JoplinLinux
vs
Google KeepWindows
Joplin as a Linux alternative to Google Keep
Updated
Our verdict
Joplin is a good replacement for Google Keep if you prioritize privacy, local control, and long-term data ownership over simplicity and real-time collaboration. It covers core note-taking and to-do list needs with strong Markdown support, end-to-end encryption, and reliable sync via third-party services. However, it’s less intuitive for casual users and lacks Google Keep’s quick-share and real-time collaboration features. Best for Linux users who want a self-hosted, open-source alternative and don’t rely heavily on sharing or Google’s ecosystem.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.7.21 (September 25, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support text notes, to-do lists, and reminders
- Notes can be color-coded and organized with tags
- Image attachments are supported, with OCR available via plugins or external tools
- Available on mobile and desktop platforms
- Sync across devices with encryption
What is different
- Joplin lacks built-in real-time collaboration and sharing features
- No native voice note support like Google Keep
- Interface is more complex, less focused on speed and simplicity
- Reminders are less integrated with calendar systems
- OCR for images is not built-in by default
Opening your Google Keep files
Google Keep does not allow direct export of notes in standard formats like Markdown or HTML, making bulk migration difficult. Third-party tools exist to scrape or extract Keep data, but support is limited and unreliable. Joplin cannot directly import Google Keep files because no official export format exists. Migration usually involves manual copying or using unofficial scripts, which may not preserve all metadata or formatting.
Switching from Google Keep to Joplin, step by step
- Use a third-party tool or script to extract notes from Google Keep
- Convert exported notes to Markdown format
- Import the Markdown files into Joplin using its import function
- Manually recreate tags or notebooks to match your old organization
- Set up sync with Dropbox, Nextcloud, or another supported service
Key features of Joplin
- Markdown‑based notes with live preview
- Notebook hierarchy and tag system
- Import from Evernote (.enex) and plain Markdown
- Sync via Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV or local folder
- Web clipper extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- End‑to‑end encryption option
- Desktop, terminal and mobile clients
- Export to PDF, HTML or raw Markdown
How to install Joplin on Linux
flatpak install flathub net.cozic.joplin_desktopFrequently asked questions
Can Joplin sync with Google Drive?
No, Joplin does not support Google Drive sync. Use Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, or WebDAV instead.
Does Joplin support rich text editing?
No, Joplin uses Markdown only. You edit in plain text with live preview, not WYSIWYG.
Is end-to-end encryption enabled by default?
No, you must manually enable E2EE in settings and set a password to encrypt notes.
5 other alternatives to 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
CherryTreeCherryTree is a hierarchical note-taking app with rich text, code highlighting, and file export options.Open sourceFreeFlatpakCherryTree 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