Proton Notes as a Complete Document and Knowledge System
I would like Proton to develop a fully integrated, privacy-first note and document system within the Proton ecosystem that can serve as a true Evernote alternative.
The key goal would be combining encrypted notes with embedded, searchable PDFs (including OCR) and structured folder organization in one unified system.
There is currently no European solution offering this level of integration, security, and document workflow in a single platform.
Maverick_MUC
shared this idea
-
Maverick_MUC
commented
Why I Can’t Replace Evernote – A Real Gap in the European Market
For the past 14 years, I have been using Evernote as a complete replacement for physical file folders.
What made it essential for me was the ability to search not only the notes themselves, but also the embedded PDF documents via full-text search (including OCR).
Evernote became my digital document archive. All paper disappeared: contracts, insurance documents, certificates, invoices – everything was scanned and structured inside Evernote.
What is critical for my workflow:
- PDFs are embedded directly into notes (not just linked)
- Structured text can be added above and below the PDF
- Full-text search within PDFs
- Clear folder and subfolder hierarchy (for example: "Insurance" with subfolders like home insurance, liability insurance, etc.)
- Notes function as knowledge and document containers
- Cross-platform usability (desktop and mobile)I have been actively searching for a European alternative – ideally within the Proton ecosystem.
However, there is currently nothing on the market that offers this combination of features.
Where alternatives fail:
- PDFs can only be linked, not properly embedded
- No reliable full-text search within attached PDFs
- Missing or insufficient OCR
- Weak folder and metadata structure
- Either a cloud drive or a text app – but no integrated document-note systemEvernote is far from perfect. But for this structured document workflow, it remains without a real alternative.
If Proton aims to expand its portfolio, this represents a clear opportunity: an encrypted, privacy-first knowledge and document system with embedded, searchable PDFs and true structural organization.