HazzBennSep 11, 2025
Richard Littler
Can anyone recommend an open-source (Windows) alternative to Microsoft OneNote? I've looked at a few, but can't find the functionality I need: the ability to freely drag text/objects on a 'whiteboard/canvas' type page; a similar interface/layout to OneNote; being able to save files locally (not cloud-only).
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:16amWeb
Show threadWalrus 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Sep 11, 2025

@Richard_Littler

I really wish there was one, but believe me, I have looked! I'm about to set up a Windows 7 virtual machine on my main computer, so I can run the 2007 OneNote, that doesn't use other people's computers for storage.

Show threadSimon WoodSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler I wouldn’t say it’s quite the same as OneNote - interface and functionality wise - but Logseq can do those things. There’s more of a separation, though, between the text based notes and the whiteboard type notes.
Show threadOwl EyesSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler consider lowering your expectations
Show thread⁂ Fish Id WardrobeSep 11, 2025

@Richard_Littler obsidian, although your ability to drag things around is limited. (put the text in one file, then put that file on a canvas.)

edit: strictly speaking not open source, but it's free and they seem enshitification-resistant. and if they go evil your data is just in normal images and text files on your hard disk; you're fine.

Show threadGaveen PrabhasaraSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler have you looked at Standard Notes? It used to be my notes app before I switched to a combination of Obsidian and actual notebooks. https://standardnotes.com/
Standard Notes | End-To-End Encrypted Notes App

Standard Notes helps you gain control in a world that often feels out of control. Protect your life's work with end-to-end encryption, advanced security measures, and unmatched privacy controls.

Show threadPeter GSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler Obsidian with its rich plugin ecosystem is the answer here.
Show threadAstroHydeSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler peeking into the thread and I dont see any zim recommendations yet so, zim! https://zim-wiki.org/
Zim - a desktop wiki

Zim is a notepad like desktop application that is inspired by the way people use wikis.

Show threadSmart FoxSep 11, 2025

@Richard_Littler cherrytree

https://www.giuspen.com/cherrytree/

cherrytree – giuspen

Show threadFunesSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler I've been self-hosting Affine, it's got more of a Notion-like UI, but has a whiteboard like view. https://affine.pro/
AFFiNE - All In One KnowledgeOS

The universal editor that lets you work, play, present or create just about anything.

AFFiNE
Show threadAcesabeSep 11, 2025
@Richard_Littler
Another shout for anytype.io as an open source alternative to notion et al ..
Show threadAndy RaynerSep 12, 2025
@Richard_Littler I would give obsidian a try. Not exactly open source but as near aa and they seem to be good guys. The 'canvas' would suit your needs I think.