Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Joplin

Free

Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application that can handle a large number of notes organized into notebooks. The notes are searchable and can be copied, tagged, and modified.

Our take

For those who value privacy and customization, Joplin is a top choice.

Alright, so Joplin is this note-taking app that’s been getting some buzz, and I decided to give it a go. First off, it’s open-source, which means it’s free and has a bunch of folks contributing to it. So, you’re not just relying on a single company to keep it alive. That’s a big plus if you ask me. Customization is where Joplin shines; you can tweak it to your heart’s content, and it’s got this cool feature where you can use markdown to format your notes. It’s like having a blank canvas where you can organize your thoughts just the way you want.

But, let’s talk about syncing. This is where things get a bit tricky. Joplin doesn’t automatically sync with Google Drive or iCloud like some other apps do. Instead, you’ve got options like Dropbox, OneDrive, or even a local file system if you’re feeling tech-savvy. The flexibility is great if you like having control over where your data lives, but it might be a bit of a hassle if you’re used to seamless syncing. You kinda have to be okay with putting in a little extra effort to set it up.

Now, the interface is pretty straightforward, which I appreciate. No frills, just a simple layout where you can get right down to business. The learning curve is pretty gentle, especially if you’re familiar with markdown. But, if you’re someone who’s never used markdown before, there might be a bit of a learning curve. The lack of fancy features might bug some people who are used to more visually appealing apps, but if you’re all about functionality, Joplin’s got you covered.

One thing I’ve noticed is that while Joplin is powerful, it can feel a bit clunky at times, especially on mobile. The desktop app runs smoothly, but the mobile version could use a bit of polish. If you’re planning to use Joplin mostly on your phone, just be prepared for some occasional sluggishness. It’s not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to keep in mind.

Overall, Joplin is a solid choice if you’re looking for a robust, customizable note-taking app and you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves a bit. It doesn’t hold your hand, but that’s part of its charm if you’re into the whole DIY vibe. There’s a lot of potential here, especially if you’re willing to invest a little time into setting it up just right. If you’re someone who appreciates open-source projects and likes to tinker, Joplin might just be your new best friend.

$9.99/month

Free and Premium options