Top 12 Unique OneNote Markdown Alternative (2021)

OneNote Is one of the most used note-taking apps in the world. On the other hand, Markdown Note-taking apps are more popular than traditional note-taking apps. New note-takers love OneNote but lack some important features, users are finding OneNote Markdown alternative.

This app was a huge success when it was published by Microsoft. After that, they are constantly adding more features to OneNote. But, the problem is OneNote has not introduced Markdown Editor till now. As a result, many users want a OneNote Markdown alternative.

What Criteria Needed For OneNote Markdown Alternative?

Reading this article, you will find your own OneNote Markdown Alternative. I made this list with some features in mind.

• Markdown Editor.
• Good Exporting Options.
• Good Importing Options.
• Clean User Interface.
• Strong Security.
• Good Search Features.
• Note Organization.
• Focus Mode.

Best OneNote Markdown Alternative:

There are many Markdown alternatives to OneNote in the market. But, not all of them are good enough to qualify as a OneNote Markdown Alternative. The list below is full of the best Markdown OneNote Alternate.

1. Obsidian.
2. Roam Research.
3. Typora.
4. Zettlr
5. iA writer.
6. Bear App
7. Nimbus Note.
8. Notebag.
9. UpNote.
10. Simplenote
11. Notion.
12. Notejoy.

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1. Obsidian: Most Advanced Note-Taking App:

Obsidian is not an old note-taking app like OneNote but like Roam Research. As a result, this app has superior power to OneNote. This app will be your second brain with your notes.

Modern-day note-taking apps have provided so many features. Obsidian provides all the modern features with extra features. As a result, what you need to take your notes, Obsidian will provide you.

1.1. Reason To Choose Obsidian:

• Full Markdown Text Editor.
• Bi-directional Linking Notes.
• Organize Your Note Using Tags.
• Voice Note-Taking.
• Insert Any Kind Of Media.
• Zettelkasten Note-Taking.
• Huge Core And Third-party Plugins.
• Huge Core And Third-party CSS Themes.
• Your Second Brain.
• Stronger Search Feature.
• Block Style Note-Taking.
• Block Bi-directional Linking.
• Fully Local File Storage.
• Most Secure Note-Taking App Out There.
• You can replace your traditional writing app like MS Word, LibreOffice, etc.
• Full Free To Use.

1.2. Poor Features Of Obsidian:

• Very Young Platform.
• No WYSIWYG Features.

If you want to learn something new and better, then Obsidian is the right choice for you. I learn this app in only three days. You can learn this app in less time. Learn this app and enjoy the freedom of taking notes and feel the power of Obsidian.

2. Roam Research: The Idea Connector Note-Taking App:

Roam Research is an Obsidian Style note-taking app. This app has the most features Obsidian has. Roam Research is popular among researchers around the world. This app has a large user base.

This note-taking app is gained popularity from mind 2020. Till now, this amazing note-taking app earns respect and love from many users around the world.

2.1. Reason To Choose Roam Research:

• Taking Notes Is So Easy With Bullet Journal Note-Taking.
• Make Your Research SImple.
• Bi-directional Note-Taking System Make Your Effort More Useful To You.
• Insert PDF, Image,Videos Without Hassle.
• Encrypt Your Classified Texts.
• Organize Your To-Do List Easily.
• Your Favorite Calculator.
• Latex Make Your Writing Beautiful.
• Best Way To Use Kanban Board.
• Draw Diagram In Simplest Way.
• Pomodoro Timer For Time Tracking.
• Drawing Picture, No Problem.

2.2. Poor Features Of Roam Research:

• Free Version Only Work With Roam Research Desktop App And No Sync To Cloud.
• Pricing Is Little Bit Higher.
• No Mobile App.
• Learning Curve.

Can I consider Roam Research as a OneNote alternative? Yes, this note-taking app is the best OneNote alternative for researchers, programmers, etc. I strongly recommend this fantastic note-taking app alternative to OneNote.

3. Typora: A Destruction Free Writer And Note-Taking App:

Typora is a Markdown-powered simple note-taking app. This simple app was made for only one purpose, Fast note-taking and writing.

This note-taking app is so simple and feature-rich that your writing and note-taking become quicker and easier. I used this note-taking app for two years. After my testing, I become more pleasing with the app.

3.1. Reason To Choose Typora Over Obsidian:

• Full Markdown Editor.
• File Saved In Markdown Format.
• Full Free To Use.
• Lots Of Themes.
• Has Template Gallary.
• Secure To Use.
• Lite App.
• Clean Interface.
• Many Export Options Like PDF, HTML, .md(You Can Export Other File Format By Using PanDoc).
• Best For Writing And Quick Note-Taking.
• App For Mac, Windows And Linux.

3.2. Features I Do Not Like In Typora:

• No Sync Option.
• No Mobile App.

Typora is an elegant note-taking app for free. It has not enough features than Obsidian, but, this app is made for quick note-takers and Destruction free writing. If you write a lot everyday Typora is one of the best options for you.

I love this app for its simple design and quick writing method. When you start using Typora you become a fan of this amazing app.

4. Zettlr: A True Zettelkasten Note-Taking And Writing App:

Zettlr is a Markdown based Zettelkasten note-taking app. This app is a refreshing note-taking app. This was my first app where I write and learn Markdown. So, I have a special love for this note-taking app. Believe me you will also love this app.

4.1. Some Amazing Features Of Zettlr:

• Full Markdown Editor.
• Clean User Interface.
• Bi-directional Linking Notes.
• Pandoc and LaTeX Support.
• Reference Manager Like Zotero, CSL-JSON, etc Supports. As A Result You Can Write Books, Articles, etc, easily.
• Wide Varity Of File Exporting Option.
• Distruction Free More, Night Mode, Typewriter Mode, etc Out Of The Box.
• Promodoro-Timer.
• Strong Tag Manager.
• Strongest Heatmap Search for better search.

4.2. Some Cons Of Zettlr:

• No Live Preview Option.
• You Cannot Use Two Or More Windows In A Same Time. YOu Have To Work With Only One Window.
• No Graph View option.
• It is not easy to insert images, files, PDF in Zettlr.
• No Mobile App.

I like Zettlr a lot. There are so many reasons for that. I write two of my Scholarly Articles in Zettlr. It is amazing. Book writers, lawyers should use this amazing note-taking app instead of OneNote.

5. iA writer: Simplest Markdown Note-taking App:

iA writer is one of the best Markdown-based Note-taking and writing apps in the world. This beautiful looking note-taking app can make your writing beautiful and in a quick time.

I am currently using this Markdown app for some kind of testing my writing. When you open this app you will make a sound like WOW. Yes, this app is too beautiful.

5.1. Some Amazing Features Of iA Writer:

• Full Markdown Support.
• Hot keys can be customizable.
• Unique focus mode. You cannot see this type of user friendly focus mode any apps in the world.
• Wide Range of Exporting options.
• Equation Rendering.
• Custom Font Support.
• Post directly into blogging platform like Ghost, WordPress, Medium, etc.
• Dark Mode.
• Themes.
• Highly secure.

5.2. Some Cons Of iA Writer:

• Not a free version. only 14 days trial.
• No Auto sync to cloud.
• To access your file you have to host your files in your own cloud platforms like, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.

If you are a hard-core note-taker or writer then iA writer is the best option for you. I strongly recommend this app for writing petitions, contracts, etc for lawyers. This app is highly secure and productive.

6. Bear App: The Best Note-Taking App For Cross Device Use:

Bear app is also a Markdown note-taking app for Mac, iOS devices. This app is so amazing that a lot of Mac users use this app for taking notes and writing.

This amazing app has some unique features that no other note-taking app can provide. I used this app for only 9 days and I become mad for its features.

6.1. Reason To Choose Bear App Over Evernote:

• Markdown Editor.
• Security Is The Other Name Of Bear App.
• Real Time Note Sync.
• Easy Settings.
• Handy Shortcuts.
• Clean Interface.
• Good Export Features.
• Import From Evernote.
• Hashtag To Organize Notes.
• Focus Mode.
• Bi-directional Link Note.
• Good To-Do List Features.

6.2. Top Cons Of Bear App:

• Only Mac, iPad, and iPhone Users Can Use This Fantastic App.
• No Windows Or Android Apps.

If you are a hardcore Apple ecosystem user, then Bear App is your must have app. I can assure you that this note-taking app will not hurt you anyway. You become a lover of Bear app within few days.

7. Nimbus Note: The Best Evernote Like Note-Taking Apps:

Nimbus note is an Evernote clone. It has all features of Evernote, OneNote and some unique features of modern-day note-taking. There are many reasons to choose Nimbus note over OneNote.

7.1. Reason To Choose Nimbus Note:

• Markdown Editor(Cannot Create Table).
• Focus Mode.
• Web Clipper (Better Than Evernote). This Is A Evernote Alternative Web Clipper.
• Auto Sync Cross Device.
• Offline Note-Taking And Editing (No Need A Pro Plan).
• Attach Any Types Of File.
• OCR Capability.
• Block Note Taking like Notion.
• Export File To PDF And HTML.
• Nimbus Web For Access Your Notes From Anywhere.
• Better iOS And Android App.
• Good Table Creation And Editing Features.
• Focus Mode.

7.2. Poor Features Of Nimbus Note:

• No Bi-directional Liking.
• Free Version Is Limited.

As a lawyer, I always recommend Nimbus note to every lawyer. This note-taking app has more tools than OneNote. You should try this note-taking app now.

8. Notebag: The Tiny Easy To Use Note-taking App:

This note-taking app was launched in mid-2020. Although it is a new note-taking app, it has many useful features that do not provide by other big names.

8.1. Some Amazing Features Of Notebag:

• Always stay on system try. As a result you can open it quickly. just “Ctrl+Alt+Space” to open and take notes. Most realistic way of taking notes.
• Markdown Editor.
• Bi-directional Linking Notes.
• Focus Mode.
• Less Options For Destruction Free UI.
• There is no settings button. To go to settings you have type “Ctrl+,”. So simple.

8.2. Some Cons Of Notebag:

• Too Simple.
• Some Important buttons should be on the Main window.
• Some new users can get lost with keyboard shortcuts.

Notebag has bring some new ideas in the note-taking market. It has simplified a lot of features. So, I use this note-taking app for my quick notes.

9. UpNote: The Most Under Rated Rocking Star:

This is a new note-taking app like Roam Research. This is an elegant-looking and feature-rich note-taking app for Windows and Mac. Once you use this app you become a fan of this note-taking app. Why UpNote is so aesthetic to use. Because, its UI is so beautiful.

9.1 Some Amazing Features Of UpNote:

• Bi-directional Linking Notes.
• Markdown Editor.
• True Focus Mode.
• Secure Note-Taking.
• Export your notes to Text, PDF, HTML or Markdown.
• Beautiful Themes and Dark Mode.
• Automatically syncs across all your devices.
• Offline Note-Taking.
• Better Note Management.
• Beautiful User Interface.
• Good To-Do List Support.
• A Better Web Clipper Extension.

9.2 Some Negative Side Of UpNote:

• Free version is limited on 50 notes.
• Creating Table Is Ableavle in Pro Version.
• File Insert Is Possible In Pro Version Only.

UpNote is better Roam Research alternative. I strongly recommend this beautiful-looking note-taking app for lawyers and law firms. This app is so feature-rich that you can easily do your all kind of note-taking, To-Dos, Word Processor alternative.

10. Simplenote: The Simplest Evernote Alternative:

Simplenote is one of the cleanest and easiest note-taking apps for professionals. There are some pros and cons of simplenote. Let’s discuss pros and cons of this note-taking app.

Simplenote is the cleanest and free Evernote alternative in the world. This note-taking app is one of its kind. It has not enough features but some features that are very good for everyday use. Here are some top pros of this app.

10.1. Reason To Choose Simplenote Over Evernote:

• The Creators Of WordPress Created Simplenote.
• App For Every OS In The World.
• Most Secure Note-Taking App.
• Sync Cross Devices Instantly.
• Markdown Editor.
• Totally Free Application.

10.2. Poor Features Of Simplenote:

• No Bi-Directional Linking.
• Team Note-Taking Is Not Easy.
• No Way Of Attaching Files.
• To Import Notes Form Other Note-Taking Apps Is Quite Hard.

If you want to take notes in the simplest ways then, Simplenote is the best option for you. Lawyer love simplicity. Lawyers can take advantage of this note-taking app.

11. Notion: The Modern All In One Note-Taking Apps:

Notion is a Swiss army knife note-taking app. It has the ability to do virtually everything within notion app. Notion is one of the fastest-growing note-taking app in the world.

Many people love Notion for it’s simplicity and doing every kind of work in it. So, there are no limitations in Notion. You can do anything you want.

Notion in the number 3 because it is not like OneNote. There are tons of features than OneNote in Notion. So, think big, grow big, and do big with the magical help of Notion.

11.1. Reason To Choose Notion Over OneNote:

• Notion Is Free With Its Every Features But For 4 Team Members. Enough For Personal Use.
• Notion Is One Of The Most Secure Not-Taking App In The World.
• This App Is A All In One App. You Can Do Anything You Want. You can use as a note-taking system, your case management system, file management system, accounting software for your firm. As a result you can save a huge amount of money just using Notion.
• You can use notion as your personal wiki, personal knowledge base.
• Your Accounting Software Replacement.
• Notion Has One Of The Best Web Clipper In The Market.
• You Can Export Your Notes Into PDF, HTML, Markdown With CSV In Notion.

11.2. Poor Features Of Notion:

• Notion App For Every Platform Are Not Good Enough. All Apps Are Web App. No Offline Mode.
• Notion Has Learning Carves.
• No OCR Capability For Images.

I like Notion from my hart. Many lawyers in the world are shifting to Notion. Not only lawyers but all kind of note-taking apps user are shifting to Notion because of it wide range or features.

12. Notejoy: Make You Joy When Taking Notes:

Notejoy is an another Evernote like note-taking app. This app fantastically looks and feels like Evernote. I used this app for one month, and this app is very good at note-taking.

Notejoy provide you every Evernote, and OneNote features with some modern features too. There are many reasons to use Notejoy instead of OneNote.

If you are a lawyer like me, then you may face many problems in OneNote. This is the proper time to find a OneNote alternative for your notes. Maybe, Notejoy can full-fill all of your needs as a note-taking app OneNote alternative.

12.1. Reason To Choose Notejoy Over OneNote:

• Bi-directional Linking Note-Taking Made Easy.
• Good And Speedy Web Clipper.
• Markdown Editor (No Support For Creating Tables).
• Trallo, Google Drive, ect. Can Be Easily Integrate.
• Clean UI (Same As Evernote).
• Focus Mode.

12.2. Poor Features Of Notejoy:

• No Table Creation.
• Some Markdown Features Do Not Work.

If you are a lawyer and become a slave of OneNote, then choose this note-taking app. Notejoy has same user interface and features of Evernote, and OneNote at a competitive price. So, you can switch to Notejoy easily.

My Final Though About OneNote Markdown Alternative:

OneNote Markdown alternative is requirements of the time. Microsoft is not implementing Markdown editor, bi-directional linking notes in OneNote. As a result, users are finding some solutions. The list above I have tried to give you the best OneNote Markdown Alternative.

If You Know Any OneNote Markdown Alternative, Then, Please Let Me Know In The Comment Box.