Standard NotesLinux
vs
Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10Windows
Standard Notes as a Linux alternative to Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
Updated
Our verdict
Standard Notes is a good replacement for Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 if your priority is secure, private, and reliable note storage across devices. It handles text, lists, and tagging well and works reliably on Linux. However, it lacks OneNote's free-form canvas, drawing support, embedded audio/video, and collaboration features. If you don’t rely on ink, multimedia, or shared notebooks, Standard Notes offers a solid, encrypted alternative. It’s best for users who value simplicity, privacy, and cross-platform sync over rich formatting and collaboration.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.202.10 (October 17, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Cross-platform sync across Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and web
- Supports text notes with formatting and images
- Organizes content using tags (similar to categories)
- Allows offline access and local storage
- Syncs securely with end-to-end encryption
What is different
- No free-form page layout — Standard Notes uses linear text, not a flexible canvas
- Does not support embedded audio or video clips
- No collaboration or shared notebooks
- No handwriting or ink support
- No built-in export to PDF or HTML in free tier
Opening your Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 files
Standard Notes cannot open Microsoft OneNote .one files directly. There is no built-in import function for OneNote data, and conversion requires third-party tools or manual copying. If you have existing OneNote content, you’ll need to export it to plain text, HTML, or PDF first, then import it manually. This process may lose formatting and embedded media. No official tool supports batch migration from OneNote to Standard Notes.
Switching from Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 to Standard Notes, step by step
- Export important OneNote pages as PDF or HTML
- Manually copy and paste key content into Standard Notes
- Use tags in Standard Notes to replicate OneNote's notebook and section structure
- Enable end-to-end encryption and sign in across all devices
- Install the desktop and mobile apps to sync notes
- Organize notes using pinning and folders for quick access
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 Standard Notes replace OneNote for handwritten notes?
No. Standard Notes does not support handwriting, ink, or stylus input. It’s designed for typed text only.
Is collaboration possible in Standard Notes?
No. Standard Notes does not support real-time sharing or multi-user collaboration. Notes are private and encrypted to a single user.
Does Standard Notes support rich formatting like OneNote?
Limited. It supports basic text formatting and Markdown, but not embedded objects, tables, or free-form layout.
5 other alternatives to Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
JoplinJoplin is an open‑source, cross‑platform note‑taking and to‑do app that stores data in Markdown.Open sourceFreeFlatpakJoplin vs Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
ZimZim is a desktop wiki for taking and organizing notes in plain text files.Open sourceFreeFlatpakZim vs Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
ObsidianObsidian is a markdown‑based knowledge‑base app that stores notes as plain‑text files in a local folder.FlatpakObsidian vs Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
QOwnNotesQOwnNotes is a plain‑text Markdown editor with todo list support that can sync with ownCloud or Nextcloud.Open sourceFreeFlatpakQOwnNotes vs Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
Trilium NotesTrilium Notes is a hierarchical, self‑hostable note‑taking app for building personal knowledge bases.Open sourceFreeFlatpakTrilium Notes vs Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10