GitFounders4 Open Source Alternatives to OneNote
A list of 4 carefully selected open-source alternatives to OneNote.
The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.
If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of OneNote open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.
Affine is a next-generation knowledge base that merges docs, whiteboards, and databases into a seamless workspace. It offers privacy-first, open-source solutions designed to boost creativity and collaborative planning.
Key Features
- Unified workspace integrating docs, whiteboards, and databases
- Multimodal AI copilot for smarter writing, drawing, and planning
- Privacy-first and local-first data control
- Open-source with extensive customization and community contributions
- Ready-to-use templates for diverse projects
Affine combines powerful writing, drawing, and planning tools in one unified platform. Its multimodal AI copilot helps transform ideas into structured content while enabling real-time collaboration and effortless creativity. Built with a local-first, privacy-focused approach, this customizable, open-source tool is ideal for individuals and teams looking to streamline their workflow.
Standard Notes is a secure, open-source note-taking app crafted to protect your privacy with end-to-end encryption. It ensures your notes and files are accessible across all devices, empowering you to think fearlessly and work seamlessly.
Key Features
- Industry-leading end-to-end encryption
- Cross-platform syncing and offline access
- Support for markdown, rich text, and various file types
- Open-source with independent security audits
- Free to download with unlimited notes and devices
Standard Notes offers a robust platform for creating and managing notes with advanced encryption that safeguards your data from unauthorized access. The app supports markdown, rich text, and secure file storage while ensuring smooth cross-platform syncing and offline accessibility. Its open-source design and independently audited security features make it a reliable choice for anyone who values privacy and data protection.
Xournal++ is an open-source handwriting note-taking software with robust PDF annotation support. Designed for Linux, macOS, and Windows, it offers flexibility and precision with support for pressure-sensitive pen input from devices like Wacom tablets.
Key Features
- Handwriting and PDF annotation
- Pressure-sensitive stylus and drawing tablet support
- Cross-platform compatibility (Linux, macOS, Windows)
- Customizable toolbars and Lua plugin support
- Built-in LaTeX editor for complex equations
- Audio recording integrated with notes
Xournal++ empowers users to create and annotate handwritten notes with ease, leveraging features such as layered note organization, dynamic shape creation, and a built-in LaTeX editor for scientific notation. Its modern interface supports customizable toolbars and plugin integration through Lua, enabling a tailored note-taking experience that meets both creative and academic needs.
Trilium Notes is a comprehensive personal knowledge base and note-taking application designed to help you build and manage large, hierarchical note collections. It offers an intuitive interface with rich editing, seamless synchronization, and robust note management capabilities.
Key Features
- Hierarchical note organization with cloning capabilities
- Rich WYSIWYG editor with markdown autoformat, tables, images, and math support
- Syntax highlighting for code notes and enhanced text editing
- Fast navigation, full text search, and note versioning
- Attribute-based note organization and advanced scripting
- Self-hosted synchronization and REST API integration
- Per-note encryption and secure sharing options
- Touch-optimized mobile frontend and customizable themes
Trilium Notes enables users to organize notes into deeply nested trees and allows individual notes to appear in multiple locations through cloning. The tool supports rich WYSIWYG editing including tables, images, math, and syntax-highlighted source code. It features powerful navigation, full text search, note versioning, attribute-based organization, advanced scripting, a REST API for automation, and robust encryption at the note level. Users can utilize both desktop and self-hosted web app forms for flexible deployment.
Price comparison of OneNote open-source alternatives
| Tool | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $8.9 AFFiNE AI | $6.75 Pro | $10 Team | Learn more |
* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.
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