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Self-host Hammer

v3.12.1

Native story editor with offline-first sync

ReleaseOpen SourceMIT
Updated10 hours ago
LanguageKotlin
Setup difficultyModerate
MobileNative app
ThemeDark mode
Stars
801
Docker
ghcr.io/darkrock-studios/hammer-editor/server
Install with Docker
Editor view with scene list, outline, notes, and referencesEncyclopedia with illustrated character, place, and event entriesTimeline showing dated, tagged story eventsNotes view with tagged notes about a storyWriting activity dashboard with word counts, goals, and streak heat mapEditor review link with suggested edits in browserPrivate sharing dialog with password and expiry optionsPublic story page with sharing link and readership chartExport dialog with format picker (Markdown, EPUB, PDF, Word, RTF)

What is Hammer?

Hammer is a native, multi-platform story editor built with Kotlin and Compose Multiplatform. It stores all content as plain text files in a folder you control — one file per scene, plus readable files for notes, encyclopedia entries, and writing history. The editor provides a scene-based writing interface with outline, notes, and references side-by-side; an encyclopedia that auto-detects characters and locations in scenes; a timeline for plotting; and writing analytics with daily goals, streaks, and heat maps. Sync between devices is optional and can use the project's self-hosted server (Docker or Java executable with embedded PostgreSQL) or third-party tools like Syncthing. The server also provides a web dashboard for account management, review links for editors (no account needed), private sharing with passwords and expiry, and public publishing with readership stats. Export formats include Markdown, EPUB, PDF, Word, and RTF. The project is MIT licensed with no paid tiers.

Should you self-host Hammer?

Hammer scores 57/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #28 of 81 in Notes & Editors. It has 801 GitHub stars.

It shipped 6 stable releases in the past year. The latest, v3.12.1, came out on 25 October 2026. New versions land roughly every 8 days.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is MIT-licensed and written mostly in Kotlin.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Memos (86/100, 64 141 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See Hammer vs Memos side by side.

Features

  • Auto-detecting encyclopedia
  • Cross-platform native apps
  • Editor review links
  • Multi-format Export
  • Offline-first editing
  • Plain text file storage
  • Private sharing
  • Public publishing
  • Scene-based editor
  • Self-hosted sync server
  • Tagged notes
  • Timeline
  • Writing analytics

Hammer README

How to install Hammer

Install Hammer with Docker

Docker
Environment variables
HAMMER_HTTP_BIND, HAMMER_HTTP_PORT, TZ

docker run -d --name hammer-server
-p 127.0.0.1:8080:8080
-v hammer-data:/data
ghcr.io/darkrock-studios/hammer-editor/server:latest

Serves plain HTTP on 127.0.0.1:8080; requires reverse proxy for HTTPS

Hammer releases & version history

FAQ

Which platforms are supported?

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS — the same app and same files on each platform.

Is my writing sent anywhere?

Only if you enable sync, and then only to the sync server you choose — either the official one or one you run yourself.

What happens if Hammer goes away?

Nothing happens to your book — it's already in a format every text editor can open. The source is MIT licensed so anyone can keep the app alive.

Does my editor need to buy anything?

No. Editors don't need an account or purchase. You send a link, they mark up scenes in their browser, and you get suggestions back.

Can I get my manuscript out?

Your scenes are already ordinary files you can open, copy, or hand to anyone. Export to Markdown, EPUB, PDF, Word, or RTF when you want a single file.

Where does my writing live?

In a folder you choose on your own device, as plain text files — one per scene, plus small readable files for notes and encyclopedia entries.

Do I need an account?

No. You can download and write without an account. An account only exists for optional sync between devices.

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