jrnl

A free, open-source command-line journal that stores entries in plain text files.

Open sourceHabit tracker and journaling apps

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About jrnl

jrnl is a simple journal you use from the terminal. You type a line such as 'jrnl yesterday: called mum' and it adds a timestamped entry to a plain-text file, with natural-language dates, tags and starring for important entries. Reading back is just as quick: filter by date, tag or keyword, or open entries in your usual text editor. Because journals are ordinary text files, they work with any sync tool, such as Dropbox or Git, and will stay readable long after any app disappears. Journals can be encrypted with AES so nobody can read them without your password. You can keep multiple journals, export to formats like JSON, Markdown and XML, and configure it through a single file. It is free and open source under GPL-3.0, written in Python and runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. There are no photos, prompts or mobile apps, so it suits developers and keyboard-first people who value longevity over polish.

Best for: Developers and terminal users who want a fast, future-proof plain-text journal.

What works

Plain-text files you fully control
Optional AES encryption
Fast natural-language entry from the terminal
Free and open source

Why people leave

Command line only, with no GUI or mobile app
No photos or rich media
No reminders or prompts

Top jrnl alternatives

See all 4

1
Day One
A full graphical journal with mobile apps, media and encrypted sync.
66.5
2
Obsidian
Plain-text Markdown files with a graphical editor and daily notes.
62.7
3
Journey
Has a Linux desktop app and a self-hosted sync option.
62.6
4
Dabble Me
Another low-friction approach: journal by replying to an email.
59.6

Why people left jrnl

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jrnl: common questions

Is jrnl free?

Yes. jrnl is free, open-source software.

Is jrnl open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at jrnl-org/jrnl.

What platforms does jrnl run on?

jrnl is available for Linux, macOS and Windows.

What are the best alternatives to jrnl?

The highest-ranked jrnl alternatives right now are Day One, Obsidian and Journey. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 jrnl alternatives

jrnl facts

4 of 4 verified

License: GPL-3.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: GPL-3.0 (GNU General Public License v3.0).”
Encryption: AES; Checked Oct 25, 2026jrnl.sh(opens source in a new tab); “Encrypt your journals with industry-strength AES encryption.”
Sync: Via tools like Dropbox; Checked Oct 25, 2026jrnl.sh(opens source in a new tab); “Sync your journal files with other tools like Dropbox to capture your thoughts wherever you are.”
Price: Free & open source; Checked Oct 25, 2026jrnl.sh(opens source in a new tab); “Free & Open Source. jrnl is made by a bunch of really friendly and remarkably amazing people.”