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jrnl vs Denote: catalog facts
jrnl	Denote
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and available from GNU ELPA.
Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux
Entries are plain text files you own Optional AES encryption of journals	Plain-text notes with predictable file names No database or lock-in
Terminal only, with no graphical interface Sync depends on a separate tool such as Dropbox	Requires Emacs and some familiarity with it No mobile app
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 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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