QOwnNotes
QOwnNotes stores your notes as Markdown files and can work with its own synchronization solution such as Nextcloud.
Developer Patrizio Bekerle
Version 26.9.13 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to QOwnNotes?Compare Obsidian, Zettlr, Joplin, Typora.Compare alternativesYou write in plain text files with Markdown formatting. QOwnNotes adds a note interface, preview and customizable panels. You can also open the files with other editors, so you are not attached to one note service. The app supports a method with Nextcloud or ownCloud, but the synchronization device requires special attention. Scripts can add or modify functions. Use only scripts whose origin you trust: expandability also means that additional code can access your working environment.
Compare QOwnNotes with alternatives
For notes, the storage format is an important choice: single Markdown files, own database or encrypted synchronization. See how to export links, attachments and labels. This way you avoid a switch only taking your text and losing the structure of your note archive.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| QOwnNotesYou are viewing this app | You edit notes as local text files and can link them to your own synchronization solution. That gives you direct access to the files outside the app. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| ObsidianView this alternative | You work with local Markdown files and connect notes via links and a graph. Add many additional features with plug-ins. | Windows, macOS, LinuxFreemium |
| ZettlrView this alternative | You write and organize Markdown documents with functions for longer texts and literature references. This is in line with study, research and text projects. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| JoplinView this alternative | You save notes and tasks with Markdown, attachments and optional encrypted synchronization. You can choose how to synchronize between devices. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source; additional paid services |
| TyporaView this alternative | You edit Markdown in a view that shows the formatting during writing. You choose this editor especially for the writing experience with loose files. | Windows, macOS, LinuxPaid |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You use QOwnNotes if you want to manage your notes as files and decide how they are synchronized. Any familiarity with Markdown helps.
Getting started
Choose the package for your operating system. First set the local notebook and then add the desired server link or synchronization.
Privacy
Your notes will remain in the selected local folder until you set synchronize. The protection of a linked server and the rights of scripts remain separate concerns.
Good to know
Scripts and links make more possible, but also require maintenance. An own synchronization device is less ready-to-use than a fixed online note service.
Please note
Test synchronization with insignificant notes before moving your archive. Also save attachments and check how conflicts are handled when two devices change the same file.
Advantages
- Your notes remain ordinary Markdown files.
- You can customize the interface extensively.
- You can connect to your own synchronization environment.
Things to consider
- The decor requires more choices than a fixed cloud service.
- Scripts ask trust in the creator.
- Conflicts between devices must be recognized.
Download QOwnNotes
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · www.qownnotes.org
Version history
26.9.13
You get recovery for boot crashes, repeated password messages and double taskbar icons.
- A maximized or full screen recovery no longer causes the described boot crash.
- The safe password storage notification does not appear again and again due to an empty encrypted password or an old API key.
- The Flatpak package uses an appropriate desktop identity on KDE Plasma with Wayland. You may need to reconnect an old fixed taskbar icon.
26.9.6
Undo now works on contiguous text input. Also, more links from the note preview open correctly again.
- You don't have to undo typed text by character anymore: consecutive input is grouped.
- Open external links with a fragment behind # again. Loose URLs with characters like @, / and = are better recognized.
- With the existing setting for an empty last line you can actually save notes with a closing new line.
26.9.5
If you import notes from Joplin, this update will prevent unnecessary duplicate attachments. Internal note links are more clearly designed.
- An attachment is no longer duplicated when the file extension differs from the extension that Qt expects with the file type.
- With internal Markdown links, the link text remains in the color for internal links and the file name becomes grey. This way you can better distinguish text and reference.
26.9.3
Local Markdown links with encoded characters open correctly again. The preview and headers have also been improved.
The preview supports subscript and superscript via the corresponding HTML tags. Tool tips in the header panel now show the full header and level.
Report a new version
Our verdict
QOwnNotes fits well if file checking is more important to you than a fully pre-furnished service. The combination with own storage is useful, but requires conscious management.
Choose this approach if local Markdown files and your own storage are part of your needs. In addition to writing, review the transfer of images and links to a second device. A synchronization connection that transmits text is not yet complete control of your notes. If you want to do as little storage management as possible, that autonomy can be less pleasant. The file check has value when you want to carry the corresponding responsibility.
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