I’ve been searching for open-source tools to replace some of the current apps that are integral to my workflow. Note-taking is a big part of this workflow, and after years of using the likes of Evernote, Notion, Microsoft OneNote, and Apple Notes, I finally ditched my old note-taking apps for Joplin, an open-source alternative.
However, what excites me about Joplin is not merely its robust note-taking functionality or the fact that it’s free, but its calendar plugin, which transforms my notes into a timeline I can actually navigate—something even paid suites don’t do as seamlessly. This combination of note-taking and calendar once again reminds me that there are real gems in the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community.
Transforming notes
Turning notes into a timeline you can navigate
I used Joplin for a while before installing its core calendar plugin, which transformed and brought new life to my notes. One of the first things I noticed was that this calendar function was much different from what I expected, yet still very useful. While other note apps are built around an “events-first” calendar, Joplin’s calendar is a timeline of your notes.
Once I installed the Joplin calendar plugin, every note I had created appeared in the calendar view. Clicking on a date instantly reveals notes created on that day or notes edited on that day.
The implementation of the calendar makes it easy to sort through busy and less busy days. Under each date, you’ll see dots that act as quick visual indicators. Each dot represents a group of two notes, up to four dots per day. So at a glance, you can tell whether a day was light, moderate, or packed with activity.
Compared to using Notion’s database calendar, the Joplin calendar feels easy to use and more simplified. You don’t have to create a bunch of linked databases. It’s also more seamless than Evernote or Keep, which require you to hunt through history or tags. With Joplin, I can see what I did yesterday or six months ago without needing to tag everything.
Calendar with control
Flexibility means that you are in control
By default, the calendar shows notes created on each date. However, it does not lock you into a single way of working. You can go to the calendar settings and toggle on related notes that reference that date in the title, or you can even enable modified notes to see notes appended to the dates they were last modified on the calendar. This flexibility matters a lot to me because not all my notes need the same level of tracking.
In comparison, Notion’s calendar is not as flexible. Because it’s tied to database properties, you will need to continuously set up fields, even for simple date sorting. With Evernote, you don’t even get a real calendar view; you typically have to rely on search filters or dig through tags.
In Joplin, without extra configuration, you get direct visibility of notes on your calendar. However, it’s not flawless. In larger notebooks, performance may take a hit if you enable related notes. But I’m willing to accept that trade-off for the level of versatility I get.
Seamless workflow
Planning and reviewing work without extra friction
What I found most shocking was how the Joplin calendar naturally improves my workflow. I’m able to track what I’ve accomplished over a week or a month because it shows notes on the day they were created. It almost feels like a productivity journal is automatically generated for me anytime I launch the app.
With Outlook and Google Calendar, scheduling is separated from content creation, but Joplin keeps it all in context. When I click a date, I don’t get an empty box—I see the actual notes connected to that date. So, without switching apps, I can view a day’s work, revisit my research, or follow up on tasks.
The fact that Joplin is cross-platform makes my workflow more seamless. My calendar and notes stay in sync across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It takes it a step further because the plugin works offline, which means that while in transit, I can review and update my notes. This is often frustratingly difficult with some cloud-only paid suites.
However, Joplin is not a full project management tool, so you don’t receive reminders or recurring events. Nevertheless, it is perfect if you want a clear view of what you’ve worked on or need to know when and in what context.
No ecosystem lock-in
Open-source freedom and markdown power
Of all Joplin’s appeals, the most remarkable is that you have complete control over your notes and calendar. Your notes and calendar are in Markdown, so you’re not locked to a single ecosystem. If you choose to switch to a new note app, you don’t need a complex process to access all your Joplin data.
This is a huge advantage compared with services like Evernote or OneNote, where exporting your data may lead to loss of formatting or attachments.
Ultimately, with Joplin, you get a tool that respects your data enough to put control back in your hands, and this is something we don’t usually see with commercial software.
The perfect note app for individuals
Joplin offers true flexibility, which is why it’s fast becoming a favorite among individuals who seek a seamless note-taking experience. It’s beginning to rival some of the more established brands, and people even consider switching from robust tools like Obsidian to Joplin.
It’s not the ultimate note app for large teams and collaborations, but as an individual, Joplin and its calendar function could totally evolve and improve your workflow.
