Apple Notes does not save each note as a separate file you can open in Finder. Instead, notes live in a database inside a hidden Library folder, and where the “real” copy lives depends on which account the note belongs to: iCloud, On My Mac, or an email account like Gmail. This guide explains where Notes are stored on a Mac, how to open the folder, and the safest ways to back up or export your notes.
Quick answer
On recent versions of macOS, the Notes database is in ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.notes/, in a file called NoteStore.sqlite. To open it, click the desktop, press Shift + Command + G in Finder, paste the path, and press Return. iCloud notes are also stored in iCloud, and this folder holds a local copy.
Where your notes are stored, by account
- iCloud: the main copy is in iCloud and syncs to your iPhone, iPad and iCloud.com. Your Mac keeps a local copy in the Notes database.
- On My Mac: stored only on this Mac, in the same local database. They are not synced anywhere.
- Gmail, Yahoo or other email accounts: saved on the mail server in a folder called “Notes” and cached on the Mac.
To see which account a note uses, open Notes and choose View > Show Folders. Notes are listed under each account’s heading in the sidebar.
How to open the Notes folder in Finder
- Click the desktop or open a Finder window.
- Choose Go > Go to Folder, or press Shift + Command + G.
- Type ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.notes/ and press Return.
You will see files such as NoteStore.sqlite (the database) and an Accounts folder that holds attachments like images and PDFs. On very old versions of macOS, Notes data was kept in ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Notes/ instead.
Important: do not edit these files
NoteStore.sqlite is a live database. Moving, renaming or editing it while Notes is open can corrupt your notes. If you want to copy it as a backup, quit Notes first, and copy the whole group.com.apple.notes folder rather than a single file. Even then, restoring from that copy is not officially supported, so use the export and backup methods below for anything important.
Safer ways to back up your notes
Use iCloud
Go to System Settings > [your name] > iCloud and make sure Notes is turned on. Your notes are then stored in iCloud and available on all your devices. Recently deleted notes stay in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 30 days.
Use Time Machine
Time Machine backs up your entire Library folder, including the Notes database. If you ever lose notes stored On My Mac, Time Machine is the most reliable way to recover them.
Export individual notes
- Open the note in Notes.
- Choose File > Export as PDF.
- Pick a location and click Save.
You can also copy a note’s text into another app, or use the Share button to send it by Mail or Messages. See how to send notes from iPhone to email for the iPhone version.
How to turn on the On My Mac account
If you want notes that never leave your Mac, open Notes, choose Notes > Settings, and tick Enable the On My Mac account. A new On My Mac section appears in the sidebar. Notes you create there are stored only in the local database described above.
Notes stored in email accounts
If you add notes to a Gmail or other email account, they are saved as messages in a “Notes” folder on the mail server. You can see them in the mail app or the provider’s website. To turn this on or off, go to System Settings > Internet Accounts, click the account, and toggle Notes. The iPhone equivalent is covered in how to enable notes for an email account on iPhone.
Can I find Notes with Spotlight?
Yes. Press Command + Space and type words from a note. Spotlight searches note contents and opens the matching note in Notes, which is usually easier than digging through the Library folder.
Related tip
If a note keeps popping up in the corner of your screen, that is the Quick Note feature.
Summary
- Notes are stored in ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.notes/ in NoteStore.sqlite.
- iCloud notes also live in iCloud; email account notes live on the mail server.
- Do not edit the database directly.
- Back up with iCloud or Time Machine, and use File > Export as PDF for individual notes.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.