{
  "id": 17448165,
  "title": "I stopped trusting Google and Microsoft with my notes after switching to this open-source app",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/i-stopped-trusting-google-and-microsoft-with-my-notes-after-switching",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-31T18:00:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/stopped-trusting-google-microsoft-with-notes-after-switch-open-source-app/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For years, I had used numerous note-taking applications, but I found the experience of moving between different tools and relinquishing control over my data to be frustrating. I desired a flexible solution that didn't require allegiance to a single company's ecosystem. This led me to discover Joplin, an open-source note-taking application that takes a distinct approach to personal information management. Joplin offers a practical method for handling my notes while providing me with greater freedom in how I use and store them. After exploring Joplin, I can understand why it deserves a spot in my daily workflow. Joplin caters well to various note-taking requirements without complicating the process. On some days, I require a space to jot down a quick thought, while on others, I need to maintain extensive research notes or document an ongoing project. Joplin seamlessly accommodates these differing needs within a single application. I can establish separate notebooks for distinct areas of my life and keep related information together, making the collection easier to navigate as it expands rather than presenting me with an endless stream of unrelated notes. I appreciate that Joplin doesn't strive to be an all-encompassing productivity suite. Its primary focus lies in note-taking, eliminating the need to construct a complex system before I can begin utilizing it. I can maintain a simple setup and incorporate additional structure as required. This adaptability proves beneficial for both day-to-day notes and information intended for long-term retention without introducing unnecessary intricacy to my workflow. Joplin provides ample flexibility in organizing my notes without demanding excessive time spent managing them. I can employ notebooks to group related information and add tags to indicate when a note pertains to multiple topics. This fosters a consistent structure as my collection grows. Markdown is another valuable aspect of this setup. It maintains formatting simplicity and enhances readability, while Joplin's editor allows me to work without consistently adhering to Markdown syntax. I am free to choose the approach that feels most comfortable for the task at hand. I also value having control over the level of organization detail. I need not create multiple layers of folders or adhere to a stringent structure from the outset. I can initiate with a few notebooks and refine them as my needs evolve. When revisiting content, I can combine my existing organization with Joplin's search and filtering capabilities to narrow down results. This approach maintains practical note management. Rather than continually reorganizing information, I can dedicate more time to utilizing it. One of the most compelling reasons I selected Joplin is its flexible synchronization system. I can synchronize my notes across devices without relying solely on a third-party service. Joplin supports multiple synchronization options, including Joplin Server, which I can host on my own infrastructure. Setting up Joplin Server grants me more control over where my notes are synchronized and stored. I can access my information across supported devices while retaining control over the synchronization service. This aligns with my preference for self-hosted tools that enable me to manage my own data. However, self-hosting entails certain responsibilities. I must keep the server updated, maintain reliable backups, and ensure my setup continues to function properly. While it is not a completely maintenance-free solution, the added control justifies the effort for my requirements. I also appreciate that self-hosting is not obligatory. Joplin supports alternative synchronization methods, allowing users to select an option that matches their technical proficiency and preferences. This flexibility makes it easier to commence without committing to running a server. Beyond its core note-taking functionalities, Joplin incorporates several useful tools that streamline my daily workflow. The built-in to-do feature enables me to create checklists and manage simple tasks within the same application, preventing the need for additional software. I can keep these alongside my notes, which is convenient when I wish to track minor tasks related to an ongoing project. The split-screen editor is another feature I find invaluable. It radically transforms the way I compose notes. The Web Clipper is another feature worth highlighting. It allows me to save web pages and selected content directly to Joplin through a browser extension. This proves beneficial when collecting information from the web that I may revisit later. Rather than relying solely on bookmarks, I can retain useful content within my notes. Joplin also supports plugins, enabling me to enhance the app's functionality when the built-in features fall short. The available options facilitate customization of the app according to my preferences rather than settling for a predetermined set of features. None of these additions stands out as essential on its own, but collectively, they render Joplin more versatile. I can maintain my everyday information and supplementary resources in one location without transforming my note-taking system into an overly intricate productivity system. Joplin has rightfully earned its place in my setup by making note-taking feel uncomplicated while preserving control in my hands. While it may not boast the polished interface of certain commercial alternatives, it excels in essential aspects. I can maintain organized information, determine my synchronization preferences, and construct a workflow tailored to my needs.",
  "summary": "Forget complicated productivity suites; this self-hosted app keeps my notes simple and organized.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}