I finally quit using Microsoft OneNote—this open-source alternative does less, but better
May 1, 2026 | Guides
Microsoft OneNote has had the advantage of being one of the first note-taking apps. It gives you a large space where notes, clippings, and drawings can exist together, and it seemed like a good place to keep things for someone who works with information. Being able to click and place text or images anywhere on a page gives you a lot of freedom. Having the freedom to place anything anywhere turns notes into a disorganized archive, which leaves essential information scattered. The solution is to go to a better open-source app (that is loved on Linux), which can make things a lot simpler.