Compare software

Denote vs Org mode: catalog facts
Denote	Org mode
Free Free and available from GNU ELPA.	Free Free and open source, with optional support through Liberapay.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Plain-text notes with predictable file names No database or lock-in	Notes, tasks, agenda and documents in one plain text format Files are easy to sync and version control
Requires Emacs and some familiarity with it No mobile app	Requires GNU Emacs for the full feature set Steep learning curve for people new to Emacs
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
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 23, 2026

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