Don't pollute your code. Annotate it.
NotesGutter is the ultimate "out-of-band" annotation tool for VS Code. Attach rich Markdown notes and infinite-canvas drawings to any line of code—without turning your source files into a comment graveyard.
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| VS Code Marketplace | |
| Open VSX (For Cursor, Antigravity etc) |
You've been there. You need to explain a complex regex or a weird hack, so you write a comment:
// TODO: Refactor this mess.
// We are manually filtering this array because the legacy API
// returns duplicates on Tuesdays. Also, see issue #420.
// Do not touch this unless you have coffee.
// ... (20 more lines of context) ...
const users = rawData.filter(u => u.isActive && !u.isDeleted);Now your file is cluttered with comments instead of code. 😫
With NotesGutter, your code stays clean:
// @ng note api-hack-explanation
const users = rawData.filter(u => u.isActive);
// @ng draw architecture-diagram
class UserManager { ... }Click the button which will appear above the comment, and a beautiful Markdown Editor slides open. Or click a button and draw a full architecture diagram right there. All your notes live safely in a separate folder, synced with your repo.
Write full documentation, TODOs, or rants using a Notion-style editor. Headers, lists, code blocks—it's all there.
Need to draw a flowchart? A database schema? A stick figure of your boss? Do it with specific lines of code using embedded Excalidraw.
Link notes across your entire project. It's like a wiki for your code.
// See the user model in another file:
// @ng note ../models/User.ts:schema-diagram
// Or use slash syntax:
// @ng note ../models/User.ts/schema-diagramJump straight to a specific header inside any note (local or remote) using #.
// Link to the "Performance" section of any note:
// @ng note architecture-doc#PerformanceWant to attach a note AND a drawing to the same line? No problem.
// @ng note logic-details @ng draw flow-diagram
function criticalProcess() { ... }Attach any external URL or local file path to a line of code. Clicking it opens the target instantly, keeping your editor clean.
// Link to online docs:
// @ng attach https://github.com/ParasKoundal/NotesGutter
// Link to a local file:
// @ng attach ../assets/architecture.pdfGet an instant progress summary for any note containing a checklist (- [ ], * [x]) directly in the CodeLens.
// Something Like: [📝 refactoring-plan] (2/5)
// @ng note refactoring-planIt just works. Install, click, type.
-
Add a Note:
- Place your cursor on a tricky line.
- Run
NotesGutter: Insert Note Anchor(orCmd+Shift+M) or manually type the command. - Start typing! ✍️
-
Add a Drawing:
- Run
NotesGutter: Insert Draw Anchoror manually type. - Unleash your inner artist! 🎨
- Run
We believe your data is yours.
- Notes are stored in a
.notesgutterfolder in your project. - It works 100% offline.
- Commits to Git just like any other file.
Found a bug? Have a wild idea? Open an issue!
Made with ☕ by Paras Koundal
