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Rnote vs Noteshelf: catalog facts
Rnote	Noteshelf
Free Free and open source, with optional sponsorship of the developer.	Freemium Free to download, with paid options and enterprise plans.
macOS, Linux	macOS, iOS
Pressure-sensitive stylus input with configurable strokes Imports and annotates PDFs and images	Realistic pens and many paper templates for handwriting PDF annotation with highlights and sticky notes
Native file format is unstable between versions macOS builds come from a separate project	Limited to Apple devices according to the homepage Best used with a stylus
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it 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.