How to Install Joplin on Ubuntu 24.04 — Complete Open Source Note-Taking Setup

In the world of productivity and note-taking, Joplin stands out as one of the most powerful open-source alternatives to Evernote and Notion. It’s designed for privacy-conscious users who want full control over their data, without relying on cloud vendors.

In this article, we’ll explore what Joplin is, why it’s a great choice for Linux users, and how you can install Joplin on Ubuntu 24.04 step-by-step. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional note-taking environment ready for use.

What is Joplin?

Joplin is a free and open-source note-taking and to-do application that supports:

• Markdown formatting for clean and structured notes
• Notebook organization for better categorization
• Synchronization with multiple cloud services (Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, WebDAV)
• End-to-end encryption for privacy and data security

Originally developed by Laurent Cozic, Joplin has become a go-to solution for students, developers, and professionals looking for a self-hosted and secure note management system.

Why Choose Joplin on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 is the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) release, offering improved performance, stability, and better support for modern applications. Combining Joplin with Ubuntu gives you:

• A secure and customizable setup
• Better integration with system themes and icons
• Fast installation using Snap, Flatpak, or AppImage
• Sync flexibility — you can store notes locally or in your own cloud

If you prefer open-source applications and value data privacy, Joplin is an excellent choice for Ubuntu users.

System Requirements

Before starting, ensure that your system meets the following basic requirements:

Component	Minimum Requirement
Operating System	Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Processor	64-bit CPU
RAM	2 GB minimum
Disk Space	200 MB for installation
Internet Connection	Required for downloading Joplin packages

Installation Methods

There are three recommended methods to install Joplin on Ubuntu 24.04:

1. Using Snap (easiest method)
2. Using AppImage (portable method)
3. Using Flatpak (flexible for sandboxed environments)

We’ll cover all three below.

1. Install Joplin Using Snap

The Snap package is the most convenient and official way to install Joplin on Ubuntu.

Step 1: Update Your System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Snap (if not already installed)

sudo apt install snapd -y

Step 3: Install Joplin via Snap

sudo snap install joplin-desktop

Step 4: Launch Joplin

Once the installation is complete, open Joplin from the Application Menu or run:

joplin-desktop

This method ensures automatic updates managed by the Snap Store.

2. Install Joplin Using AppImage

The AppImage package allows you to run Joplin without installing dependencies system-wide. It’s completely portable.

Step 1: Download the Latest AppImage

Visit the official Joplin GitHub releases page:
👉 https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/releases

Find the latest version (for example: Joplin-2.14.20.AppImage) and download it using wget:

wget https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/releases/download/v2.14.20/Joplin-2.14.20.AppImage

Step 2: Make It Executable

chmod +x Joplin-2.14.20.AppImage

Step 3: Run Joplin

./Joplin-2.14.20.AppImage

You can optionally move the AppImage to /opt or create a desktop shortcut for easier access.

3. Install Joplin Using Flatpak

Flatpak offers a sandboxed environment — ideal if you prefer isolating apps from the system.

Step 1: Install Flatpak

sudo apt install flatpak -y

Step 2: Add Flathub Repository

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Step 3: Install Joplin

flatpak install flathub net.cozic.joplin_desktop -y

Step 4: Launch Joplin

flatpak run net.cozic.joplin_desktop

Post-Installation Setup

Once Joplin is installed, here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Enable Synchronization

• Go to Tools → Options → Synchronization
• Choose a cloud provider like Dropbox, Nextcloud, or WebDAV
• Set synchronization interval (e.g., every 10 minutes)

2. Enable End-to-End Encryption

To secure your notes:

• Go to Tools → Encryption Options
• Enable E2EE and set a strong password

3. Customize Appearance

Joplin supports light/dark themes and rich text or Markdown views:

• Tools → Appearance → select your theme preference
• Adjust font size and editor width for comfort

4. Install Plugins

Joplin’s community offers various plugins:

• Go to Tools → Options → Plugins
• Click Get More Plugins
• Install add-ons like Calendar, Outline, or Mermaid diagram support

How to Uninstall Joplin

If you want to remove Joplin later, use the command corresponding to your installation method:

Snap:

sudo snap remove joplin-desktop

Flatpak:

flatpak uninstall net.cozic.joplin_desktop

AppImage:
Simply delete the AppImage file:

rm Joplin-2.14.20.AppImage

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Solution
Joplin doesn’t launch	Try running from terminal to see error logs.
Synchronization fails	Check internet and cloud credentials.
Missing icons or theme glitches	Reinstall or clear Joplin config under ~/.config/joplin-desktop.
AppImage won’t run	Ensure you set execution permission (chmod +x).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Joplin free to use?
Yes, Joplin is 100% free and open-source under the MIT license.

2. Can I use Joplin on my phone?
Yes, Joplin has mobile apps for Android and iOS that sync with your desktop version.

3. Does Joplin support cloud backup?
Absolutely. You can connect it with Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or self-hosted WebDAV.

4. Is my data secure?
Yes, Joplin supports end-to-end encryption, meaning only you can access your data.

Conclusion

Installing Joplin on Ubuntu 24.04 is straightforward and flexible — whether you prefer Snap, Flatpak, or AppImage.
As an open-source note-taking tool, it offers powerful Markdown support, offline capabilities, synchronization options, and encryption, making it ideal for privacy-minded users and developers alike.

If you’re looking for a clean, reliable, and privacy-first note-taking experience, Joplin is one of the best open-source apps you can install today.