QOwnNotes is a plain-text notepad and todo-list manager with Markdown support and integration for Nextcloud and ownCloud.
The tool addresses the need for a note-taking application that keeps data in open, portable plain-text files rather than proprietary formats. It stores notes as Markdown files that sync through Nextcloud or ownCloud's native file synchronization, or through other services like Syncthing or Dropbox. This approach gives users freedom to access and edit their notes with any text editor and ensures notes remain accessible even if they stop using the application. The tool includes a built-in editor with Markdown rendering, search functionality, and a todo-list manager that integrates with Nextcloud Tasks or ownCloud Tasks backends.
QOwnNotes suits developers and users who value data portability and want their notes stored in a format they control completely. It works well for anyone already using Nextcloud or ownCloud who wants a desktop client that stays synchronized with their server. The project provides browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome to capture web content, an Android application, and a web app for accessing notes across devices. Choose this tool if you prefer plain-text storage over database-backed note systems and want tight integration with self-hosted cloud infrastructure.
The project maintains a substantial user base, with almost all open issues coming from external users rather than the core team. Maintainers respond to new issues and pull requests within hours. Work in the issue tracker centers on support requests, feature requests, and low-importance improvements, reflecting a mature project focused on addressing user needs and incremental enhancements rather than major architectural changes.
