SoftNexi

Windows · Office & Productivity

Joplin for Windows

Free, open-source Markdown note-taking app with notebooks, tags, and end-to-end encrypted sync to your own storage of choice.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking app that organizes Markdown notes into notebooks and tags, with support for attachments and to-do items alongside regular notes. It's developed as a community open-source project rather than a commercial product, and the desktop app, mobile apps, and command-line client are all free.

It suits users who want Obsidian-style plain-text notes but prefer built-in synchronization to a storage backend they already control — Joplin supports syncing through Nextcloud, WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, S3, and its own optional paid Joplin Cloud service, with end-to-end encryption available for any of those sync targets.

Compared with Obsidian, Joplin's linking and graph features are more limited, and its plugin ecosystem is smaller, but its sync setup is more turnkey if you already use one of its supported storage providers, and the entire project being open source may matter to users who want to audit or self-host every part of the stack.

Notes are stored internally in Joplin's own database format but can be exported to plain Markdown files, and imports from Evernote and other note apps are supported, which eases migration in either direction.

Key features

  • Notes organized into notebooks with tags and to-do items
  • End-to-end encryption available for synced notes and attachments
  • Sync to Nextcloud, WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, S3, or optional paid Joplin Cloud
  • Import from Evernote and export to Markdown, HTML, or PDF
  • Open-source codebase with mobile, desktop, and command-line clients
  • Plugin support for extending functionality, though a smaller ecosystem than some competitors

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); a 32-bit build is also offered
Internet
Not required for local use; needed for syncing to a chosen storage backend

How to install Joplin

  1. 1. Download the installer

    Get the Windows installer from joplinapp.org/download.

  2. 2. Run setup

    Approve the UAC prompt and follow the installer; no account is required for local use.

  3. 3. Set up sync (optional)

    In Tools > Options > Synchronisation, choose a storage backend like Nextcloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive if you want notes available on other devices.

  4. 4. Enable encryption (optional)

    In Options > Encryption, turn on end-to-end encryption and set a master password before syncing to a third-party storage provider.

How to use it

  1. 1. Organize with notebooks and tags

    Create notebooks for broad categories and use tags for cross-cutting topics that don't fit a single notebook.

  2. 2. Sync across devices

    Configure the same sync backend on the Joplin mobile app to keep notes updated across your phone and desktop.

  3. 3. Export notes

    Use File > Export to save notes as Markdown, HTML, or PDF if you need them outside Joplin's own database format.

  4. 4. Import from Evernote

    Use File > Import to bring in an Evernote .enex export when migrating from Evernote.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from joplinapp.org to get the official installer.
  • Joplin is open source, so its code is publicly reviewable by the community.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
Joplin can work fully offline with local notes only; syncing is opt-in and end-to-end encryption is available so that even third-party storage providers cannot read your note content.

Known risks

  • If you enable end-to-end encryption, losing your master password can make synced notes unrecoverable — keep a safe backup of your encryption password.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source with no mandatory paid tier
    • Choice of several sync backends, including services you may already use
    • End-to-end encryption available for synced notes
    • Straightforward import from Evernote and export to Markdown or PDF

    Cons

    • Smaller plugin ecosystem than Obsidian
    • Linking and graph visualization features are more limited
    • Interface is more utilitarian than some competing note apps

    Verdict

    Joplin is a strong pick for anyone who wants a free, open-source note app with flexible, encrypted sync to a storage provider they already trust. Users who want deeper note-linking and a larger plugin ecosystem may prefer Obsidian instead.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Joplin free?

    Yes, Joplin is free and open source; Joplin Cloud is an optional paid sync service, but syncing to your own Nextcloud, Dropbox, or other backend is free.

    Does Joplin support encryption?

    Yes, Joplin offers end-to-end encryption for notes and attachments synced to any supported storage backend.

    Can I export my notes from Joplin?

    Yes, notes can be exported to Markdown, HTML, or PDF, which helps avoid lock-in to Joplin's internal database format.

    Does Joplin run on Windows 11?

    Yes, Joplin supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit), with a 32-bit build also available.