Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Cherrytree is a free, open-source desktop notebook for people who want notes arranged in a navigable tree rather than a collection of independent Markdown files. It combines rich-text editing, code snippets, images, attachments, tables, and local document storage. It is a strong fit for offline technical references, research, and course notes; it is less suited to teams that need live collaboration or users who require built-in mobile synchronization.
What Cherrytree is—and who it suits
Cherrytree organizes information into a tree of nodes. A node can contain child nodes, so a notebook might be arranged as Linux > Servers > Web > Nginx. You can reorder and nest nodes, bookmark important ones, and link between them. The project also supports automatic links to node names written in double brackets. This outline-first model makes it easy to browse a large, deliberately organized reference library, but it asks you to decide where notes belong.
Unlike a Markdown-only editor, Cherrytree is a rich-text application. Its documents can combine formatted prose, code, tables, images, embedded files, equations, links, and anchors. It runs on Linux and other desktop platforms, stores notebooks locally, and does not require an account for ordinary offline use. The upstream project is authored by Giuseppe Penone and licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later. See the project README for the supported features and storage models.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Good fit: Linux users who think in nested outlines; developers and administrators maintaining commands and runbooks; students and researchers collecting mixed-format material; and people migrating from older tree-based notebook applications.
- Consider another app: if you need simultaneous team editing, routine web access, a first-class phone workflow, built-in multi-device synchronization, or a folder of independently editable Markdown notes.
Cherrytree is a notebook, not a task or project-management platform. Its central advantage is the combination of hierarchical navigation and rich-text content—not breadth of collaboration features.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
Features that matter in everyday use
Tree navigation and rich notes
Use parent nodes for broad categories—such as courses, clients, servers, or projects—and child nodes for individual topics. Within a note, the editor supports headings, bold and italic text, lists and to-do lists, colors, superscript and subscript, monospace text, tables, links, and anchors. Spell-checking is available in multiple languages. This makes a node more like a formatted notebook page than a plain-text file.
Code, images, files, and equations
For technical documentation, Cherrytree provides syntax-highlighted code boxes and can execute code nodes or boxes using a configurable command and terminal. Linux and macOS builds also offer an embedded terminal. Execution is a convenience, not a sandbox: treat code in a note as executable code and run only material you trust.
You can insert and edit images, including resizing and rotation, embed files and save them back to disk, and render LaTeX equations. Tables support CSV import and export. A practical server note might contain an explanation, a command in a code box, a screenshot, and an attached configuration file in one place.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSearch, import, and export
Search can span nodes and supports multiword AND/OR searches; recent upstream work also includes search-and-replace improvements. Cherrytree can import from applications and formats including Basket, Gnote, KeepNote, Tomboy, Treepad Lite, Zim, and others listed in the README. For a migration, test representative notes and retain the original data: imports may not reproduce every formatting detail.
You can export a selection, node, node with its subnodes, or a whole tree. HTML, text, and PDF export are also available through the command line. Export is useful for sharing or archiving, but it does not turn the native notebook into a live Markdown vault that other applications can edit in place.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
Install Cherrytree on Linux
Distribution package
On Debian-family systems, the project lists this basic installation command:
sudo apt install cherrytreeThe version depends on your distribution and repository; do not assume the package is the newest upstream release. For example, the Ubuntu Noble manpage documents package version 1.1.2+dfsg-1. Check the Ubuntu Noble manpage or your distribution’s package information, then verify what is installed:
Recommended Free Tools
cherrytree --versionThe Debian manpage also documents -V for displaying the version. Repository versions can lag behind upstream.
AppImage
If you want a portable upstream build, check the official GitHub releases for an AppImage asset compatible with your machine. Copy the asset’s exact filename and architecture; an x86_64 binary is not suitable for every Linux system. A typical workflow is:
chmod +x Cherrytree-<version>-x86_64.AppImage
./Cherrytree-<version>-x86_64.AppImageReplace the example name with the actual release asset. The project website lists an older 1.7.0 AppImage, while GitHub identifies 1.7.1 as the newer release in the version snapshot below.
Rank #3
- [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
Other installation routes
Homebrew users can install the formula with brew install cherrytree; its listing includes Linux bottles for x86_64 and ARM64. This is most useful if Homebrew is already part of your workflow, rather than as the default Linux route. Advanced users can build from source using the project’s build instructions; dependencies and package names vary by distribution.
Choose a storage model before building a large notebook
Cherrytree supports single-file XML, single-file SQLite, and multi-file storage with directories for content or attachments. The choice affects copying, external inspection, attachment handling, backup, synchronization, and whether password protection is available. SQLite is a storage engine, not a promise that other note applications can edit the notebook as a generic database; the data still follows Cherrytree’s model.
- Single-file XML or SQLite: convenient to move and back up as one document. Password protection is available for single-file notebooks.
- Multi-file storage: content and attachments are stored across files and directories. Back up the complete structure; copying only a document or missing an attachment directory can leave notes incomplete.
If long-term access independent of Cherrytree matters, keep the native notebook and periodically export important material to HTML, text, or PDF. Exports are readable fallback copies, not substitutes for a recoverable native file.
Use a notebook structure that stays navigable
Start with a small number of broad categories, then add children only when a category has enough material to justify them. For example:
Linux
├── Servers
│ ├── Nginx
│ ├── PostgreSQL
│ └── Backups
├── Desktop
├── Networking
└── TroubleshootingKeep a node focused on one topic. Use headings for sections within that topic, a code box for commands, a checklist for repeatable procedures, and an image or attachment when the information cannot be represented clearly in prose. Links and bookmarks help surface frequently used nodes without making every branch shallow. If the tree becomes cumbersome, merge overlapping branches or use search rather than creating another layer by habit.
Rank #4
- THE POWER TO STAY PRODUCTIVE – Looking to make your everyday work and home life more manageable without breaking the bank? The Lenovo V15 Gen 4 offers long-term reliability with top-of-the-line features to make you your most productive self.
- CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST – The AMD Ryzen CPU pairs quiet performance and enhanced operating power to crush your high-demand workday. It optimizes performance and allows for seamless multitasking.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE VISUALS – The 15.6” FHD IPS display is anti-glare with 300 nits brightness to see your best outside or in. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio makes viewing detailed applications like spreadsheets a breeze.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION – Lenovo Smart Appearance enhances your camera effects to protect your privacy and to make you the focus of every video conference. Intelligent noise cancelation minimizes distraction and Dolby Audio provides an elegantly sonorous experience.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND – Built for military-grade toughness, the V15 Gen 4 is tested to withstand harsh temperatures, pressure, humidity, vibrations and more. Keep your work safe from the board room to your living room and everywhere in between.
Encryption and privacy: know what password protection does
The project README says password protection uses 7-Zip and is available only for single-file storage. It also states that while an encrypted document is open, an unprotected copy is extracted to a temporary filesystem directory and removed when the document closes. That means password protection does not keep plaintext out of temporary storage while you work, and deletion should not be treated as guaranteed secure erasure. The project’s release history says version 1.4.0 enhanced password-protected archive encryption strength using 7-Zip AES; that is the project’s description, not an independent security assessment.
For sensitive notes, use full-disk encryption and appropriate filesystem permissions, choose a strong unique password, and protect backups as carefully as the working notebook. Do not treat Cherrytree as a zero-knowledge service or as a dedicated high-assurance secrets manager.
Back up carefully; synchronize cautiously
Backups
- Close Cherrytree before copying a live single-file notebook.
- Keep versioned backups instead of repeatedly overwriting one copy.
- Back up the native document and, when using multi-file storage, every associated content and attachment directory.
- Keep a periodic HTML, text, or PDF export for access outside the application.
- Store a copy off the primary disk, encrypting it if the notes are sensitive.
- Test that a backup opens on another machine before relying on it.
Recent upstream changes include safer fallback behavior for some multi-file backup-directory moves and automatic recovery from a backup after certain single-file corruption is detected. These are helpful safeguards, not replacements for independent backups.
External file synchronization
You can place notebook files in a general-purpose sync location, but that is not built-in application-level synchronization or conflict resolution. Simultaneous edits, incomplete transfer of a multi-file notebook, attachment path mismatches, or an older cloud copy replacing a newer one can cause confusion or data loss. Unless you have tested your sync method and know how to recover conflicts, edit on one device at a time and wait for synchronization to finish before opening the notebook elsewhere.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Command-line opening and export
The Debian testing manpage documents options for opening a file, selecting a node or anchor, and exporting to HTML, text, or PDF. For example:
Best Value
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
cherrytree notes.ctd
cherrytree -V
cherrytree notes.ctd -n "Linux"
cherrytree notes.ctd -x exported-html
cherrytree notes.ctd -t exported-text
cherrytree notes.ctd -p notes.pdfConfirm option behavior against the manpage for your installed version, since distributions may package different releases. The CLI also documents a password argument, but avoid passing a password in a command line: arguments may be visible to local processes or retained in shell history.
Current release and maintenance
As of August 18, 2026, GitHub identifies Cherrytree 1.7.1, released July 18, 2026, as the latest upstream release. The project website still advertises 1.7.0, so consult the GitHub releases and changelog for the more current upstream record. This is not a claim that every Linux distribution already packages 1.7.1.
Version 1.7.1 added or refined word counting, including selection, code-box, and table handling; multi-item list indentation; insertion of tomorrow’s node; tree icon sizing; multi-file backup-directory moves; sorting performance; PDF link handling; and several crash and copy/paste fixes. Version history also records fixes involving malformed Unicode in multi-file documents and Tomboy/Gnote imports. If you are migrating a large archive, update first and keep the original data untouched until you have checked the imported result.
How Cherrytree compares with alternatives
These applications make different trade-offs; there is no universal winner. The comparison below describes their broad models, not a guarantee of identical features across every version or platform.
| Application | Notes and organization | Sync, mobile, or collaboration | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherrytree | Tree of nodes; rich text; single-file XML or SQLite, or multi-file storage. | External file synchronization rather than built-in collaborative sync; no first-class mobile workflow established here. | Offline Linux notebooks mixing formatted text, code, images, and attachments. |
| Obsidian | Markdown-based local vault with links, plugins, and a broad ecosystem. | Official documentation describes Obsidian Sync or third-party systems for syncing across devices. | Users who want Markdown, backlinks, and customization. See Obsidian and its sync documentation. |
| Joplin | Markdown-oriented notes organized in notebooks. | A stronger candidate when synchronization, encryption-oriented workflows, and mobile clients matter; compare the current workflow at Joplin’s official site. | Multi-device note-taking rather than a purely local tree notebook. |
| Zim | Lightweight desktop wiki with a plain-text-oriented approach. | Not positioned here as a built-in collaborative platform. | Users who prefer wiki links and file-based notes. See Zim. |
| Logseq | Outliner and block-based linked knowledge workflow. | Evaluate its current sync and mobile options against your needs. | Daily notes and block-oriented outlining. See Logseq. |
| TreeLine | Hierarchical structured records rather than a traditional rich-text notebook. | Check the current platform and sharing options on its site. | Nested structured data. See TreeLine. |
For a OneNote comparison, focus on the workflow rather than feature parity: Cherrytree’s local, tree-based document model differs from a service-oriented platform built around broad synchronization and collaboration.
Verdict: choose Cherrytree for the notebook, not the cloud
Choose Cherrytree if you want a local Linux notebook with a clear hierarchy and rich, mixed-format notes—especially for technical references, study material, or a personal documentation library. Prefer Obsidian or another Markdown-first tool if you want individual text files and a plugin-centered knowledge base; consider Joplin when multi-device use and mobile clients are central. For a team that needs simultaneous editing or a browser-based workspace, Cherrytree is not the right primary platform.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
