Xournal++

Spec sheet

What it does

Xournal++ is open-source, cross-platform note-taking software for handwritten notes and PDF annotation.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Supported platforms

windows,macos,linuxRead 20 Sep 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Free plan

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Support

The project directs users to GitHub Discussions for questions, its GitHub issue tracker for bugs and feature proposals, and a Matrix channel for chat.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

License

The project’s GitHub repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com

Audio

The home page says users can record audio while writing and associate recordings with objects in a note.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Export

Journals can be exported to PDF, SVG, and PNG, and the project repository says export is available from the GUI and command line.Read 12 Oct 2026 · github.com

Mobile and web status

The project says Xournal++ lacks support for mobile devices other than Linux phones and that its separate mobile app is unmaintained, with no new features since March 2021.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Organization

Journals use the .xopp format and can contain pages, strokes, shapes, images, and layers, with page and layer previews in the sidebar.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

PDF annotation

PDFs can be used as journal backgrounds and annotated with pen, highlighter, and text tools.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

PDF export limit

Exported PDF annotations cannot be edited, and Xournal++ does not preserve built-in PDF annotations such as pop-up notes and forms.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

PDF file limitation

The .xopp journal normally stores the PDF background separately and records its absolute path, so moving either file can break the link; attach mode copies the PDF alongside the journal and stores a relative path.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Plugins

Xournal++ supports plugins written in Lua and documents shipped and third-party plugins.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Security and privacy

The official pages reviewed describe the desktop application and its local journal files but make no security or compliance certification claims.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Stylus input

It supports pressure-sensitive styluses and drawing tablets, including Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen devices.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Tools

It includes pen, highlighter, eraser, shape, image, and LaTeX tools.Read 12 Oct 2026 · xournalpp.github.io

Plans and prices

Every Xournal++ plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Note-taking apps#122 of 2167.9
• Handwritten Notes Software#11 of 187.5