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Crossnote vs Microsoft Journal

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Crossnote icon
Crossnote
Microsoft Journal icon
Microsoft Journal

Crossnote vs Microsoft Journal: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Crossnote: Crossnote is a free and open-source note taking app for Windows, macOS and Linux. It allows users to organize notes into notebooks, supports tagging and categories, rich text formatting with Markdown support, and includes collaboration features like sharing and commenting.

Microsoft Journal: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Crossnote Microsoft Journal
Sugggest Score — —
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity
Pricing Open Source —

Product Overview

Crossnote
Crossnote

Description: Crossnote is a free and open-source note taking app for Windows, macOS and Linux. It allows users to organize notes into notebooks, supports tagging and categories, rich text formatting with Markdown support, and includes collaboration features like sharing and commenting.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal

Description: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Crossnote
Crossnote Features
  • Organize notes into notebooks
  • Tagging and categorization
  • Rich text formatting with Markdown support
  • Collaboration features like sharing and commenting
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal Features
  • Freeform inking with a stylus
  • Text typing
  • Inserting images and clippings
  • Basic note organization

Pros & Cons Analysis

Crossnote
Crossnote

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Good organization with notebooks
  • Markdown formatting support
  • Collaboration features

Cons

  • Limited features compared to proprietary options
  • Markdown formatting has learning curve
  • Collaboration requires user accounts
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal

Pros

  • Intuitive handwriting and sketching
  • Syncs notes across devices
  • Variety of pen and highlighter options
  • Easy to insert images and screenshots

Cons

  • Limited formatting options
  • No collaboration features
  • Windows-only
  • Discontinued by Microsoft

Pricing Comparison

Crossnote
Crossnote
  • Open Source
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
  • Not listed

Related Comparisons

Learn More About Each Product

Crossnote
Crossnote
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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