RedNotebook
Free desktop diary that stores entries as plain text files
What is RedNotebook?
RedNotebook is a desktop diary for Linux and Windows. Each day's entry takes basic text formatting, #hashtags, links to images and files, and reusable templates, and the whole journal can be searched as you type. Entries are stored as plain text files on your own disk and can be backed up to a zip archive or exported to plain text, HTML or LaTeX. It is Free Software under the GPL, developed by Jendrik Seipp, with releases going back to 2008.
RedNotebook is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Linux and Windows users who want a diary kept as plain text on their own disk
- People who tag entries with #hashtags and search across years of them
- Writers who want their journal exported to plain text, HTML or LaTeX
Worth knowing
- There are no mobile apps or web version, and macOS has no official support, only Homebrew or source builds to try on your own.
- There is no built-in encryption or lock; the help suggests an encrypted folder or an encrypted home partition.
- Sync is not built in: using it on several computers means keeping the journal folder in Dropbox, Syncthing or on a server.
- Word clouds are missing from version 2.x on Windows, and there is no direct PDF export.
Key features
- Formatted daily entries
- Text can be bold, italic, underlined or struck through, with lists and links. You write in an edit mode and read the result in a preview mode.
- Hashtags, search and word clouds
- Entries are tagged with #hashtags and found with search-as-you-type. Clouds show the most common words and tags, though not in version 2.x on Windows.
- Templates
- There is one template for each day of the week plus any number of named templates, all kept as editable text files in a template directory.
- Images, files and links
- An Insert menu adds images, files and links at the cursor. Inserted items are linked to, not copied into the journal directory.
- Plain-text storage and backups
- A journal is a directory of plain text files, one per month. Entries save automatically, and a Backup command packs the journal into a zip archive.
- Export
- The journal exports to plain text, HTML or LaTeX. A PDF is made by printing the HTML export from a browser or compiling the LaTeX file.
RedNotebook pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free Software under the GPL with no paid version or feature limits. The downloads page accepts voluntary donations in US dollars or euros.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| RedNotebook | $0 | The complete desktop journal for Linux and Windows, with every feature included. |
Read from rednotebook.app on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with RedNotebook before you buy.
RedNotebook alternatives
- RedNotebook vs Diarium
Free plan · from $14.99 one-time
- RedNotebook vs Journey
Free plan · from $17.99 one-time
- RedNotebook vs Day One
Free plan · from $49.99/yr
Common questions
Is RedNotebook free?
Yes. RedNotebook is free to use. Free Software under the GPL with no paid version or feature limits. The downloads page accepts voluntary donations in US dollars or euros.
How much does RedNotebook cost?
RedNotebook lists one plan. RedNotebook: $0. Prices were read from rednotebook.app on Oct 6, 2026.
What platforms does RedNotebook work on?
RedNotebook is available on Linux and Windows.
Does RedNotebook have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. RedNotebook is listed for Linux and Windows.
Does RedNotebook have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. RedNotebook is listed for Linux and Windows.
Is RedNotebook open source?
Yes. RedNotebook is open source, according to its own site.
Does RedNotebook work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Who makes RedNotebook?
RedNotebook is made by Jendrik Seipp. It dates from 2008.
What are the alternatives to RedNotebook?
The closest alternatives to RedNotebook in our directory are Diarium, DailyTxT, Daily You, Journey and Day One. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with RedNotebook.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.