Alternatives to RedNotebook
Keep a searchable desktop journal with dated entries. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
RedNotebook
Keep a searchable desktop journal with dated entries.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as RedNotebook.
Logseq
An outliner that stores notes as plain Markdown files, built around a daily journal and linked blocks.
Logseq builds on a daily journal stored as plain Markdown files, adds block linking and mobile apps, though its database version is beta with possible data loss.
Joplin
An open source note and to-do app that syncs end-to-end encrypted through storage you already have.
Joplin is an open source note app with end-to-end encrypted sync and mobile apps, but it has no dedicated calendar-style journal of dated entries.
Obsidian
A notes app that works on a folder of plain Markdown files on your own disk, with links between them.
Obsidian works on local Markdown files with linking and plugins on all major platforms, but a dated journal must be assembled from its features, and it is not open source.
Zim
A desktop wiki that keeps linked notes as plain text files in a folder structure.
Zim is a free desktop wiki for Windows and Linux that can serve as a journal, keeping linked notes as plain text files with plugins.
Memos
A self-hosted, open-source note-taking service that keeps quick Markdown notes in a private timeline.
Memos keeps quick Markdown notes and daily logs in a private timeline on your own server, requiring you to run and maintain it.
Twos
An app for quickly writing down notes, to-dos, reminders and events organised by day.
Twos organises notes, to-dos and reminders by day on desktop, mobile and web, but it is closed source and suited to short items.
Also worth comparing
These listings name RedNotebook as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Day One
A journaling app for writing daily entries with photos, video, audio and drawings, synced across devices.
RedNotebook is a free GPL-2.0 desktop journal for Windows and Linux with tags, templates and exports, but it has no mobile apps or cloud sync.
Diarium
A private diary app for Windows, Android, iOS and Mac that syncs through your own cloud storage.
RedNotebook is a free GPL-2.0 desktop journal for Windows and Linux with tags, templates and exports, but it has no mobile apps or built-in sync.
jrnl
A command-line journal that stores entries in plain text files, with optional AES encryption.
RedNotebook is a free GPL-2.0 graphical desktop journal for Windows and Linux with tags, templates and exports, replacing command-line entry with a searchable app.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
CherryTree
A hierarchical notebook with rich text and syntax highlighting, storing everything in one file or a folder you control.
TriliumNext Notes
A hierarchical note app where one note can live in several places at once, with a server you can host.
Simplenote
Minimal note app that syncs plain-text and Markdown notes across devices.
Agenda
A date-focused note app for Mac, iPhone and iPad that links notes to calendar events.
NotePlan
A daily-note app that combines notes, tasks and Apple Calendar events for Mac, iOS and web.
