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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteChoose Xournal++ if your main task is writing on existing PDFs and keeping those marks in a separate, editable journal. Choose Rnote if you want a flexible workspace for handwritten notes and sketches, including layouts that extend beyond normal page boundaries. On Linux Mint, check your desktop session before choosing Rnote for stylus work: its maintainers say X11 is unsupported and stylus and touch input can be unreliable there.
How the two apps handle your work
Xournal++: annotate a PDF in a separate journal
Xournal++ is an open-source, cross-platform handwritten note-taking app. Its project overview lists pressure-sensitive styluses, page previews, layers, customizable pen, highlighter and eraser tools, LaTeX support, and plugins. For PDF work, it uses the PDF as the journal background while your handwriting and other marks live in a separate .xopp journal file. Xournal++ project overview and PDF guide.
This setup is useful when you want to preserve the source PDF while maintaining annotations you can continue editing in Xournal++. It also means the journal depends on its linked PDF: Xournal++ stores the PDF’s absolute path in the journal, so moving either file can break the link and require you to locate the PDF again. Exporting the journal to PDF is convenient for sharing, but the exported annotations are no longer editable as Xournal++ journal objects. The guide also says built-in PDF annotations such as pop-up notes and forms are not preserved in the export. Xournal++ PDF guide.
Rnote: arrange notes and drawings on flexible layouts
Rnote is an open-source vector drawing app for sketching, handwritten notes, and annotating documents and pictures. It supports fixed pages, continuous vertical pages, and an infinite layout that extends in every direction. You can import PDFs, bitmaps, and SVG images, then export documents as SVG, PDF, or Xopp; pages or selections can also be exported as SVG, PNG, or JPEG. Rnote project README.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The infinite layout makes Rnote a natural fit for a sketch or note that needs room beyond a conventional page. For a PDF, its model is to import the document into a workspace rather than make it a background linked to a separate journal in the way Xournal++ does. Rnote also supports pressure-sensitive stylus input, though actual results depend on your tablet, drivers, and desktop session. Rnote project README.
Quick comparison
| Question | Xournal++ | Rnote |
|---|---|---|
| Best starting point | Annotating an existing PDF in a separate journal. Xournal++ PDF guide. | Sketching, handwriting, or annotating imported material in a flexible workspace. Rnote project README. |
| Workspace | Paper backgrounds and PDF-centered journaling. Xournal++ project overview. | Fixed pages, continuous vertical pages, and an infinite layout. Rnote project README. |
| Native file consideration | .xopp journal stores the linked PDF’s absolute path. Xournal++ PDF guide. |
Maintainers describe .rnote as unstable and subject to breaking changes. Rnote project README. |
| Stylus input | Project documents pressure-sensitive stylus support. Xournal++ project overview. | Project documents pressure-sensitive stylus input; X11 is unsupported. Rnote project README and Rnote installation guidance. |
| Linux installation reference | Official page lists stable v1.3.8 and AppImage, Flatpak, Snap, and .deb packages; check the page for current details. Xournal++ Linux installation. | Project README directs Linux users to the official Flathub Flatpak. Rnote project README. |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Xournal++ if most of your work begins with a PDF and you want a distinct journal file for editable handwritten annotations.
- Choose Rnote if you want a drawing-oriented workspace with room to develop notes beyond page edges, or need fixed and continuous-page layouts alongside an infinite canvas.
- Check your Mint session before choosing Rnote for a stylus workflow. Rnote’s maintainers state that X11 is unsupported and stylus and touch input can be unreliable in that environment. The Mint release, desktop environment, tablet, and driver stack matter; no single configuration is established as working for every user. Rnote installation guidance.
Keep files portable and recoverable
For Xournal++ journals
Keep the .xopp file and its source PDF together when moving or archiving a project. Because the journal records an absolute path to its PDF, moving files may break the link; if that happens, locate the PDF again from Xournal++. For sharing, export to PDF, but retain the journal if you may need to edit the annotations later. Built-in PDF annotations such as pop-up notes and forms are not preserved by that export. Xournal++ PDF guide.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For Rnote documents
For important or long-lived work, keep a portable export such as PDF where it suits the project. Since maintainers describe the native .rnote format as unstable and subject to breaking changes, check compatibility before relying on older files after a major version change. Rnote project README.
Installing on Linux Mint
Use the projects’ official installation references rather than assuming the Software Manager provides the same version on every Mint release. The Xournal++ Linux page lists stable v1.3.8 and AppImage, Flatpak, Snap, and .deb choices; it describes nightly builds as unstable. Rnote’s README directs Linux users to Flathub. Verify current versions and availability for your Mint release before installing. Xournal++ Linux installation and Rnote project README.
The Tool Desk
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
This comparison follows current project documentation, not hands-on testing; it does not establish comparative performance or compatibility with a particular Mint, tablet, or driver configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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