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Denote vs jrnl: catalog facts
Denote	jrnl
Free Free and available from GNU ELPA.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Command line
Plain-text notes with predictable file names No database or lock-in	Entries are plain text files you own Optional AES encryption of journals
Requires Emacs and some familiarity with it No mobile app	Terminal only, with no graphical interface Sync depends on a separate tool such as Dropbox
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.