Xournal++
Open-source handwriting notes and PDF annotation for desktop
What is Xournal++?
Xournal++ is an open-source desktop app for handwritten notes, built for use with a stylus or drawing tablet on Windows, macOS and Linux. Pages can use paper-style backgrounds or sit on top of a PDF, and notes can include shapes, images, typed text, LaTeX formulas and audio recordings. It is a rewrite of the older Xournal program and saves journals as local .xopp files.
Xournal++ is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Handwritten notes with a stylus or drawing tablet on a computer
- Writing over PDFs and exporting the annotated result
- Math and science notes that mix handwriting with LaTeX formulas
Worth knowing
- Desktop only: the project says development of the separate Android and iOS app has stalled and the web app is no longer available.
- A journal is stored separately from its background PDF, so moving either file breaks the link unless attach mode is used.
- The macOS release will not open until two terminal commands are run to clear and re-sign the app.
- Annotations exported to PDF cannot be edited afterward, and the export drops annotations built into the source PDF.
Key features
- Stylus and tablet input
- Supports pressure-sensitive styluses and drawing tablets from makers such as Wacom, Huion and XP-Pen, with configurable pen, highlighter and eraser tools.
- PDF annotation
- A PDF can be set as the background of a journal and written over. Text in the PDF is searchable, and the result exports back to PDF.
- Shapes, images and snapping
- Draws lines, arrows, circles, rectangles and splines, inserts images, and snaps objects to a grid or to steps of rotation.
- LaTeX editor
- A built-in LaTeX tool places typeset formulas on the page. It depends on a working LaTeX installation on the computer.
- Audio recording
- Records audio while you write and attaches the recording to objects in the note, which the Play Object tool plays back.
- Layers, toolbars and Lua plugins
- Notes can be split into layers that are hidden or edited separately, toolbars can be rearranged, and plugins are written in Lua.
Xournal++ pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free, open-source software under the GNU GPL version 2. Every download on the project's site is free and there is no paid edition.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Xournal++ | $0 | The full app for Windows, macOS and Linux, as stable or nightly builds. The Windows version is also in the Microsoft Store. |
Read from xournalpp.github.io on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Xournal++ before you buy.
Xournal++ alternatives
- Xournal++ vs Saber
Free plan · from $5/mo
- Xournal++ vs Stylus Labs Write
Free plan · from $8.99 one-time
- Xournal++ vs Microsoft OneNote
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Common questions
Is Xournal++ free?
Yes. Xournal++ is free to use. Free, open-source software under the GNU GPL version 2. Every download on the project's site is free and there is no paid edition.
How much does Xournal++ cost?
Xournal++ lists one plan. Xournal++: $0. Prices were read from xournalpp.github.io on Oct 6, 2026.
What platforms does Xournal++ work on?
Xournal++ is available on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Xournal++ have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Xournal++ is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Xournal++ have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Xournal++ is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Xournal++ open source?
Yes. Xournal++ is open source, according to its own site.
Does Xournal++ 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 Xournal++?
Xournal++ is made by Xournal++ Team.
What are the alternatives to Xournal++?
The closest alternatives to Xournal++ in our directory are Rnote, Saber, Stylus Labs Write, Linwood Butterfly and Microsoft OneNote. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Xournal++.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.