Is Joplin a Good Fit for Your Note-Taking Needs?

Joplin is a strong fit if you want an open-source, cross-platform note-taking app that keeps your notes in an open format and offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE). It suits people who take multimedia notes, clip web pages, sync across devices, and prefer to own their data. If you mainly need real-time collaborative editing or a fully hosted, zero-setup service, evaluate Joplin Cloud and its sharing features against your needs before committing.

What Joplin Is

Joplin is an open-source note-taking application. According to the official site, it lets you capture thoughts and securely access them from any device. Notes are saved in an open format, and the app uses end-to-end encryption so that no one but you can access your notes.

It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with a terminal app also available.

Key Capabilities

Multimedia notes

Joplin supports images, videos, PDFs, and audio files. You can create math expressions and diagrams directly in the app, and take photos with the mobile app to save them to a note.

Web clipping

A web clipper extension for Chrome and Firefox lets you save web pages or take screenshots as notes.

Customisation

You can customise the app with plugins, custom themes, and multiple text editors (Rich Text or Markdown). You can also create your own scripts and plugins using the Extension API.

Sync and access anywhere

Notes sync across your computer, phone, or tablet through services including Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

Collaboration and sharing

With Joplin Cloud, you can share notes with friends, family, or colleagues and collaborate on them. You can also publish a note to the internet and share the URL.

Privacy and Data Ownership

• Open source and open format: The app is open source and notes are saved to an open format, so you always have access to them.
• End-to-end encryption (E2EE): Notes are secured so that no one but yourself can access them.
• EU privacy protection: Joplin Cloud is based in France, so data is protected by strict European Union privacy laws. Joplin Cloud also implements strong end-to-end encryption, meaning even the provider cannot access your data.

How to Get Started

1. Download the app from joplinapp.org for your platform (desktop, mobile, or terminal).
2. Choose a sync target if you want notes on multiple devices: Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
3. Optional — sign up with Joplin Cloud if you want hosted sync plus sharing and collaboration features.
4. Add the web clipper from Chrome or Firefox if you want to save web pages as notes.
5. Customise with plugins, themes, and your preferred editor (Rich Text or Markdown).

Is It a Good Fit? Quick Check

If your needs line up with the left column, Joplin is likely a good fit. If you require features not described here, check the official site and Joplin Cloud plans before deciding.