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QOwnNotes is an open-source plain-text note and todo-list manager written in C++ that integrates with Nextcloud and ownCloud for syncing and collaboration. It supports Markdown, wiki-style linking, encryption, and includes browser extensions and AI scripting capabilities.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | pbek/QOwnNotes |
| Owner | pbek |
| Primary language | C++ |
| License | GPL-2.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 5.8k |
| Forks | 493 |
| Open issues | 70 |
| Latest release | v26.7.3 (2026-07-07) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-07 |
| Source | https://github.com/pbek/QOwnNotes |
What QOwnNotes is
A Qt-based C++ desktop application storing notes as plain-text Markdown files, with sync via Nextcloud/ownCloud/Dropbox, CalDAV todo support, built-in spellcheck/grammar tools (LanguageTool, Harper, Markdown LSP), AES-256 encryption, and extensible scripting via QML with LLM integration and MCP server support.
Get the QOwnNotes source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/pbek/QOwnNotes.gitcd QOwnNotes# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- For Nextcloud/ownCloud sync, install the optional QOwnNotesAPI server app to unlock versioning, trash recovery, and advanced API features; basic sync works without it but is limited.
- Notes are stored as plaintext Markdown files on disk; ensure your deployment includes a sync backend (Nextcloud, ownCloud, Syncthing, Dropbox) to avoid data silos.
- Spellcheck and grammar features require optional local or remote tooling (LanguageTool, Harper, Markdown LSP servers); plan infrastructure if enforcing these at scale.
- Scripting and AI features use QML and require explicit configuration of LLM endpoints (OpenAI, Groq); no AI is bundled; credential management and API costs are user responsibility.
- Encryption (AES-256 or custom via scripting) is optional; document encryption policies and key management procedures for regulated deployments.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Requiring seamless mobile-first or WYSIWYG collaboration — QOwnNotes is desktop-centric; mobile access requires separate apps (Nextcloud Notes, MyOwnNotes, CloudNotes) and editing plaintext Markdown may not suit users expecting rich-text or real-time collaborative editing.
- Needing vendor-neutral cloud sync without server setup — While Dropbox and Syncthing are supported, primary sync design targets self-hosted Nextcloud/ownCloud; cloud-agnostic sync requires additional tooling or manual file management.
- Requiring production-grade commercial support or SLA guarantees — QOwnNotes is community-maintained open-source; no vendor provides commercial support contracts, security patches, or formal SLAs for enterprise deployments.
- Heavy reliance on plugin ecosystems or third-party integrations — Extensibility is primarily via QML scripting; ecosystem is smaller than mainstream note apps (OneNote, Notion); integrations rely on community-maintained scripts and limited API surface.
License & commercial use
Licensed under GPL-2.0 (GNU General Public License v2.0), a copyleft open-source license requiring any derivative works to be licensed under GPL-2.0 and source code to be made available.
Commercial use of QOwnNotes itself is permitted under GPL-2.0 (it is not a SaaS restriction), but any modifications or derivative works must also be licensed under GPL-2.0 and source disclosed. Redistributing modified versions to customers requires GPL compliance (source availability). Using the unmodified open-source version commercially is permitted. Bundling with proprietary software or creating closed-source forks is not allowed. Internal business use (unmodified) carries no additional obligations. Consult legal counsel for compliance on modifications or redistribution.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
No security audit or penetration test results are provided. Plaintext storage model means data is only protected by filesystem permissions and optional encryption (AES-256); enable encryption if handling sensitive data. Nextcloud/ownCloud sync assumes server is secure and uses standard auth (typically HTTPS with stored credentials locally). LLM integration requires secure credential handling (API keys) in config; review QML script security practices if using untrusted scripts. Desktop app runs with user privileges; no privilege isolation. Browser extensions communicate with local app via IPC; assume no sandbox between extension and desktop app. GPL-2.0 license requires source code be available, aiding audits, but no CVE history or formal security policy is evident from provided data.
Alternatives to consider
Obsidian
Proprietary, closed-source, popular PKM app with richer plugin ecosystem, better mobile sync (Obsidian Sync), and advanced linking. Trade-off: no local server sync option, subscription required for cloud features, less suitable for self-hosted infrastructure.
Joplin
Open-source (AGPL), multi-platform, with E2E encryption and flexible sync (Nextcloud, Dropbox, WebDAV, OneDrive). Trade-off: slightly different UX, smaller community, no CalDAV tasks support, different scripting model.
Nextcloud Notes (web app)
Native Nextcloud/ownCloud web interface, simpler deployment (no desktop app), browser-based, and integrated server-side. Trade-off: no offline editing, limited markdown preview/formatting, weaker keyboard customization, no encryption.
Build on QOwnNotes with DEV.co software developers
Assess integration with your Nextcloud/ownCloud infrastructure, review the GPL-2.0 license implications for your use case, and test desktop deployment across your OS targets. Start with the official documentation and community channels for support during evaluation.
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QOwnNotes FAQ
Can I use QOwnNotes without Nextcloud or ownCloud?
Is QOwnNotes available on mobile?
Can I encrypt my notes?
What is the license and can I use this commercially?
Build it with a software development company
Considering QOwnNotes for production? DEV.co is a software development company that builds, integrates, and maintains ai frameworks software — and takes ownership of the parts your team would rather not run.
Ready to evaluate QOwnNotes for your team?
Assess integration with your Nextcloud/ownCloud infrastructure, review the GPL-2.0 license implications for your use case, and test desktop deployment across your OS targets. Start with the official documentation and community channels for support during evaluation.