nok

tool · notr

A notepad that
follows your DAW.

Open Ableton Live. Switch projects. Open the Standalone at a coffee shop. Same notes, every time: mix todos, references, session recaps, and the next action for the project.

Free macOS beta · VST3 + Standalone · Tested on Ableton Live 12

Download for macOS (Free)What is Notr?
Notr Standalone — note list with mix bus chain, BPM/Key, reference tracks, vocal chain, and todo. Side panel reads: No DAW open? Still works. VST3 · AU · Standalone — same library, same notes.

download details · v0.1.0 (beta)

Download for macOS (Free)

Distribution via Gumroad. Email is required for update notices. Tip optional, free if you set $0.

features

  • Cross-DAW notepad — same library across DAWs that support VST3. AU (Logic / GarageBand) bundled as experimental. Tested on Ableton Live 12.
  • Standalone app — no DAW required. Write notes anywhere.
  • Search · pin · undo — full-text search with highlights, pin important notes, undo deletion within 3s.
  • Light & Dark — Pure Paper theme, distraction-free.
  • Cloud sync (coming) — write on phone, see it in DAW. Phase 5.

compatibility

OS
macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later
Architecture
Apple Silicon + Intel (Universal)
Plugin formats
VST3, Standalone (AU experimental)
Verified DAWs
Ableton Live 12
Untested (reports welcome)
Cubase / Studio One / Reaper / FL Studio — should work via VST3. Logic Pro / GarageBand — AU is bundled but unsigned, may not load. Share your report at GitHub Issues or @_nok__.

install

Beta version is not Apple-notarized yet. Right-click the .vst3 / .component / .app and choose Open on first launch to bypass Gatekeeper.

Or via terminal:

xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Notr.vst3
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Notr.component

faq

What is Notr?
Notr is a free macOS DAW notepad for keeping project notes, mix todos, references, and session ideas close to the music.

Does Notr work in Ableton Live?
Notr has been tested on Ableton Live 12 as a VST3 plugin. It also includes AU and Standalone builds for macOS.

related notes