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A free journal and productivity application for Windows

A free journal and productivity application for Windows

Vote: (9 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Denis Auroux

Version: 0.4.8.2016

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(9 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Denis Auroux

0.4.8.2016

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Free and open-source
  • Allows for a minimalistic way of taking notes

Cons

  • The open-source nature of the program can make it hard to find help if you have any questions
  • No stable mobile version
  • Works best with combination laptop/tablet devices if you have a stylus

xournal is a journaling and productivity program. It is a very lightweight program that doesn't take up a lot of space on your computer. It is meant to help people journal, write-down tasks, sketch drawings, and take notes.

The program is open-sourced, meaning that it was developed for free and is downloadable for free. As such, it is one of the more unpolished note-taking platforms available. The program also works for sketching, so if your computer is a combination laptop/tablet, you will be able to use the program to sketchy and physically write notes with a stylus. As such, it has numerous formatting options, colors, and more. You can also use the stylus to highlight certain notes.

All of the above features are very useful, but they also highlight one of the most fundamental flaws with this program: You need a stylus to truly be able to get the most out of it.

Unfortunately, while there is a mobile version, it is listed as still being in a Beta format. That Beta format has 3.8 out of 5 stars, though many users noted that the program has many issues that need to be worked out. While the program has a great deal of potential, the issues holding it back make it less than ideal for someone who is interested in downloading a high-functioning note-taking app. There are better apps available on the market that have more features and are still free or freemium.

Pros

  • Free and open-source
  • Allows for a minimalistic way of taking notes

Cons

  • The open-source nature of the program can make it hard to find help if you have any questions
  • No stable mobile version
  • Works best with combination laptop/tablet devices if you have a stylus