CherryTreeLinux
vs
Google KeepWindows
CherryTree as a Linux alternative to Google Keep
Updated
Our verdict
CherryTree is a solid replacement for Google Keep if you prioritize local control, rich content, and structured organization over cloud sync and collaboration. It excels at storing formatted notes, code snippets, images, and links in a hierarchical tree, making it ideal for personal knowledge management. However, it lacks built-in end-to-end encryption, real-time sharing, and mobile access. You’ll need third-party tools for cross-device sync. If you value privacy and deep note formatting over instant collaboration and mobility, CherryTree is a strong choice.
- License
- GPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- b'1.7.2' (November 11, 2011)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports text notes with formatting and to-do lists
- Allows tagging and color-coding of notes via node placement and labels
- Enables image attachment and basic organization
- Lets you set reminders indirectly via pinned nodes or text labels
- Includes search and find/replace functionality
What is different
- No built-in sync or cloud integration — you must manage sync manually
- No native mobile apps; access on mobile requires workarounds
- No real-time collaboration or sharing features
- No OCR for text extraction from images
- Hierarchical tree structure replaces flat note list, changing workflow
Opening your Google Keep files
There is no direct way to import Google Keep notes into CherryTree, as Google Keep does not export in standard note formats. You can export Keep notes as text or HTML via Google Takeout, but these must be manually copied or scripted into CherryTree. No automated tools reliably convert Keep data to CherryTree’s format. Migration requires exporting notes from Google’s ecosystem and pasting them into the appropriate nodes.
Switching from Google Keep to CherryTree, step by step
- Export your Google Keep notes using Google Takeout
- Convert exported HTML or text files into a readable format
- Launch CherryTree and create a new document
- Manually create parent nodes for categories or labels
- Copy and paste note contents into appropriate nodes
- Use formatting tools to replicate lists, images, and links
Key features of CherryTree
- Hierarchical tree-structured notes
- Rich text with images, tables, and lists
- Syntax highlighting for code blocks
- Password protection for nodes
- Export to PDF, HTML, and plain text
- Import from other note apps
- Spell check and find/replace tools
- Stores data in XML or SQLite
How to install CherryTree on Linux
flatpak install flathub net.giuspen.cherrytreesudo apt install cherrytreesudo apt install cherrytreesudo pacman -S cherrytreesudo zypper install cherrytreeFrequently asked questions
Can I sync CherryTree across devices like Google Keep?
Not natively. You can sync the data file using third-party services like Syncthing or Nextcloud, but ensure only one instance is open at a time to avoid corruption.
Is there a mobile version of CherryTree?
No. You can view or edit the file on mobile using a text or code editor if synced, but full functionality requires the desktop app.
Can CherryTree extract text from images like Google Keep?
No. CherryTree stores images but doesn’t include OCR. You’d need external tools like Tesseract to extract text and manually add it.
5 other alternatives to Google Keep
JoplinJoplin is an open‑source, cross‑platform note‑taking and to‑do app that stores data in Markdown.Open sourceFreeFlatpakJoplin vs Google Keep
Standard NotesStandard Notes is a cross‑platform, end‑to‑end encrypted notes app that syncs securely across devices.Open sourceFreeFlatpakStandard Notes vs Google Keep
ZimZim is a desktop wiki for taking and organizing notes in plain text files.Open sourceFreeFlatpakZim vs Google Keep
ObsidianObsidian is a markdown‑based knowledge‑base app that stores notes as plain‑text files in a local folder.FlatpakObsidian vs Google KeepNotejotNotejot is a lightweight KDE sticky note application that pins notes to your desktop for quick reminders.Open sourceFreeNotejot vs Google Keep