Joplin is a free, open source note-taking and to-do application with synchronization capabilities across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
The tool addresses the need for accessible, private note storage by adopting an offline-first architecture where all data resides locally on your device, ensuring availability regardless of internet connectivity. Notes are stored in Markdown format and can be synchronized across devices using end-to-end encryption with services including Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Joplin Cloud. The application supports importing Evernote exports with full conversion of formatted content, resources, and metadata, as well as plain Markdown files. Full-text search is available across all platforms, and the interface can be extended through plugins and themes.
Joplin suits developers and users who prioritize privacy and want to avoid vendor lock-in while maintaining a cross-platform note-taking solution. The offline-first design makes it particularly valuable for those who need reliable access without depending on cloud connectivity. The application's Markdown foundation appeals to users comfortable with plain-text workflows. A web clipper for Firefox and Chrome enables saving web pages and screenshots directly into your note collection.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with the project maintained through community support mechanisms including donations and sponsorships. The codebase is written in TypeScript and built on Electron for desktop platforms and React Native for mobile, indicating a commitment to maintaining feature parity across different operating systems. The project maintains documentation covering synchronization, end-to-end encryption implementation, import and export functionality, and plugin development, suggesting active attention to both user guidance and extensibility.
