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Work · May 29, 2026

Brutal Docs

A while back I shared Ensemble here - my screenplay writing software(https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47449524). I’m following up with a technical overview and my learnings. Hope it’s interesting or useful to someone!

Brutal Docs launched on May 29, 2026 with 6 votes, #1,742 of 20,538 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches.

What it does

Brutal Docs is a writing tool that does the few things writing actually needs. Words, code, diagrams, tables, checklists. Nothing else. It's a home for cloud-based multimedia notes you can keep personal, private, or password-protected; a fast, classic-internet-style blog; a simple way to share ideas, photos, and videos; and a place for technical docs and planning. What it isn't is just as deliberate: no AI bloatware, no social network, no ads.

Brutal Docs is an experimental tool for ideation and self expression. Scan handwriting, type, draw diagrams, build tables, and publish notes. Offline-first, free, no login required.

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