QOwnNotes

Active

Country: Austria (AT)
Founded: 2014
Developer: Patrick Sturm (individual developer from Austria)
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows

Indexes

Note-Taking

Overview

QOwnNotes is a markdown-based note-taking application that stores notes as plain-text files in a local folder, allowing users to manage them with any text editor. It integrates with Nextcloud or ownCloud for syncing across devices, sharing notes, accessing trash and history via QOwnNotesAPI, and handling todo lists through CalDAV. Designed for privacy-focused users who prioritize local control and vendor independence, it supports browser bookmark management and web clipping.

Key Features

Markdown note storage - Stores all notes as plain-text Markdown files in a local folder for full user ownership and compatibility with any text editor.
Nextcloud/ownCloud sync - Syncs notes across devices using Nextcloud or ownCloud clients without vendor lock-in.
QOwnNotesAPI integration - Provides access to trashed notes, note versions, and history on Nextcloud/ownCloud servers.
Todo list management - Accesses and manages todo lists directly from Nextcloud/ownCloud via CalDAV.
Note sharing - Shares notes publicly via Nextcloud/ownCloud server API.
Browser bookmark manager - Manages browser bookmarks or functions as a web clipper within the app.
Web app companion - Inserts photos from mobile devices into desktop notes via app.qownnotes.org with encrypted communication.
Customizable interface - Heavily customizable and scriptable for user-defined workflows.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Full access to all features, open-source.

Platforms & Requirements

Runs natively on Linux, macOS, and Windows as a lightweight desktop application with low resource usage. No mobile apps; relies on Nextcloud/ownCloud sync clients for cross-device access and a web app for specific functions like photo insertion. Minimum requirements are standard for desktop OS, with no specific hardware limits noted.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Nextcloud
ownCloud
QOwnNotesAPI (for trash and versions)
CalDAV (for todos)
Nextcloud Notes
Markdown import/export
Browser bookmarks
QOwnNotes Web App

Alternatives

App	Difference
Nextcloud Notes	Web-based app integrated directly in Nextcloud, lacks desktop Markdown editing focus.
Standard Notes	End-to-end encrypted with cloud sync, less emphasis on local plain-text files.
Joplin	Open-source with E2E encryption and multi-platform sync, uses its own database format alongside Markdown.
Obsidian	Knowledge base app with graph views on local Markdown files, no built-in cloud sync.

Reputation

QOwnNotes is regarded as a reliable, privacy-oriented tool for users preferring local Markdown storage and self-hosted sync via Nextcloud/ownCloud. Strengths include its small footprint, full customization, and avoidance of vendor lock-in, earning praise in open-source communities. Criticisms focus on lack of native mobile apps and dependency on external sync clients for multi-device use.

Sources (9)