9 Best Open-source Note-taking Apps

Notesnook is a secure, offline-compatible note-taking app designed to keep your information private with end-to-end encryption. Users can create and organize notes, to-do lists, and ideas across devices while maintaining a distraction-free workspace. The app also supports rich formatting options, making it versatile for various content types.

1. Journaling: Private and secure place for personal reflections
2. Organized note storage: Create and structure notes to keep track of related ideas and tasks
3. Research notes: Securely store sensitive data and research insights

Joplin is an open-source, cross-platform note-taking and to-do application that focuses on security, flexibility, and syncing. It allows users to create, organize, and search their notes using a familiar markdown-based interface. Joplin stores all data locally in encrypted files, giving users full control over their information.

1. Personal knowledge management: Build a secure, searchable repository of notes, ideas, and information
2. Task and project planning: Organize tasks, to-do lists, and reminders in a centralized location
3. Secure note-taking: Create sensitive notes and documents with end-to-end encryption

Memos is an open-source note-taking platform that allows users to craft and organize their notes in a straightforward and efficient manner. With a focus on user privacy, Memos securely stores all data in a local database, giving users complete control over their information. The application supports plain text and Markdown formatting, enabling quick note creation and easy sharing while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

1. Personal note-taking: Keep track of thoughts, ideas, and important information securely.
2. Collaborative projects: Share notes with team members while maintaining privacy.
3. Content organization: Organize research or writing projects using structured notes.

Zettlr is an open-source writing software that caters to the needs of academics, researchers, and writers by providing a versatile platform for managing writing projects. It supports various formats, including Markdown and LaTeX, allowing users to create structured documents with ease. Zettlr’s powerful integration with reference managers like Zotero and JabRef simplifies citation management, enabling users to access their sources directly within the app.

1. Academic writing: Manage research papers and journal submissions efficiently.
2. Project documentation: Organize notes and drafts for various writing projects.
3. Knowledge management: Utilize Zettelkasten techniques to curate and connect ideas.

Standard Notes is a robust note-taking application designed to protect user privacy through advanced security features and end-to-end encryption. It allows users to create and manage notes, tasks, and documents securely across all devices, ensuring that only the user has access to their data. With a focus on simplicity, Standard Notes offers a clean interface that supports various formats, including Markdown and rich text, making it versatile for different note-taking needs.

1. Personal journaling: Maintain a secure diary or journal with complete privacy.
2. Task management: Organize tasks and to-do lists efficiently.
3. Confidential documentation: Store sensitive information such as passwords or legal documents securely.

Justnote is a straightforward note-taking platform that prioritizes user privacy, allowing individuals to create and manage notes without compromising their data security. The application features a minimalist design that makes it easy to jot down thoughts, ideas, or tasks quickly. Users can categorize their notes with tags, ensuring efficient organization and easy retrieval whenever needed.

1. Personal note-taking: Capture thoughts and ideas securely in one place.
2. Task management: Organize daily tasks and reminders effectively.
3. Study notes: Keep academic notes organized and easily accessible.

OpenNotas is a user-friendly note-taking application that prioritizes simplicity and security, allowing users to create and manage notes with ease. Designed for cross-platform compatibility, it works seamlessly on mobile and desktop devices, by utilizing PWA app. Users can start jotting down notes immediately without complicated setup processes, making it accessible for everyone.

1. Personal note-taking: Keep track of thoughts, ideas, and important information securely.
2. Study organization: Manage lecture notes or research materials efficiently.
3. Task management: Jot down tasks or reminders to stay organized.

Logseq is an open-source, local-first knowledge management tool that combines note-taking, task management, and graph visualization. It allows users to create and link notes using a freeform, markdown-based approach, forming a personal digital garden of interconnected information.

1. Personal knowledge management: Build a searchable repository of personal notes, ideas, and insights
2. Research and study: Organize research materials, literature notes, and academic references
3. Project planning and task tracking: Manage tasks, projects, and workflows in a freeform environment

Deepnotes is a web-based collaborative workspace designed to create non-linear, interconnected notes and visual knowledge graphs. Its innovative approach allows users to build dynamic, spatial networks of information with intuitive linking and visualization capabilities.

1. Team Knowledge Management: Collaborative information mapping
2. Research and Documentation: Non-linear idea exploration
3. Project Planning: Complex interconnected brainstorming