QOwnNotesLinux
vs
Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10Windows
QOwnNotes as a Linux alternative to Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
Updated
Our verdict
QOwnNotes is a decent replacement for Microsoft OneNote for users who prioritize text-based, Markdown-driven notes over free-form canvas layouts and multimedia. It works well for those already using Nextcloud or ownCloud for sync and who value speed, simplicity, and open-source ethics. However, it lacks support for ink, embedded audio/video, and real-time collaboration. If your workflow relies heavily on drawings, recordings, or shared notebooks with others, QOwnNotes will fall short. It's best suited for minimalists and technical users comfortable with plain text.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.10.12 (October 25, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports text, images, and links in notes
- Organizes notes with tags and hierarchical lists
- Syncs across Linux, Windows, and macOS via Nextcloud/ownCloud
- Exports to PDF and HTML
- Offers cross-platform availability
What is different
- No free-form canvas; uses linear Markdown documents instead
- Does not support audio or video embedding
- No built-in collaboration features
- No ink or drawing support
- Relies on external sync solutions, not cloud-agnostic
Opening your Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 files
QOwnNotes cannot open Microsoft OneNote .one files directly. There is no built-in import function for OneNote formats, and no known third-party tool reliably converts .one files to Markdown at scale. Users migrating must extract content manually—copying text, images, and links from OneNote into QOwnNotes. This limits bulk migration, especially for heavily formatted or media-rich notes.
Switching from Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 to QOwnNotes, step by step
- Export important OneNote pages as PDF or HTML for backup
- Set up a Nextcloud or ownCloud instance for syncing
- Install QOwnNotes on all devices
- Manually recreate key notes in Markdown format
- Use tagging and note folders to mirror OneNote's notebook/section structure
Key features of QOwnNotes
- Markdown editing with live preview
- Todo list manager
- Tagging and search
- Sync with ownCloud/Nextcloud
- Cross‑platform (Linux, macOS, Windows)
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Lightweight and fast
- Open‑source GPL-2.0+
How to install QOwnNotes on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.qownnotes.QOwnNotessudo dnf install qownnotesFrequently asked questions
Can QOwnNotes sync without Nextcloud?
No, QOwnNotes requires Nextcloud or ownCloud for synchronization. It does not support local folder sync or other cloud providers natively.
Does QOwnNotes support handwriting or drawing?
No. It does not support ink, stylus input, or canvas-style drawing like OneNote.
Can multiple people edit the same note in QOwnNotes?
No. It lacks real-time or even version-aware collaboration features. Shared notes must be managed manually via the sync server.
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