QOwnNotes
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?
Software development & web development with DEV.co
Adopting QOwnNotes is usually one piece of a larger software development effort. As a software development agency, DEV.co provides software development services and web development expertise — pairing senior software developers and web developers with your team to design, build, and operate ai frameworks software in production.
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.