Journaler is a privacy-focused desktop application designed around a simple daily writing routine. It provides a clean graphical environment for recording thoughts, experiences, ideas and other notes without requiring an online account or handing journal data to a hosted service.
Entries are stored directly on the local filesystem as standard Markdown files. This keeps the data accessible outside Journaler and avoids locking a journal into a proprietary database or file format. Each day has a single entry, encouraging a straightforward daily writing habit while making it easy to move backwards and forwards through previous entries using the built-in calendar.
Journaler includes global search for finding words or phrases across the journal and can jump directly to the corresponding day. Writing statistics provide information such as word counts, writing activity and streaks. There is also a focus mode intended to reduce distractions while writing, together with light and dark themes.
The application can export the complete journal as a ZIP archive and provides facilities for printing either an individual entry or the whole journal. Users who want synchronisation can place the journal directory inside a folder managed by their preferred file synchronisation service. Journaler itself does not depend on a cloud service for operation.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Stores journal entries as standard Markdown files on the local filesystem.
- Works completely offline without requiring an account.
- Uses one journal entry per day for a simple daily writing workflow.
- Provides calendar navigation for moving between journal entries.
- Offers global search across all entries.
- Tracks writing streaks, word counts and writing activity.
- Exports the complete journal as a ZIP archive.
- Prints individual entries or the entire journal.
- Includes a distraction-reducing focus mode.
- Provides light and dark interface modes.
- Allows the journal folder to be placed inside a user-selected synchronisation service.
Website: github.com/davidglassman/journaler
Support:
Developer: David Glassman
License: MIT License
Journaler is written in TypeScript. Learn TypeScript with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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