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QOwnNotes
What it is
QOwnNotes is free, GPL-licensed note-taking software built around plain-text Markdown files. Notes remain in a folder on the computer, and the application supports offline access across GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, web access, and a Chrome extension. Editing includes Markdown highlighting and preview, hierarchical tags and subfolders, wiki-style links, Vim mode, and portable mode. Optional encryption provides built-in AES-256 and supports custom methods such as PGP. QOwnNotes can integrate with Nextcloud and ownCloud for note sharing, task lists, note history, and trashed-note access. Other listed connections include Nextcloud Notes, QOwnNotesAPI, Nextcloud Deck, CalDAV, Dropbox, Syncthing, Seafile, BitTorrent Sync, and Git. Evernote and Joplin imports are available, and existing text or Markdown files can be used directly. The application does not synchronize notes or media itself; the project recommends a sync client such as Nextcloud or ownCloud. Its browser extension clips text, captures screenshots, and manages bookmarks offline.
For and against
For
- Free open-source Markdown notes
- Offline access across listed platforms
- Optional AES-256 or custom encryption
- Nextcloud and ownCloud integration
- Imports Evernote and Joplin notes
Against
- Does not sync notes itself
- Does not sync media files itself
- Requires a separate sync client for synchronization
- Mostly developed by one person
The verdict
QOwnNotes offers file-based Markdown notes with offline use, encryption, imports, and many integrations. Users must arrange synchronization separately because the application does not provide it directly.
Who it suits
QOwnNotes suits people who want notes kept as local Markdown files and prefer choosing their own synchronization client. It also fits users needing desktop, mobile, web, and browser-extension access.
Plans and prices
QOwnNotes
Free open source software; no paid plans stated
Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
On the record
- AI integrations
- Built-in AI support includes script integration for providers such as OpenAI and Groq, plus an MCP server for searching and fetching notes.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Browser extension
- The browser extension can clip selected text, take screenshots, and manage bookmarks, and the concept page says it works offline.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Editor features
- Features include Markdown highlighting and preview, hierarchical tags and subfolders, wiki-style links, Vim mode, and portable mode.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Optional note encryption includes built-in AES-256 and support for custom methods such as PGP.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Imports
- The feature list includes Evernote and Joplin imports and use of existing text or Markdown files without importing them.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Nextcloud,ownCloud,Nextcloud Notes,QOwnNotesAPI,Nextcloud Deck,CalDAV,Dropbox,Syncthing,Seafile,BitTorrent Sync,Gitqownnotes.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Local files
- Notes are stored as plain-text Markdown files in a folder on the user's computer.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The site credits Patrizio Bekerle as the maker, and says the application is developed mostly by one person in spare time.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Nextcloud and ownCloud
- It can integrate with Nextcloud and ownCloud for note sharing, task lists, note history, and trashed-note access.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Note sharing
- Yesqownnotes.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Offline access
- Yesqownnotes.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Privacy metrics
- Optional usage metrics are stored on a self-hosted Matomo server, are anonymized after receipt, and can be turned off in the application settings.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- QOwnNotes is a GPL-licensed plain-text Markdown note-taking application for GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users with package or repository problems to its GitHub issues page and invites community discussion in its Telegram group.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Sync limit
- QOwnNotes does not sync notes or media files itself; the site recommends using a sync client such as Nextcloud or ownCloud.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Web companion
- The web app lets users send phone photos to the current desktop note; its communication is transport encrypted and the site says images are not stored on the server.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Who it suits
- Its local Markdown files and optional sync-client workflow suit users who want to keep notes as files and choose how to sync them.qownnotes.org · read 11 Oct 2026
