Whether you’re a developer, a technical writer, or just a note-taking enthusiast, keeping a clean record of your changes is key. No one likes to lose their train of thought — or worse — misplace the only version of that million-dollar idea. That’s where tools with built-in Git or version control come in handy. It’s like having Control+Z on steroids.
TL;DR:
- Want Google Docs-like collaboration but with version control? We’ve got you!
- These tools help writers and coders track changes and work together smoothly.
- You won’t lose a version again, and you’ll work smarter, not harder.
Why Use Notes or Docs with Git Support?
Traditional note-taking tools are fine — until you need to track changes or revert to an older version. If you’re working on a dev project or writing long-form content, that version history becomes essential. Git is the gold standard for version control, but it can be a bit intimidating in its raw form. Luckily, some neat tools wrap it up in user-friendly interfaces!
Here are our top 4 favorites:
1. Obsidian Git Plugin — For Markdown Wizards ✍️
Perfect for: Markdown lovers, developers, and Zettelkasten aficionados.
Obsidian is already a fan-favorite for powerful note-linking and structure. With the Git plugin added, it becomes unstoppable! You can write in plain text, manage links between notes, and also track every single change with Git. It’s local-first, which means your notes are stored right on your machine — and you get full Git power with commit history, branches, and more.
Features:
- Write offline in Markdown.
- Track changes using the Git plugin.
- Push/pull to GitHub for backup or sync across devices.
- Supports tags, backlinks, and knowledge graph views.
If you’re a technical user who’s not afraid of Git commands — or is eager to learn — this combo gives you complete control over your notes’ lifecycle.
2. HackMD / CodiMD — For Real-Time Collaboration
Perfect for: Teams, devs, and writers collaborating on documentation or notes in real time.
HackMD is collaboration heaven. Think of it like Google Docs — but with Markdown, version control, and tech-first features baked in. It’s cloud-based, so you can edit notes directly in the browser and share with your team instantly. It even integrates with GitHub, so you can sync changes back to your repos.
Features:
- Live, real-time collaboration.
- Markdown-based editing with preview.
- GitHub sync for versioning and backup.
- Change history, mentions, and permissions.
HackMD is great for writing technical documentation, meeting notes, or planning posts or software features. And yes, if you’re hosting your own instance, you can use CodiMD — the open-source twin!
3. Notedex + Git Sync — For Visual Thinkers
Perfect for: Writers who love flashcards, visual layouts, and smart linking along with Git support.
Notedex is a bit under the radar but super cool. It combines visual card-style note-taking with layered content and structure. Think Post-it notes upgraded for the 21st century. It’s great for organizing blog post outlines, fiction ideas, or study notes. And yes — you can sync it all with Git to save versions, revert mistakes, and collaborate via GitHub!
Features:
- Card-styled notes for visual clarity.
- Organize by subjects or decks – perfect for structured workflows.
- Git sync allows you to track changes and back up content.
- Export as PDF or share online.
If aesthetics matter to your thinking process, Notedex gives you the freedom to work visually without sacrificing Git-based version control.
4. Dendron — IDE-Level Note Management
Perfect for: Developers living inside VS Code who want their notes to be as organized as their code.
What if your notes lived in the same world as your code, complete with keyboard shortcuts, tree-style organization, and Git-friendly formats?
That’s what Dendron offers. It lives inside VS Code and gives you a developer-grade experience for taking and managing notes. It’s perfect for technical docs, internal wikis, or just tracking thoughts over time — all in Markdown and saved in Git-enabled folders.
Features:
- Works inside Visual Studio Code.
- Notes in Markdown, organized with a hierarchy.
- Integrates with Git for version tracking and collaboration.
- Built-in command palette, graph view, and templates.
If you’re already writing code all day, there’s no need to leave your IDE to take notes. With Dendron, your dev brain will feel right at home.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your style!
- Prefer offline, structured, power-user vibes? Try Obsidian + Git Plugin.
- Want to bang out collaborative docs fast? Use HackMD.
- Like visual boards and idea management? Go with Notedex.
- Live inside Visual Studio Code? Dendron is your friend.
Tips for Using These Tools Effectively
- Set up automatic Git commits. That way, you never lose a change.
- Use clear commit messages. It’ll help later when you need to go back.
- Push to a private GitHub repo. That’s cloud backup with version history.
- Try branching. Useful when working on writing drafts or different project ideas.
Final Thoughts
Writing and coding aren’t that different when it comes to workflow. Version control keeps your progress safe, lets you collaborate easily, and gives you superpowers over your content. With tools like these, you don’t need to choose between smart note-taking and Git history. You can have both — beautifully.
So go ahead. Pick one. Start writing. Make mistakes. And when you do — hit that magical Git revert button. 🪄
