Qownnotes
QOwnNotes is a plain-text file notepad and todo-list manager with Markdown support and Nextcloud / ownCloud integration.
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What is Qownnotes?
QOwnNotes is an open-source (GPL) plain-text file markdown note-taking application for GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows. It allows users to own their notes by storing them as plain-text markdown files on their computer without vendor lock-in. The application optionally works together with the notes application of Nextcloud and ownCloud for synchronization and cloud integration.
Key features include markdown highlighting with preview mode, hierarchical note tagging with subfolders, wiki-style note links with autocomplete and backlinks, built-in todo list manager supporting Nextcloud tasks and CalDAV servers, Evernote and Joplin import, encryption support (AES-256 built-in), spellchecking with LanguageTool and Harper support, scripting with an online script repository, built-in AI support for OpenAI and Groq providers, Vim mode, dark mode themes, distraction-free mode, portable mode for USB sticks, and a web application to insert photos from mobile phones. The application is written in C++ for low resource consumption and is available in more than 60 languages.
QOwnNotes is designed for note-takers, researchers, students, developers, and anyone who wants to own their data with plain-text files. It is particularly suitable for Nextcloud and ownCloud users who want a powerful desktop note-taking client with cloud synchronization, privacy-focused users who prefer open-source software, and power users who want scripting capabilities and extensive customization options.
Qownnotes pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
QOwnNotes is completely free and open-source software (GPLv2 license). There are no paid plans, premium tiers, or paywalls. Regular users can use it for free forever on all platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows). Developers can access and modify the source code on GitHub. All features including markdown support, todo list manager, encryption, scripting, AI integration, and Nextcloud/ownCloud compatibility are included at no cost.
Qownnotes pros
- Open-source (GPL) with no vendor lock-in
- Plain-text markdown files stored locally on your computer
- Cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Nextcloud and ownCloud Notes integration
- Low resource consumption (C++ not Electron)
- Evernote and Joplin import support
- Built-in todo list manager with CalDAV support
- Hierarchical note tagging and subfolders
- Wiki-style note links with autocomplete and backlinks
- AES-256 encryption built-in with custom encryption options
- Scripting support with online script repository
- Built-in AI support for OpenAI and Groq
- Dark mode with live switching and custom color modes
- Distraction-free mode, full-screen mode, and typewriter mode
- Available in more than 60 languages
- Portable mode for USB sticks
- Vim mode for keyboard-centric editing
- Web app to insert photos from mobile phone
- Note version restoration from Nextcloud/ownCloud
- Trashed notes restoration with local and system trash modes
Qownnotes cons
- No native mobile app (requires web app or Nextcloud mobile)
- HTML preview styling is difficult due to QT limitations
- Requires separate Nextcloud/ownCloud sync client for file syncing
- Learning curve for advanced features like scripting
- No built-in cloud storage (relies on external services)
- Markdown conversion to PDF/HTML has ugly markup
- Limited collaboration features compared to cloud-native apps
- Interface may feel dated compared to modern Electron apps
Frequently asked questions about Qownnotes
How can I just show the preview panel without the note edit panel?
You can do this by turning off that the note edit panel is the central widget in the Panel settings. Then create a new workspace called 'Preview only' by clicking Window / Workspace / Add new workspace in the main menu. You can switch between different panel layouts and turn off the note edit panel in the Window / Panels menu. You can also move and resize all panels by clicking Window / Unlock panels in the main menu. Alternatively, switch to the Preview only layout in the Layout settings.
Where can I find what other people said about QOwnNotes?
You can find reviews and mentions of QOwnNotes in various places including blog posts like 'Notes: ditching Joplin and back to a simpler solution using QOwnNotes on FreeBSD' and Pro-Linux reviews. The community discusses QOwnNotes in their Telegram Group where you can connect with other users, learn features, and get help.
How does Nextcloud/ownCloud integration work?
QOwnNotes optionally works with the Notes application of Nextcloud and ownCloud. You need to enable the QOwnNotesAPI app in your Nextcloud or ownCloud instance by searching for 'qownnotes' in your server's Apps page. The API handles access to trashed notes and note versions. Note sharing is done via the Nextcloud/ownCloud API, and tasks are accessed directly via CalDAV. Note that QOwnNotes doesn't sync files itself - you need your ownCloud/Nextcloud sync client for file synchronization.
How can I insert photos from my mobile phone into notes?
You can use the QOwnNotes Web App at app.qownnotes.org to insert photos from your mobile phone into the current note on your desktop. The web application communicates with your local QOwnNotes desktop application over the internet. You need to copy your secret token from the QOwnNotes settings page to the web app, or scan the QR code with your phone. You can also host the web service yourself using the Docker images available at qownnotes-web-app on DockerHub.
Can I restore older versions of my notes?
Yes, older versions of your notes can be restored from your Nextcloud/ownCloud server. The QOwnNotesAPI enables this functionality. You can show past versions of your notes with a simple click of a button. This requires the QOwnNotesAPI app to be enabled on your Nextcloud or ownCloud server.
How do I manage todo lists and tasks?
QOwnNotes includes a built-in todo list manager that can manage your Nextcloud/ownCloud todo lists (Nextcloud tasks or Tasks Plus/Calendar Plus) or use another CalDAV server to sync your tasks. You can create Nextcloud Deck cards and link to them in your notes. Tasks are accessed directly via CalDAV protocol.
What encryption options are available?
QOwnNotes offers optional encryption of notes with AES-256 built-in. You can also use custom encryption methods through scripts, including Keybase.io (encryption-keybase.qml) or PGP (encryption-pgp.qml). This allows you to encrypt your plain-text notes for additional security while maintaining ownership of your data.
How does scripting work in QOwnNotes?
QOwnNotes has extensive scripting support with an online script repository where you can install scripts directly inside the application. Scripts can extend functionality for various purposes. There's also a command-line snippet manager that lets you execute command snippets stored in notes with a special tag from the command line. The built-in AI support integrates with scripts for providers like OpenAI and Groq, and includes a built-in MCP server for external AI agents to search and fetch notes securely.
Can I search for parts of words in notes?
Yes, searching for parts of words in notes is possible in QOwnNotes. Search results are highlighted in the notes to help you find relevant content quickly. The application also supports external changes to note files by watching for changes and automatically reloading notes or the note list.
What languages is QOwnNotes available in?
QOwnNotes is available in more than 60 different languages including English, German, French, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and Spanish. The project welcomes help to improve existing translations or translate QOwnNotes into more languages.