Joplin

A notebook-style note-taking app that stores notes in Markdown and syncs them between devices with optional end-to-end encryption.

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Source code: github.com/laurent22/joplin. Flink is not affiliated with the Joplin project.

What it is

Joplin feels familiar to anyone who has used a mainstream notes app. Notes live in notebooks, which can be nested, and you can add tags, to-do checkboxes, attachments and images. Under the hood every note is written in Markdown, and the editor offers both a split Markdown view and a rich-text mode for people who would rather not see the formatting syntax.

The standout feature is sync. Joplin can sync through a range of targets, including its own hosted service, Nextcloud, WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive and a local folder. End-to-end encryption can be switched on so that the sync provider only ever stores encrypted data.

Key features

Plugins and themes

Joplin has an official plugin system with a public directory. Popular plugins add a table of contents, Kanban-style boards built from notes, extra Markdown syntax and backup automation. Themes let you change the look of the desktop app without touching any code.

Search and note history

Full-text search covers every note and supports filters such as tags, notebooks and creation dates. Joplin also keeps a revision history for each note, so an accidental deletion or overwrite can be rolled back from the note's history panel.

Import and export

Joplin can import ENEX files exported from other note services, as well as plain Markdown folders. You can export single notes or whole notebooks to Markdown, HTML, PDF or Joplin's own archive format, which keeps attachments and metadata together.

Mobile apps

The Android and iOS apps support the same notebooks, tags and encryption as the desktop version. They are well suited to quick capture and reading, while longer editing sessions are more comfortable on a computer. Sync runs in the background, so new notes appear on your other devices.

Getting started

Install the desktop app and create a first notebook. Then open the synchronisation settings, pick a sync target and, if your notes are sensitive, enable end-to-end encryption before the first sync. Finally, install the mobile app and connect it to the same target with the same encryption password.

Who it is for

Joplin is a good fit for people who want a dependable everyday notes app that works on every device and keeps their data portable. It is particularly popular with users leaving closed note services, because its importer can bring in exported notebooks from other apps.

Pros and cons

Alternatives

If you prefer linking ideas and daily journals, look at Logseq. If you need a deep hierarchy and advanced organisation, see Trilium Notes.