Microsoft Journal vs Penly

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

Microsoft Journal

Penly

Microsoft Journal vs Penly: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

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.

Penly: Penly is a free and open-source note taking app for Windows, macOS and Linux. It allows users to create rich text documents, add images and attachments, organize notes into notebooks, collaborate with others and sync across devices. Penly has a clean and intuitive interface, supports tagging and search, and integrates with cloud services.

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

Product Overview

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

Penly

Description: Penly is a free and open-source note taking app for Windows, macOS and Linux. It allows users to create rich text documents, add images and attachments, organize notes into notebooks, collaborate with others and sync across devices. Penly has a clean and intuitive interface, supports tagging and search, and integrates with cloud services.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Journal Features

Freeform inking with a stylus
Text typing
Inserting images and clippings
Basic note organization

Penly Features

Rich text editing
Notebooks for organization
Collaboration
Cross-platform availability
Open source
Cloud sync
Search
Tags
Attachments
Clean and intuitive interface

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

Penly

Pros

Free and open source
Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
Supports rich formatting
Good organization with notebooks
Collaboration capabilities
Cloud sync
Powerful search and tagging
Can attach files
Clean and simple interface

Cons

Limited compared to proprietary options
Formatting not as robust as Word
No mobile apps
Collaboration could be better
Sync relies on third-party services
Some features still in development

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Journal

Not listed

Penly

Open Source

Related Comparisons

MyScript Nebo

vs Microsoft Journal vs Penly

Stylus Labs Write

vs Microsoft Journal vs Penly

Xournal++

vs Microsoft Journal vs Penly

Butterfly

vs Microsoft Journal vs Penly

gournal

vs Microsoft Journal vs Penly

Pen Journal

vs Microsoft Journal vs Penly

Learn More About Each Product

Microsoft Journal

Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs

Microsoft Journal Alternatives

Penly Alternatives

Browse More Software