ZimLinux
vs
Google KeepWindows
Zim as a Linux alternative to Google Keep
Updated
Our verdict
Zim is a decent replacement for Google Keep if you prioritize local control, plain-text organization, and hierarchical note management over real-time sync and collaboration. It works well for users who take structured, text-heavy notes and want full offline access. However, it lacks cloud sync, mobile apps, and sharing features, making it less suitable for users who rely on reminders, cross-device availability, or team note-sharing. If your workflow centers on personal, desktop-based note-taking with tagging and linking, Zim excels. For active Google Keep users needing mobility and sync, it's not a direct substitute.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.77.2 (July 26, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports text notes and to-do lists with basic formatting
- Allows tagging and color-coding of notes for organization
- Enables attaching images to notes
- Supports pinning important pages via sidebar or naming
- Hierarchical organization through notebook structure
What is different
- No built-in sync or encryption across devices
- No mobile app or web access, desktop-only
- No real-time collaboration or sharing
- No OCR text extraction from images
- No time-based reminders or location triggers
Opening your Google Keep files
Google Keep doesn't export data in a standard plain-text or wiki format, so direct file import into Zim isn't possible. You can export Keep notes as text files manually and then import them into Zim by creating new pages. Formatting and structure must be adjusted manually. OCR-extracted text from Keep images won't transfer automatically. There’s no tool to convert Keep’s JSON exports into Zim’s wiki markup, so migration is largely manual.
Switching from Google Keep to Zim, step by step
- Export your Google Keep notes via Google Takeout
- Extract the archive and convert notes to plain text or HTML
- Create new pages in Zim for each note or group of related notes
- Manually add tags, colors, and links using Zim's markup
- Attach exported images where needed
- Organize pages in the sidebar tree by topic or notebook
Key features of Zim
- Hierarchical sidebar tree for page organization
- Automatic plain‑text file storage with wiki markup
- Linking between pages and attachments
- Plugins for tasks, equations, tray icon, and VCS
- Cross‑platform keyboard shortcuts
- Export to HTML, PDF, and plain text
How to install Zim on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.zim_wiki.Zimsudo apt install zimsudo apt install zimsudo dnf install Zimsudo pacman -S zimsudo zypper install zimFrequently asked questions
Can I sync Zim notes across devices like Google Keep?
Not directly. You can sync the Zim notebook folder using tools like Syncthing, Nextcloud, or Dropbox, but conflicts may occur. Manual syncing or version control (like Git) is possible but requires care.
Does Zim support reminders like Google Keep?
No, Zim has no built-in reminder system. You can mark tasks with tags like @due or use a separate calendar app alongside Zim.
Can I use Zim on Android?
No native Android app exists. You can access Zim files via file sync and edit them in a text editor, but the full interface and linking features are desktop-only.
5 other alternatives to Google Keep
JoplinJoplin is an open‑source, cross‑platform note‑taking and to‑do app that stores data in Markdown.Open sourceFreeFlatpakJoplin vs 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
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