Xournal++

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What Xournal++ is

Xournal++ is free, open-source desktop software for handwritten notes and PDF annotation on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It accepts pressure-sensitive styluses and drawing tablets, including Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen devices. Writing and markup tools include a pen, highlighter, eraser, shapes, images, and LaTeX. Journals use the .xopp format and can contain pages, strokes, shapes, images, and layers, with sidebar previews for pages and layers. PDFs can be used as journal backgrounds for pen, highlighter, and text annotation. By default, the journal records an absolute path to a separate PDF background; attach mode instead copies the PDF beside the journal and stores a relative path. Journals export to PDF, SVG, and PNG through the graphical interface or command line. Lua plugins are supported, and audio can be recorded while writing and associated with note objects. The project uses GPL-2.0. Exported PDF annotations cannot be edited, and built-in pop-up notes and forms are not preserved.

Who it suits

It suits students, writers, artists, and other desktop users who take handwritten notes or mark up PDFs with a stylus or tablet. Users needing mobile support should note the project’s stated limitations.

What it does well

Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Supports pressure-sensitive styluses and tablets
Includes handwriting, shape, image, and LaTeX tools
Exports journals to PDF, SVG, and PNG
Supports Lua plugins and note-linked audio

What to know first

Mobile support is limited
Separate PDF backgrounds can break when moved
Exported PDF annotations cannot be edited
Built-in PDF pop-up notes and forms are not preserved

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Xournal++	Open-source desktop note-taking software	Free

As xournalpp.github.io lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Xournal++ provides a capable local workspace for handwritten journals and PDF markup, with plugin and audio options. Its file-link behavior and PDF export limits are important considerations for document workflows.

Facts from Xournal++'s own pages

Audio: The home page says users can record audio while writing and associate recordings with objects in a note. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Export: Journals can be exported to PDF, SVG, and PNG, and the project repository says export is available from the GUI and command line. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · xournalpp.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
License: The project’s GitHub repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Mobile and web status: The project says Xournal++ lacks support for mobile devices other than Linux phones and that its separate mobile app is unmaintained, with no new features since March 2021. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Organization: Journals use the .xopp format and can contain pages, strokes, shapes, images, and layers, with page and layer previews in the sidebar. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
PDF annotation: PDFs can be used as journal backgrounds and annotated with pen, highlighter, and text tools. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
PDF export limit: Exported PDF annotations cannot be edited, and Xournal++ does not preserve built-in PDF annotations such as pop-up notes and forms. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
PDF file limitation: The .xopp journal normally stores the PDF background separately and records its absolute path, so moving either file can break the link; attach mode copies the PDF alongside the journal and stores a relative path. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: windows,macos,linux · xournalpp.github.io, 20 Sept 2026
Plugins: Xournal++ supports plugins written in Lua and documents shipped and third-party plugins. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Security and privacy: The official pages reviewed describe the desktop application and its local journal files but make no security or compliance certification claims. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Stylus input: It supports pressure-sensitive styluses and drawing tablets, including Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen devices. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The project directs users to GitHub Discussions for questions, its GitHub issue tracker for bugs and feature proposals, and a Matrix channel for chat. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Tools: It includes pen, highlighter, eraser, shape, image, and LaTeX tools. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
What it does: Xournal++ is open-source, cross-platform note-taking software for handwritten notes and PDF annotation. · xournalpp.github.io, 12 Oct 2026

Where Xournal++ stands on Freedom251

Note-taking apps#89 of 216
Handwritten Notes Software#10 of 18