, and rollback procedures and test them. - Document logs, error tracking, health signals, and alert ownership. - Set dependency update and vulnerability review expectations. ## Incident checklist 1. Contain the issue without destroying evidence or user data. 2. Record the timeline and affected scope. 3. Rotate exposed secrets and revoke compromised sessions or credentials. 4. Restore from a verified source when needed. 5. Document the root cause, remediation, and regression test. ## Launch constraint Do not market omitted Notion capabilities as implemented. The v1 non-goals in `PRODUCT.md` remain user-visible limitations until they are deliberately delivered.
# Notion indie build ## Goal Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Notion workflow for one developer or a tiny team. ## Scope Build a block-based notes app with markdown-ish editor, simple databases, backlinks, templates, and local/cloud sync. ## Quick start 1. Install the documented dependencies. 2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`. 3. Run the development command chosen during implementation. 4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`. ## Honest limits This build deliberately does not replace: - mature block editor - cross-device sync - permissions - database views - templates marketplace - integrations - AI workspace context If those capabilities are essential, use AppFlowy instead of pretending the gap is solved.
# Agent instructions - Optimize for a working, understandable weekend build. - Prefer the fewest moving parts that satisfy the brief. - Do not invent cryptography, security guarantees, APIs, or compliance claims. - Keep secrets out of source control and logs. - Add focused tests for destructive, security-sensitive, and data-loss paths. - Run the project checks before declaring the build complete. - Record any deliberate shortcut in the README under "Tradeoffs".
# Build plan ## Original build brief Build me a personal notes-and-databases app to replace Notion. Requirements: - A local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, server-rendered pages with a little vanilla JS. No frontend framework, no build step. - Pages are Markdown, stored in SQLite, edited in a plain textarea with a live preview pane (render with marked). Markdown is the format, not blocks. - [[Wiki-style]] links between pages, with a backlinks section rendered at the bottom of every page. - Simple databases: a page can define a table (columns typed text/number/date/select), rows editable inline, stored as JSON in SQLite. - Full-text search across everything via SQLite FTS5, search box in the header. - A nightly export of all pages to a folder of plain .md files, so my notes are never trapped in the app. - Binds to localhost only. No accounts, no telemetry, everything on my machine. - Out of scope: real-time collaboration, cross-device sync, and a block editor. Do not build auth or hosting config, this runs on my own machine. - Include a README with setup steps and where the data lives on disk. ## Required capabilities - web app framework - database - auth - rich-text/block editor - optional LLM API - hosting ## Delivery order 1. Scaffold the smallest runnable application and document its commands. 2. Implement the primary data model and core workflow. 3. Add validation, safe failure states, and persistence. 4. Cover the critical path with automated tests. 5. Exercise a clean install from the README and fix every missing step. ## Done when - A new user can go from clone to first successful workflow using only the README. - The core workflow works without paid infrastructure unless the brief requires it. - Tests cover the highest-risk behavior. - Known limitations are explicit rather than hidden.
# Copy to .env and document every variable when it is introduced. # Never put real credentials in this file. APP_ENV=development # Add only values required by the selected implementation.
# Notion product brief ## Problem A solo notes-and-database workspace is buildable, but Notion's block editor, permissions, sync, templates, AI, integrations, and collaboration take real product work. ## Product outcome Build a block-based notes app with markdown-ish editor, simple databases, backlinks, templates, and local/cloud sync. ## Target user A serious builder who needs a maintainable product foundation rather than a one-off demo. ## Required capabilities - web app framework - database - auth - rich-text/block editor - optional LLM API - hosting ## Explicit non-goals for v1 - mature block editor - cross-device sync - permissions - database views - templates marketplace - integrations - AI workspace context ## Success criteria - The primary workflow is measurable end to end. - Setup is reproducible in a clean environment. - Failure, recovery, and support paths are documented. - Product claims match what the implementation actually guarantees.
# Architecture ## Starting brief Build me a personal notes-and-databases app to replace Notion. Requirements: - A local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, server-rendered pages with a little vanilla JS. No frontend framework, no build step. - Pages are Markdown, stored in SQLite, edited in a plain textarea with a live preview pane (render with marked). Markdown is the format, not blocks. - [[Wiki-style]] links between pages, with a backlinks section rendered at the bottom of every page. - Simple databases: a page can define a table (columns typed text/number/date/select), rows editable inline, stored as JSON in SQLite. - Full-text search across everything via SQLite FTS5, search box in the header. - A nightly export of all pages to a folder of plain .md files, so my notes are never trapped in the app. - Binds to localhost only. No accounts, no telemetry, everything on my machine. - Out of scope: real-time collaboration, cross-device sync, and a block editor. Do not build auth or hosting config, this runs on my own machine. - Include a README with setup steps and where the data lives on disk. ## Boundaries Separate the product into replaceable modules for interface, application logic, persistence, external integrations, and operational concerns. Keep domain logic independent from delivery frameworks and vendors. ## Production baseline - Configuration: validated at startup with safe local defaults where possible. - Security: least privilege, input validation, secret redaction, rate limits on abuse-prone paths, and no invented security primitives. - Data: explicit schema and migrations, transactional writes where integrity matters, backup and restore instructions. - Integrations: adapters around third-party providers, idempotent webhook or job processing, bounded retries, and timeouts. - Observability: structured logs with request or operation IDs, an error-tracking hook, and health/readiness checks where a server exists. - Quality: unit tests for domain rules, integration tests at module boundaries, and one end-to-end critical-path test. ## Decision records For each major dependency, document why it was chosen, its failure mode, and how it can be replaced. Do not introduce infrastructure until a requirement justifies it.
# Agent instructions - Read `PRODUCT.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` before changing code. - Implement milestone by milestone; keep each change reviewable and leave the application runnable. - Treat authentication, payments, encryption, imports, webhooks, and destructive actions as high-risk boundaries when present. - Never invent cryptography or silently weaken a requirement to make a test pass. - Use provider interfaces for external services and deterministic fakes in tests. - Add migrations and rollback or recovery notes for persistent data changes. - Log useful operational context without credentials, tokens, passwords, or personal data. - Update documentation and run all checks before completing a milestone.
# Delivery milestones ## M0 — Decisions and scaffold - Confirm the runtime, persistence model, threat boundaries, and deployment target. - Create a reproducible local environment and continuous checks. ## M1 — Core workflow - Implement the smallest end-to-end product path with validation and tests. - Keep integrations behind interfaces. ## M2 — Trust layer - Add secure failure behavior, recovery paths, audit-relevant events, and data safeguards. - Test abuse cases and destructive operations. ## M3 — Operability - Add structured logs, error reporting hooks, health signals, backup/restore documentation, and deployment configuration. ## M4 — Release gate - Run a clean-install test, critical-path end-to-end test, dependency review, and documented rollback exercise. - Compare the shipped behavior with `PRODUCT.md` and publish remaining limitations.
# Operations ## Before release - Validate configuration and secrets at startup. - Define backup, restore, and rollback procedures and test them. - Document logs, error tracking, health signals, and alert ownership. - Set dependency update and vulnerability review expectations. ## Incident checklist 1. Contain the issue without destroying evidence or user data. 2. Record the timeline and affected scope. 3. Rotate exposed secrets and revoke compromised sessions or credentials. 4. Restore from a verified source when needed. 5. Document the root cause, remediation, and regression test. ## Launch constraint Do not market omitted Notion capabilities as implemented. The v1 non-goals in `PRODUCT.md` remain user-visible limitations until they are deliberately delivered.
$ choose a build depth, inspect the files, then open the complete pack in your agent · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
They pay for a shared workspace that nontechnical teammates can trust and understand.
xmature block editor
xcross-device sync
xpermissions
xdatabase views
xtemplates marketplace
xintegrations
xAI workspace context
Don't feel like building it? These folks already made it free.
all 3 free alternatives to Notion →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Notion pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/workspace | $0/workspace | Unlimited pages/blocks for 1 person; 5 MB/file, 7-day history, 10 guests, 1 chart and 1 notion.site domain; multi-member workspaces have an unpublished block cap. |
| plus | $12/user | $10/user | Unlimited blocks; files up to about 5 GB each; 30-day history; unlimited guests; 5 notion.site domains and unlimited charts. |
| business | $24/user | $20/user | 90-day history, unlimited guests and 5 notion.site domains; Notion AI included subject to fair-use limits. |
| enterprise | custom | — | Unlimited page history; custom seats, security controls and pricing. |
free tierFor 1 person: unlimited pages/blocks, 5 MB uploads, 7-day history, 10 guests, 1 chart and 1 notion.site domain; 2+ member workspaces face an unpublished block cap.
billingmonthly + annual; per member per workspace; added seats prorated; removed seats stay paid until renewal
hidden costsEach workspace bills separately. Custom Notion Agents cost $10 per 1,000 credits; credit billing for Workers begins 2026-10-15. Custom domains cost $10/month each or $8/month each on annual billing. Removing a member does not refund the current term, though the paid seat can be reassigned.
verified 2026-08-11 · source ↗
Is Notion free?
Free for individuals with unlimited blocks; 5 MB uploads and 7-day history. Paid is Plus at $12/mo (checked 2026-08-07).
Vibecode Notion
Kinda. The core of Notion is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: mature block editor, cross-device sync. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Notion cost?
Notion costs about $12/month (Plus, checked 2026-08-07), which is $144 per year.
What do I lose by replacing Notion?
Honestly: mature block editor; cross-device sync; permissions; database views; templates marketplace; integrations; AI workspace context. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Notion?
Yes: AppFlowy (Notion, except the useful copy can live on your machine.) SiYuan (Blocks, databases and relations with local storage and considerably more exposed wiring.) AFFiNE (Notion and Miro had one child, then let it keep files locally.) All 3 curated free alternatives are at vibecodeit.com/notion/alternatives. The prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.