Top Xournal Alternatives for Enhanced Note-Taking and Sketching
Xournal is a well-regarded application for digital note-taking, sketching, and journaling, particularly popular among stylus users on Linux, Windows, and GTK+/Gnome platforms. Its ability to support drawing and writing on PDFs makes it a valuable tool. However, users often seek alternatives that offer a broader range of features, cross-platform compatibility, or a different user experience. Whether you're looking for advanced annotation, cloud synchronization, or specific integrations, there are numerous xournal alternative options available to suit diverse needs.
Top Xournal Alternatives
To help you find the perfect fit for your digital note-taking and sketching needs, we've compiled a list of the best Xournal alternatives, each offering unique strengths and features.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a digital notebook application that provides a versatile space to gather notes and information. It's a fantastic xournal alternative due to its robust support for styluses and handwritten notes, available across a wide range of platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Key features include a hierarchical structure, cloud sync, web clipper, and real-time synchronization, making it ideal for collaborative work and comprehensive knowledge management.
Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a free PDF software that excels in PDF annotation, form filling, and collaboration, making it a strong xournal alternative for those focused on document interaction. It's available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, and boasts features like lightweight design, PDF editing, and digital signing of PDF files, offering a comprehensive solution for PDF-centric workflows.
Notezilla
Notezilla offers colorful and powerful sticky notes for Windows and phones, serving as a unique xournal alternative for quick note-taking and reminders. Its commercial platform supports Windows, Web, Android, and iOS. Features like cloud sync, password encryption, attachment to websites, and organization using folders/tags make it highly versatile for managing small pieces of information and tasks.
Skim
Skim is a free and open-source PDF reader and note-taker designed specifically for OS X. It's an excellent xournal alternative for Mac users, particularly those working with scientific papers, due to its strong PDF annotation and export annotations features. Skim offers a clean and lightweight design, focusing on efficiency for academic and research-oriented tasks.
NixNote
NixNote, formerly Nevernote, is a free and open-source client for Evernote, making it a suitable xournal alternative for users looking for an offline-capable, cross-platform note-taking solution. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, NixNote provides robust note-taking functionalities, leveraging the power of Java for its operation.
Stylus Labs Write
Stylus Labs Write is a word processor uniquely designed for handwriting, primarily for tablets with an active stylus. This free software, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPad, stands out as a powerful xournal alternative for those who prefer a natural handwriting experience. It combines vector drawing capabilities with word processing, featuring handwritten notes, functioning eraser tools, and support for Wacom tablets, making it ideal for creative and detailed note-taking.
Xournal++
Xournal++ is a direct, enhanced version of Xournal, written in C++ for improved flexibility, functionality, and speed. As a free and open-source xournal alternative, it offers PDF annotation, handwritten notes, and LaTeX support, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It's the go-to choice for users who love Xournal but desire more advanced features and performance without changing their core workflow.
PDF Expert
PDF Expert is a commercial application for Mac, iPhone, and iPad that allows users to read, annotate, and edit PDF documents with ease. As a premium xournal alternative, it offers robust PDF annotation features, file compression, Dropbox integration, and form filling capabilities, making it a powerful tool for professionals and students working extensively with PDFs.
GoodNotes
GoodNotes delivers a natural writing experience for handwritten notes on iPhone and iPad, serving as an excellent commercial xournal alternative for Apple users. It offers features like Apple Pencil support, handwriting recognition, integrated search, PDF import, and annotation, making it a smart digital notebook for mobile users who prioritize a fluid and intuitive writing experience.
Flashnote
Flashnote is a free, portable, and quick notes manager for Windows and Linux. It's a simple yet effective xournal alternative for users who need a fast rough copy to save or process text snippets. Its focus on portability and basic note organization makes it ideal for quick jots and temporary information storage.
With a variety of powerful Xournal alternatives available, from comprehensive digital notebooks to specialized PDF annotators and handwriting-focused applications, you're sure to find a tool that aligns with your specific needs. Explore these options to discover the best fit for your note-taking, sketching, and journaling journey.