- Joplin is the best free and open source alternative.
- Evernote and Google Keep offers options with cloud sync.
- Tomboy and Zim are ideal for those looking for simplicity.
If you've used Microsoft OneNote and are now on a Linux- based operating system , you might be looking for an alternative that allows you to manage your notes efficiently. While OneNote doesn't have a native Linux client, there are several options that can meet your needs, whether for taking notes at university, organizing ideas , or collaborating with a team.
In this article, we'll explore the best OneNote alternatives you can use on Linux. We'll look at both free and paid options, evaluating their features, advantages, and disadvantages so you can find the one that best suits your workflow.
Joplin: The best free and open source alternative
Joplin is one of the most highly recommended options when it comes to replacing OneNote on Linux. It's a free and open-source application that allows you to create notes organized in notebooks . All notes are stored in Markdown format , making it easy to edit and export to other formats.
- Cloud Sync: Supports services like Dropbox, Nextcloud and OneDrive.
- Web Clipper Extension: Allows you to capture content from web pages in browsers such as Firefox and Chrome.
- Compatible with multiple devices: Available on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS y Android.
- End-to-End Encryption: Protect your notes with advanced security.
Linux Installation: To install Joplin on Debian-based distributions, you can run the following command:
wget -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/laurent22/joplin/master/Joplin_install_and_update.sh | Bash
Evernote: Powerful but limited on Linux
Evernote is another popular alternative to OneNote. Although it doesn't have a native Linux application, it can be accessed through its web version or via unofficial tools.
Some of its main features include:
- Organization in notebooks and labels.
- Document scanning and OCR.
- Synchronization in the cloud.
- Integration with tools like Google Drive and Slack.
Despite its advantages, the free version of Evernote has limitations , such as the reduced number of synchronized devices and restricted storage.
Google Keep: Ideal for quick notes
Google Keep is a simple and effective option for those looking for a lightweight alternative. Its main advantage is its integration with Google Drive and other Google services.
Its features include:
- Text notes, lists and reminders.
- Automatic synchronization with the cloud.
- Multi-device Compatibility mobile devices and web.
Although it's a good option for quick notes, it doesn't offer as many advanced features as OneNote, Joplin, or Evernote.
Other notable alternatives
If none of the above options convince you, here are some other alternatives that may be useful:
- TiddlyWiki: A personal wiki that allows you to store notes locally or on the web.
- Tomboy: another online post-it alternative.
- Nevernote (NixNote): An unofficial version of Evernote for Linux.
- Laverna: Focused on privacy, with end-to-end encryption.
- Zim: Allows you to organize notes like a wiki with support for images and internal links.
The best alternative to OneNote on Linux will depend on your needs. If you're looking for a powerful, open-source option, Joplin is the best choice . For users who prefer a simple application, Google Keep or Tomboy might suffice. And if you need team collaboration, Evernote remains a viable option, albeit with limitations.
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