JoplinLinux vs Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10Windows

Joplin as a Linux alternative to Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10

Updated October 26, 2026

Our verdict

Joplin is a solid replacement for Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 if you prioritize text-based, organized notes and cross-platform sync. It handles free-form text, images, and to-do lists well, especially for users comfortable with Markdown. However, it lacks native support for ink, handwriting, and embedded audio/video playback. If your workflow relies heavily on drawing or multimedia, Joplin will feel limited. It's ideal for knowledge workers, students, and developers who value open source, plain-text backup, and end-to-end encryption over rich media features.

Feature parity70%

License: AGPL-3.0-or-later
Price: Free
Latest version: 3.7.21 (September 25, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Joplin Website ↗

What works the same

Free-form note entry with text and images
Hierarchical notebook and section organization
Cross-platform sync via cloud services like Dropbox and OneDrive
Support for tags and search across notes
Export to PDF, HTML, and plain text

What is different

Joplin uses Markdown formatting instead of WYSIWYG
No built-in support for audio or video clips
No native handwriting or ink input
No real-time collaboration with other users
No web version or browser-based editing

Opening your Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 files

Joplin does not support opening Microsoft OneNote .one files directly. There is no known converter to import OneNote content into Joplin. However, if notes are exported from OneNote to PDF or HTML, they can be manually saved and attached or pasted into Joplin. For bulk migration, users must rely on third-party tools or manual copying, which may not preserve layout or metadata.

Switching from Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 to Joplin, step by step

Export important OneNote content to PDF or HTML as backup
Install Joplin on your primary device from joplinapp.org or Flathub
Set up sync using Dropbox, OneDrive, or another supported service
Manually recreate notebooks and import content from exported files
Install the web clipper for your browser to save web content
Enable end-to-end encryption if desired for sensitive notes

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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub net.cozic.joplin_desktop

Frequently asked questions

Can Joplin replace OneNote for handwritten notes on a tablet?

No, Joplin does not support ink or stylus input. It’s text-focused and lacks drawing tools, so it’s not suitable for users who rely on handwriting or sketches.

Does Joplin support real-time collaboration like OneNote?

No, Joplin does not offer real-time collaboration. Notes sync across devices per user, but multiple people cannot edit the same note simultaneously.

Can I use Joplin offline?

Yes, Joplin works fully offline. Notes are stored locally and sync when connection is restored, making it reliable for travel or low-connectivity environments.