Acres

Acres is a visual notes workspace built around files stored in a folder you choose. Its infinite canvas holds Markdown cards, images, links, sketches, and grouped sections, while cards can also be viewed as a database or arranged into mind maps. Checkboxes in notes feed a task board with Open, In Progress, and Done lanes, so planning and source material can sit together. For AI-assisted work, Acres includes an assistant that can use a provider key for Claude, GPT, or Gemini, or a local model through Ollama or LM Studio. Its bundled MCP server lets supported clients such as Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex search notes, create cards, connect ideas, and propose board layouts. Proposed edits and layout plans can be reviewed before they are applied, and the Activity view records agent sessions and changes. Acres can also import an Obsidian vault or Heptabase backup, preserving supported notes and board structure. This setup suits people who want visual organization with editable files they can keep using outside the app, including researchers, planners, and people who work with AI coding agents. The desktop app is available for macOS and Windows, works offline, and has a 14-day trial before purchase.