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QOwnNotes

qownnotes.org

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidAPI
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Spec score 8.5 #53 of 216 in Note-taking apps

What it is

QOwnNotes is a free, GPL-licensed note-taking application built around plain-text Markdown files. Notes stay in a folder on your computer, and the app does not sync notes or media itself; you can choose a separate sync client such as Nextcloud or ownCloud. Those services can also provide note sharing, task lists, note history, and access to trashed notes. The editor offers Markdown highlighting and preview, hierarchical tags and subfolders, wiki-style links, Vim mode, and portable mode. Optional encryption includes built-in AES-256 and custom methods such as PGP. You can import from Evernote or Joplin, or work with existing text and Markdown files directly. QOwnNotes is available for GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and the web, with a browser extension for clipping selected text, screenshots, and bookmarks. A web companion sends phone photos to the current desktop note. Integrations include Nextcloud, ownCloud, Dropbox, Syncthing, Seafile, CalDAV, and Git. The software is open source, with no paid plans stated.

Spec sheet

Purpose
QOwnNotes is a GPL-licensed plain-text Markdown note-taking application for GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Supported platforms
web,windows,macos,linux,android,chrome_extensionRead 20 Sep 2026 · qownnotes.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · qownnotes.org
Integrations
Nextcloud,ownCloud,Nextcloud Notes,QOwnNotesAPI,Nextcloud Deck,CalDAV,Dropbox,Syncthing,Seafile,BitTorrent Sync,GitRead 20 Sep 2026 · qownnotes.org
Support
The project directs users with package or repository problems to its GitHub issues page and invites community discussion in its Telegram group.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Maker
The site credits Patrizio Bekerle as the maker, and says the application is developed mostly by one person in spare time.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Browser extension
The browser extension can clip selected text, take screenshots, and manage bookmarks, and the concept page says it works offline.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Editor features
Features include Markdown highlighting and preview, hierarchical tags and subfolders, wiki-style links, Vim mode, and portable mode.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Encryption
Optional note encryption includes built-in AES-256 and support for custom methods such as PGP.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Imports
The feature list includes Evernote and Joplin imports and use of existing text or Markdown files without importing them.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Local files
Notes are stored as plain-text Markdown files in a folder on the user's computer.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Nextcloud and ownCloud
It can integrate with Nextcloud and ownCloud for note sharing, task lists, note history, and trashed-note access.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Note sharing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · qownnotes.org
Offline access
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · qownnotes.org
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
Sync limit
QOwnNotes does not sync notes or media files itself; the site recommends using a sync client such as Nextcloud or ownCloud.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org

Plans and prices

QOwnNotes Free Free open source software; no paid plans stated Read 11 Oct 2026 · qownnotes.org

Every QOwnNotes plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Notes remain plain-text Markdown files on your computer.
  • Markdown preview, hierarchical tags, subfolders, and wiki links.
  • Optional AES-256 encryption and custom encryption methods.
  • Imports from Evernote and Joplin are listed.
  • Available across desktop, Android, web, and browser extension.

Limits

  • QOwnNotes does not sync notes or media itself.
  • Free plan; no free trial is listed.

Who it suits

QOwnNotes suits people who want their notes stored as local Markdown files and prefer to choose their own sync client. Its editor, encryption options, and integrations offer several ways to organize and connect those files.

Verdict

QOwnNotes centers on local Markdown files and leaves synchronization to a client you choose. Its free, open-source model and broad editor features suit users comfortable managing that setup.

Where Specifiction places it

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