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Xournal++

Make handwritten notes and mark PDFs with Xournal++. You combine strokes, text, images and layers.

Developer Xournal++

Version 1.3.8 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Xournal++?Compare Microsoft OneNote.Compare alternatives

Xournal++ gives you digital paper for notes and drawings. You can write with a pressure sensitive pen, type, insert images and draw shapes. Different paper backgrounds help with notes, sketches or explanations during a lesson.

You can use a pdf as a background and put notes, markings and drawings on top. Layers keep parts apart. You can save your work as an editable Virtual++ document and export a pdf, PNG or SVG to share with others.

The software also provides tools such as a geotriangle, compass and support for LaTeX formulas. For LaTeX you need a separate working installation. Think of the program as a writing and annotation environment: rewriting existing paragraphs in a PDF is a different task than adding a pen to it.

Which software suits you?

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Differences between Xournal++ and Microsoft OneNote
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
Xournal++You are viewing this app Make handwritten notes and mark PDFs with Xournal++. You combine strokes, text, images and layers. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
Microsoft OneNoteView this alternative Both are useful for digital notes with handwriting; storage and organization differences. Windows, macOS, Android, iOSFreemium

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You make les notes, rely on digital paper or want to comment on documents. A pen or drawing tablet makes the handwriting part more useful, but you can also use text and mouse tools.

Getting started

Install the stable release for your system. Set up your pen buttons and paper background and try a pdf with some markings. Save both the Xournal++ file and a PDF export.

Privacy

Your documents are stored locally. When sharing or exporting, you decide who gets the file. Also save the editable original if you want to customize layers or pen strokes separately.

Good to know

It is not a full editor for existing PDF text. LaTeX features require additional software.

Please note

Choose a Linux package that belongs to your distribution version. Before an important lesson check that your pen, pressure sensitivity and export are set correctly.

Advantages

  • You can combine handwriting, text and images.
  • You can annotate PDFs and work with layers.
  • You can export your notes to common divisible formats.

Things to consider

  • It is not a full editor for existing PDF text.
  • LaTeX features require additional software.

Download Xournal++

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Official download page

Provider’s website · github.com

Download Xournal++ (opens in a new tab)

Version history

1.3.8

You get more reliable PDF export and corrections for language settings and memory usage.

  • QPDF export works better when the background PDF contains a CropBox.
  • A crash when setting the language environment and language-dependent reading of metadata has been corrected.
  • Memory leaks have been solved and translations have been updated.
1.3.7

Version 1.3.7 corrects errors when right-clicking and Lua tools.

  • Version 1.3.7 corrects errors when right-clicking and Lua tools.
  • An error that failed an internal check when right-clicking is solved.
  • The Lua command changeToolColor recognizes the respective toolnames again.
  • The translations have been updated.
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Our verdict

Xournal++ is strong when you think and explain with a pen. Layers, PDF backgrounds and exports make it useful for study and document discussions. The profit depends on your input device: with a good pen you work differently than with a mouse. Save your own document next to the export so you can continue editing later without getting all the parts back as one flat image.

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