Jarnal was a popular note-taking and sketching software that allowed users to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams, and annotate PDFs. However, the software has been discontinued, leaving users in search of alternative platforms to meet their note-taking needs. Fortunately, there are several excellent Jarnal alternatives and competitors available in 2024 that offer similar features and even more advanced capabilities. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Jarnal alternatives and competitors that are worth considering.

1. OneNote

OneNote is a popular note-taking software developed by Microsoft that allows users to create notes, lists, and drawings using various input methods, including handwriting, typing, and voice recordings. With its user-friendly interface, integration with Microsoft Office, and cross-platform compatibility, OneNote provides a comprehensive note-taking experience. Additionally, OneNote's free tier allows users to access basic features, while its paid subscription offers additional capabilities like offline access, password protection, and more storage space.

Advantages:

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  • User-friendly interface and integration with Microsoft Office.
  • Various input methods, including handwriting and voice recordings.
  • Free tier and paid subscription with additional features.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited formatting options compared to some competitors.
  • Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

2. Evernote

Evernote is a popular note-taking software that allows users to create notes, to-do lists, and sketches using various input methods. With its extensive organizational capabilities, including notebooks, tags, and search functions, Evernote provides a comprehensive note-taking experience. The platform also features integrations with other apps, including Google Drive and Microsoft Office, and offers both a free and paid subscription that provides additional features like offline access, OCR, and more storage space.

Advantages:

  • Extensive organizational capabilities.
  • Integrations with various apps.
  • Free tier and paid subscription with additional features.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited formatting options compared to some competitors.
  • Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

3. GoodNotes

GoodNotes is a popular note-taking app designed explicitly for the iPad and Apple Pencil, providing users with a realistic handwriting experience. With its extensive annotation capabilities, including highlighting, underlining, and text boxes, GoodNotes offers an exceptional note-taking experience. The app also features various templates, organization capabilities, and support for exporting notes in various formats. GoodNotes does require a one-time payment, but it provides a lifetime of updates and support.

Advantages:

  • Realistic handwriting experience with Apple Pencil.
  • Extensive annotation capabilities.
  • Various templates and organization capabilities.
  • One-time payment for lifetime updates and support.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices.
  • No free tier available.

4. Notability

Notability is a popular note-taking app designed for iOS and macOS that provides users with a comprehensive note-taking experience. With its extensive annotation capabilities, including handwriting, typing, and audio recordings, Notability allows users to create detailed notes and sketches. The platform also features organizational capabilities, including folders, search functions, and automatic backups, and offers a one-time payment that provides access to all future updates and support.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive note-taking experience.
  • Extensive annotation capabilities.
  • Organizational capabilities and automatic backups.
  • One-time payment for all future updates and support.

Disadvantages:

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  • Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices.
  • No free tier available.

5. Google Keep

Google Keep is a simple note-taking app that allows users to create notes, to-do lists, and reminders using various input methods. With its integration with Google services, including Google Drive and Google Assistant, Google Keep provides a seamless note-taking experience. The platform also features organizational capabilities, including labels and search functions, and offers a free tier for basic note-taking needs.

Advantages:

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • Integration with Google services.
  • Organizational capabilities and search functions.
  • Free tier for basic note-taking needs.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited formatting options compared to some competitors.
  • Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

6. Bear

Bear is a popular note-taking app for iOS and macOS that provides users with a simple and elegant note-taking experience. With its extensive formatting options, including rich text, markdown, and code blocks, Bear allows users to create highly customized notes. The platform also features organization capabilities, including tags and search functions, and offers a paid subscription that provides additional features like encryption and syncing across devices.

Advantages:

  • Simple and elegant interface.
  • Extensive formatting options.
  • Organizational capabilities and search functions.
  • Paid subscription with additional features.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices.
  • No free tier available.

7. Simplenote

Simplenote is a lightweight note-taking app that allows users to create and organize notes using various input methods. With its minimalist interface, instant syncing, and cross-platform compatibility, Simplenote provides a straightforward note-taking experience. The platform also features organizational capabilities, including tags and search functions, and offers a free tier for basic note-taking needs.

Advantages:

  • Lightweight and minimalist interface.
  • Instant syncing and cross-platform compatibility.
  • Organizational capabilities and search functions.
  • Free tier for basic note-taking needs.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited formatting options compared to some competitors.
  • Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

8. Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is a comprehensive note-taking app that allows users to create notes, sketches, and checklists using various input methods. With its organizational capabilities, including notebooks, tags, and search functions, Zoho Notebook provides a comprehensive note-taking experience. The platform also features integrations with other apps, including Google Drive and Dropbox, and offers a free and paid subscription that provides additional features like password protection and more storage space.

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Advantages:

  • Comprehensive note-taking experience.
  • Organizational capabilities and search functions.
  • Integrations with various apps.
  • Free and paid subscription with additional features.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited formatting options compared to some competitors.
  • Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

9. Noteshelf

Noteshelf is a popular note-taking app designed explicitly for the iPad and Apple Pencil, providing users with a realistic handwriting experience. With its extensive annotation capabilities, including highlighting, underlining, and text boxes, Noteshelf offers an exceptional note-taking experience. The app also features various templates, organization capabilities, and support for exporting notes in various formats. Noteshelf does require a one-time payment, but it provides a lifetime of updates and support.

Advantages:

  • Realistic handwriting experience with Apple Pencil.
  • Extensive annotation capabilities.
  • Various templates and organization capabilities.
  • One-time payment for lifetime updates and support.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices.
  • No free tier available.

10. Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard is a collaborative note-taking and sketching software developed by Microsoft that allows users to create and share notes, diagrams, and drawings in real-time. With its extensive collaboration capabilities, including multiple users, simultaneous editing, and integration with Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Whiteboard provides a comprehensive note-taking experience. The platform also features various templates, organization capabilities, and the ability to export notes in various formats.

Advantages:

  • Collaborative note-taking and sketching capabilities.
  • Integration with Microsoft Teams.
  • Various templates and organization capabilities.
  • Free to use with a Microsoft account.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited compatibility with non-Microsoft devices.
  • Limited formatting options compared to some competitors.

In conclusion, while Jarnal may no longer be available, there are numerous alternatives and competitors in 2024 that offer exceptional note-taking experiences. Whether you prioritize realistic handwriting experience, extensive annotation capabilities, organizational capabilities, or collaboration features, there is a platform to suit your preferences. Consider factors such as compatibility with your devices, organizational capabilities, pricing, and additional features when choosing the best Jarnal alternative for your note-taking needs.