Scratchpad
A native Windows notepad with Markdown styled as you type. Plain files, autosave, search, and crash recovery, built in Rust with GPUI.
Rust · GPUI
Markdown at Notepad speed
Scratchpad is a Windows notes app built around plain Markdown files in a folder you choose. Headings, emphasis, lists, task boxes, links, and code blocks are styled as you type. Formatting markers appear around the cursor, and source mode shows them all.
The editor continues lists and quotes, supports formatting shortcuts, and lets you tick task boxes directly. Other text files open as plain text. A searchable note list groups notes by date, with pins for the ones you return to often.
Files first
Notes autosave through a temporary file and rename. Recovery snapshots bring unsaved writing back after a crash, and changes made by another program prompt a choice when they conflict with your edits. Files retain their original line endings.
Rust and GPUI provide the native window and rendering. Separate editor and storage crates handle text, undo, search, saving, and recovery. Find and replace, zoom, word wrap, and system-aware themes round out the app. The repository includes build and installer instructions.