nanotes

Read and create Apple Notes data from the terminal via CLI.

6|Updated Mar 4, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/shareup/nanotes --skill nanotes
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: nanotes
Source: https://github.com/shareup/nanotes/tree/main
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/shareup/nanotes --skill nanotes

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

macOS users often need a quick, scriptable way to read from and create in Apple Notes without opening Notes.app. nanotes exposes a lightweight CLI to interact with Notes data directly from the terminal, delivering human-readable output by default and JSON for automation.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read folders, list notes, show details, search, attach, and dump notes from Apple Notes via the terminal.
  • Create new notes in a selected folder with a simple command, enabling lightweight automation and integration with other tools.
  • Use cases include scripting note migrations, generating quick inventories of notes, or exporting data for backups.

Quick Start

Run nanotes folders --json to list folders and nanotes list --folder "Notes" --json to retrieve notes.

Frequently Asked Questions about nanotes

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I read and manage Apple Notes from the terminal?

You can read and manage Apple Notes from the terminal using a CLI that interacts with macOS Notes data, allowing you to list folders, show notes, and search without opening the Notes app.

Can I export Apple Notes data as JSON for automation?

Yes, you can export Apple Notes data as JSON for automation by appending the --json flag to commands like folders or list, enabling seamless integration with downstream scripts and tools.

Does this Apple Notes CLI tool work on operating systems other than macOS?

No, this tool requires a macOS environment because it relies on macOS automation interfaces like JXA and AppleScript to access the local Notes.app data directly from the terminal.

What is the best way to script note migrations and generate quick inventories from Apple Notes?

The best way to script note migrations and generate inventories is using a terminal CLI that reads folders, lists notes, and dumps data, optionally outputting JSON for automated backups and exports.

How do I create a new note in a specific Apple Notes folder via the command line?

You can create a new note in a specific Apple Notes folder via the command line using the create command, which enables lightweight automation and integration with other terminal tools.

Do I need Deno installed to use this Apple Notes command line interface?

Yes, Deno is required to run this Apple Notes command line interface, as the implementation relies on Deno to execute the scripts that interface with macOS automation technologies.