ZimLinux
vs
Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10Windows
Zim as a Linux alternative to Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
Updated
Our verdict
Zim is a decent replacement for Microsoft OneNote for users who prioritize structured, text-based notes over rich media and real-time collaboration. It works well for personal knowledge management, journaling, and organizing tasks with plain text files. However, it lacks support for ink, audio/video embedding, and cloud sync with collaboration. If you value simplicity, local storage, and markdown-style editing, Zim fits. But if you rely heavily on multimedia or shared notebooks, it's not a practical substitute.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.77.2 (July 26, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support free-form note creation with text and images
- Hierarchical organization using sections and pages
- Cross-platform availability (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Export to PDF and HTML formats
- Support for internal linking between notes
What is different
- Zim does not support audio or video clips
- No real-time collaboration or shared notebooks
- No ink or drawing input support
- Sync must be manually set up via external tools (e.g., Nextcloud, Git)
- No native mobile apps; limited cross-device experience
Opening your Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 files
Zim cannot open Microsoft OneNote files (.one). There is no built-in import functionality for OneNote content, and no known third-party tools reliably convert .one files to Zim's wiki markup format. Users migrating must manually copy text and media from OneNote to Zim. Export from OneNote to HTML or PDF is possible, which can then be referenced or imported as plain text, but formatting and structure may be lost.
Switching from Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 to Zim, step by step
- Export important OneNote pages to HTML or PDF for reference
- Install Zim on your system using your package manager or Flathub
- Create a new notebook directory and set up your hierarchy
- Manually recreate key pages and links in Zim using wiki markup
- Attach exported images or files as needed
- Use version control or cloud sync to back up and share your Zim notebook folder
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 Zim sync with OneDrive like OneNote?
No, Zim does not integrate with OneDrive. Sync must be handled externally using tools like rsync, Git, or cloud folders such as Nextcloud or Dropbox.
Does Zim support handwriting or stylus input?
No, Zim has no support for ink, drawing, or stylus input. It is designed for keyboard-driven, text-based note-taking.
Can multiple people edit the same Zim notebook at once?
No, Zim does not support real-time or concurrent collaboration. Sharing notebooks requires manual sync and risks conflicts without version control.
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
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
Standard NotesStandard Notes is a cross‑platform, end‑to‑end encrypted notes app that syncs securely across devices.Open sourceFreeFlatpakStandard Notes 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