Joplin

Keep Markdown notes, to-dos, and attachments available offline

The official README describes notebooks, search, tags, direct editing, and Markdown storage as core parts of Joplin. Its offline-first model keeps data available on the device without requiring a network connection. Evernote imports can preserve formatted content, resources such as images and attachments, and metadata including geolocation and timestamps, while plain Markdown files can also be imported.

Sources: [1]

Choose a synchronization target instead of depending on one cloud vendor

Joplin's synchronization layer is designed without a hard dependency on a particular company or service. Current targets include Joplin Cloud, Nextcloud, S3, WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, and the local filesystem. External services are abstracted behind lightweight drivers, making it easier to change providers. The terminal client can also run joplin sync from cron or other automation.

Sources: [2]

Add end-to-end encryption, web clipping, plugins, and themes when needed

End-to-end encryption is available across Joplin applications so synchronized notes, notebooks, tags, and resources can remain unreadable to intermediaries. The Web Clipper can capture pages and screenshots from Firefox or Chrome, and the application can be customized with plugins and themes.

Sources: [1][3]

A strong fit when Markdown ownership, offline access, and sync-provider choice matter more than a cloud-only workspace

Joplin suits users migrating from services such as Evernote who want Markdown-backed data, people who need the same notes on computers and phones without requiring constant connectivity, and users who want to choose WebDAV, Nextcloud, Joplin Cloud, or another supported sync target. Its plugin system and Web Clipper also fit research and personal knowledge-management workflows.

Treat sync separately from backup, and review E2EE key handling and component-specific licenses

The recommended E2EE flow starts on one device, creates a master key, synchronizes it, and then enables decryption on additional devices in sequence. The master-key password cannot be recovered, the initial encrypted resynchronization can take significant time, and enabling encryption independently on several devices can create multiple keys.

The repository defaults to AGPL-3.0-or-later unless a subdirectory has its own license. packages/server is a notable exception and uses the Joplin Server Personal Use License, which restricts unauthorized commercial use. The application, server, and Joplin logos/icons therefore do not all share the same usage terms; redistribution or business deployment should review the license for each relevant component.

Sources: [3][4][5]