Gnote review
A focused, open-source linked-note tool for Linux desktops.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Gnote is an open-source desktop note-taking application for the GNOME environment. It is designed for Linux users who want a lightweight way to capture ideas, organize them into notebooks, and connect related notes with WikiWiki-style links. The core workflow centers on individual note creation and organization rather than a broad, multi-platform workspace. Gnote is distributed through GNOME’s source archive and is packaged by Linux distributions including Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and openSUSE.
Its strongest feature set is the combination of linked notes and practical document handling. Users can create connections between notes, print notes, and export them as HTML documents for use outside the application. The Tomboy-compatible note format also gives the product a specific place in workflows built around that format. Synchronization across devices extends the tool beyond a single desktop, while notebooks provide a straightforward structure for grouping content. These capabilities make Gnote a sensible fit for personal knowledge capture, reference notes, and lightweight wiki-style organization.
The main trade-off is focus. Gnote is available on Linux, so it is a better match for users already working within that platform than for people who need a consistent note system across different operating systems. Its feature set is centered on notes, notebooks, links, printing, HTML export, synchronization, and format compatibility, which keeps the product specialized but gives it less breadth than a general collaboration or workspace application. Choose Gnote for a free, open-source GNOME note tool with linked-note organization; choose an alternative if cross-platform reach or team-oriented workflows are central requirements.
Gnote pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Open-source desktop app with free access
- WikiWiki-style links connect related notes
- HTML export, printing, sync, and notebooks included
- Where it doesn't
- Available on Linux platforms only
- Narrower scope than broad collaboration suites
- GNOME-focused desktop experience limits platform flexibility
Gnote fact sheet, pricing and score →
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