QOwnNotes

QOwnNotes is an open-source note-taking application that works with plain text files in markdown format. It supports Nextcloud synchronization, encryption, and extensive customization. The program is designed for users who want control over their data and prefer simple formats.

★★★★★

5.0(1 ratings)

• Markdown editing. QOwnNotes lets you write notes using markdown syntax, including headings, lists, tables, and code. The editor shows a live preview of the applied formatting.
• Nextcloud synchronization. Notes can be synchronized with Nextcloud or ownCloud servers, keeping both a local and a remote copy. The program also detects conflicting changes to help you avoid losing data.
• Note encryption. It supports built-in AES-256 encryption for individual notes, protected by a password. Custom encryption methods can also be added through scripts.
• Tags and folders. It lets you organize notes with nested tags and note subfolders, and find them using multiple search criteria. Tags can be assigned quickly and used to filter the note list.
• Custom templates. It includes a template system for creating notes with predefined structures, which saves time on repetitive notes such as meeting minutes or daily logs.
• Task integration. It connects to CalDAV-compatible task managers such as Nextcloud Tasks. Reminders and to-do items are available directly in the interface.
• Version history. It lets you view earlier versions of a note and restore them when needed. Versions are retrieved from the Nextcloud or ownCloud server, and a trash feature helps recover deleted notes.
• Advanced search. It includes full-text search across all notes, with results highlighted in the note list and in the editor. You can quickly narrow down results by tags or folders.
• Interface customization. It lets you change themes, keyboard shortcuts, and panel layout. Settings can be exported and imported to move your setup between computers.
• Scripting and automation. It supports extensions through QML scripts, which can also use JavaScript. Scripts can interact with the program's internal API and add custom features.
• Note export. It exports notes to PDF or HTML while preserving the original formatting, and also lets you print them directly from the program.
• Attached files. It lets you link external files to specific notes. Files are copied to a designated folder inside the local storage.

QOwnNotes was created in 2014 by Patrizio Bekerle. It is written in C++ using the Qt framework. The first stable version was released in 2015 with basic markdown support. Today the project is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and it is actively developed as an open-source application.

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