Microsoft OneNote Alternatives for Linux

Microsoft OneNote is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or Standard Notes. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote and 19 are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Microsoft OneNote are Xournal++, Zettlr, Zim and CherryTree.

Microsoft OneNote alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Microsoft OneNote.

Microsoft OneNote alternatives page was last updated

Microsoft OneNote

1109

Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office), is a digital notebook...

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Obsidian
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
32 Obsidian alternatives
Obsidian is a note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear thinking and allows you to easily link your notes together wiki-style.
- - Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
- - Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Syntax HighlightingObsidian supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
9. Ad-freeObsidian doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Note organization
Knowledge Base structuring
Write files in markdown
Opinions about Obsidian as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Almost everyone thinks Obsidian is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
Joplin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Cloudron
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
23 Joplin alternatives
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
- - Joplin is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
- - Joplin is the most popular Open Source alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Tagging
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Write files in markdown
Multiplatform
Synchronization
Plugin system
Export to HTML
Comments about Joplin as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Most users think Joplin is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
dasonic
Same structure as Onenote, supports images, looks modern.

Doesn't have all the same features (like drawing on the screen) but also has its own unique features Onenote doesn't have.

Also runs on Linux, which is the biggest plus for me.
Top positive comment•
13

Guest
pretty and very clear user interface
Top positive comment•
11

Martin Ligabue
it doesn't have pen input support
Top negative comment•
5

ThunderFox
Onenote allows you to write or draw wherever you want on the screen while Joplin is limited. It makes sense, as Joplin stores everything in plain markdown documents, but it's something severely lacking in all of the Onenote alternatives I've seen.
Negative comment•
1

thepisu
It's simple enough when you need to write small notes or to-do quickly, with a clean interface, but it's also powerful with cloud sync, cross platform (Linux included), and support formatting, images and attachments.
Positive comment•
1

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Standard Notes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
30 Standard Notes alternatives
Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser.
- - Standard Notes is the most popular Web-based alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
Suggest and vote on features
Standard Notes Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionStandard Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedStandard Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
4. Support for MarkDownStandard Notes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsStandard Notes can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. Works OfflineStandard Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Encrypted BackupStandard Notes uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
8. Ad-freeStandard Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Automatic BackupStandard Notes will automatically back up your data periodically.
Encrypted Notes
Clean design
AES Encryption
Security focused
Minimalistic
Distraction-free Writing
Sync on many devices
Simple text editor
Two-factor Authentication
Customizable
Comments about Standard Notes as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Most users think Standard Notes is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Encrypted, very lightweight and not owned by Microsoft.
Top positive comment•
0

Anipe
Very, VERY BASIC, its open source and free but its basic and the features it offers are paid compared to one note's free model
Top negative comment•
2

k71
Good for those options to store online or sync between devices. Devices: Windows app, web-browser, android app...

I prefer this one than SimpleNote, in any case, to share between devices nowadays i recommend telegram or protectedtext. For text, Onenote. I didnt like turtl, joplin or elephant.
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0

Guest
Don't have sections or pages, just notes.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
The free version is only plain text editing - can't even paste images or use bold and italics. There simply aren't enough features in the free one to determine whether I like it enough to pay for premium.
Negative comment•
5

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Xournal++
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
42 Xournal++ alternatives
Xournal++ (a fork of Xournal) is a handwriting Notetaking software with PDF annotation support. Written in C++ with platform independent GTK, supporting Linux, e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Suse, macOS and Windows 10. Supports Pen input like Wacom Tablets.
Suggest and vote on features
Xournal++ Features
1. Handwritten NotesXournal++ supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. PDF annotationXournal++ support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
3. Works OfflineXournal++ can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Pressure SensitivityXournal++ can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
5. Ad-freeXournal++ doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. PortableXournal++ can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
7. Support for LaTeXXournal++ supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
8. Dark ModeXournal++ supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Spell CheckingXournal++ can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Support for styluses
Handwriting
Export to PDF
LaTeX Math
Pen Support
Multi layer drawing
Audio with notes
Freehand Writing
Highlighter
Auto-saving
Comments about Xournal++ as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Almost everyone thinks Xournal++ is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Nearly similar interface. Lightweight, open source with latex support and voice notes. Flexible layout which was missing in xournal.
Top positive comment•
1

violoncello
With Xournal++ you own your notes and can save them wherever you want - you are not forced to store them somewhere in the cloud as it's the case with OneNote
Top positive comment•
2

Guest
In the version available for Chromebooks, the option for typed text is not working.
Top negative comment•
0

BachoSeven
Cross-platform and well supporting stylus pens, Xournalpp implements most if not all funcionalities of OneNote, including recording audio alongside pen strokes. Plus, it's free and open source!
Positive comment•
0

komp12321
It is full open source, Supports handwriting (stylus) Allows to create annotations on PDF-s (OneNote doesn't)
Positive comment•
0

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Zettlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
File Organizer
Mac
Windows
Linux
145 Zettlr alternatives
Zettlr is a one-stop publication workbench that combines many writing features and collects them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Syntax HighlightingZettlr supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
7. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zettlr.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Zettlr without registration.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Link files
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Sync with Nextcloud
Interactive tables
Write files in markdown
Zim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Flathub
Flatpak
286 Zim alternatives
Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...
Suggest and vote on features
Zim Features
1. Works OfflineZim can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zim.
3. WYSIWYG SupportZim integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
4. PortableZim can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Ad-freeZim doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Full-Text SearchZim lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
7. Spell CheckingZim can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
8. File VersioningZim has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
9. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsZim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Plain text file
Wiki-like interface
Cross-Platform
Outliner
Wiki
Text formatting
Nested Notes
Export to HTML
LaTeX Equations
Outline folding
Comments about Zim as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Most users think Zim is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
axcqhsbsadoukciozt
You are better of using a cellulose notepad rather than OneNote which siphons all your data unencrypted to "the cloud"
Top positive comment•
0

LordMax
Wonderful. Every file is a .txt file, so you're in total control.
Top positive comment•
18

Guest
Zim is more like simplenote, or a desktop wiki. It is missing most of the functionality of onenote.
Top negative comment•
19

k71
It´s like Windows Notepad, but you can make trees of notes (subnotes), it´s easy, quick, and recognize links to show them as links. Not synchronized between devices. Local, No stored in the web. No password needed.

I like it, but stop using it as I started using OneNote for almost everything.

Apps I´ve tried and in order of preference: onenote, cinta notes, evernote, zim, standard notes, Simple notes, turtl, joplin, elephant.
Positive comment•
0

RemovedUser
I like Zim as it stores information in an open source and flat file format directly using the computer file system. So you can the software as a kind of file explorer with the difference that you have a note associated with each folder of your computer. From my point of view, it is really structuring my numeric environment. After discovering it, I would not return to OneNote and other kinds of note taking apps I tried.
Positive comment•
0

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CherryTree
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
21 CherryTree alternatives
A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.
Suggest and vote on features
CherryTree Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with CherryTree.
2. Syntax HighlightingCherryTree supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
5. PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Tree structure
Infinite hierarchical depth
Includes images in notes
Outliner
Tree view
Text-manipulation
Internal linking
Tree-style
Customizable
Export to HTML
Comments about CherryTree as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Most users think CherryTree is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
hierarchical Nodes and Subnode with icons, quick tool bar, simple as well rich text format, import export option, extremely light weight set up, easy backup, adjustable font size with mouse button, complete set of editting tools, customizable lay out, stable, supports text upto million of words, word count, password protected, multiple data basis, free and easy to use.
Top positive comment•
2

Guest
its not OneNote, but its as close as I´ve found on linux. This finally frees me from Windows. Just started using it, but already i can see it will do. Now if only it accepts photos, voice clips, videos and webpages I can call it a day!
Top positive comment•
9

Guest
It is more like Simple Note which is bare bones & not comparable to OneNote. No dragable containers, no ocr or voice recording. Also lacks sync.
Top negative comment•
5

Guest
Doesn't have detailed sorting like a notebook or various notebooks
Negative comment•
0

Guest
The hierarchy is fantastic!
Positive comment•
0

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