Standard NotesLinux
vs
Google KeepWindows
Standard Notes as a Linux alternative to Google Keep
Updated
Our verdict
Standard Notes is a solid replacement for Google Keep if your priority is privacy and long-term note security. It handles core tasks like text notes, to-do lists, tagging, pinning, and cross-device sync well. However, it lacks built-in voice notes, real-time collaboration, and OCR for image text extraction. If you don’t rely on Google’s ecosystem or sharing with others, and value end-to-end encryption over convenience, Standard Notes is a trustworthy choice. Power users may want extensions, but the free tier covers basics reliably.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.203.0 (November 2, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports plain text notes and checklists
- Syncs across Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, and web
- Allows tagging and color-coding of notes
- Enables reminders and pinning of important notes
- Offers offline access and trash with recovery
What is different
- No built-in OCR for extracting text from images
- No real-time collaboration or shared editing
- No voice notes or drawing support
- Reminders are time-based only, no location triggers
- No native desktop widget or glanceable interface
Opening your Google Keep files
There's no direct import from Google Keep to Standard Notes. Google Keep allows export via Google Takeout, which includes notes as HTML or JSON files. Standard Notes supports importing from several formats, but not directly from Keep’s export. You may need to convert or manually migrate. The process is doable but not automatic, and formatting like checklists or images may require cleanup.
Switching from Google Keep to Standard Notes, step by step
- Export your data from Google Keep using Google Takeout
- Review the exported HTML/JSON files for completeness
- Install Standard Notes on your Linux system via Flathub or official site
- Import and reformat notes manually or with a script
- Set up tags and organize notes in Standard Notes
- Enable passcode lock and sync on all devices
Key features of Standard Notes
- End‑to‑end encrypted sync across all devices
- Unlimited notes and devices
- Offline access
- Tagging and pinning
- Passcode and fingerprint lock
- Open‑source code
- Free tier with optional paid extensions
How to install Standard Notes on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.standardnotes.standardnotesFrequently asked questions
Can I share notes with others using Standard Notes?
No, sharing is not supported in the free tier. Even with paid extensions, real-time collaboration isn’t available like in Google Keep.
Does Standard Notes support image OCR?
No, it stores images but doesn’t extract text from them. You’ll need to manually transcribe or use external tools.
Is the free version of Standard Notes enough for basic use?
Yes, the free tier includes sync, encryption, tagging, and unlimited notes—enough for most users who don’t need advanced editors or sharing.
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