# Xournal++ — Open-Source Handwriting and PDF Annotation App

> Xournal++ is a free, open-source handwriting notetaking application with PDF annotation support. It works with stylus input on tablets and pen displays across Linux, Windows, and macOS.

## Install

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# Xournal++ — Open-Source Handwriting and PDF Annotation App

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install xournalpp

# macOS
brew install --cask xournalpp

# Flatpak (any Linux)
flatpak install flathub com.github.xournalpp.xournalpp
```

## Introduction
Xournal++ is a handwriting notetaking application designed for stylus and pen tablet input. It supports PDF annotation, LaTeX rendering, and audio recording, making it a versatile tool for students, researchers, and anyone who prefers handwritten notes on a digital canvas.

## What Xournal++ Does
- Takes handwritten notes with pressure-sensitive pen and stylus support
- Annotates existing PDF documents with highlights, text, and drawings
- Renders LaTeX equations inline within handwritten notes
- Records and links audio to specific points in your notes for lecture review
- Exports pages as PDF, PNG, or SVG for sharing and archiving

## Architecture Overview
Xournal++ is written in C++ using GTK3 for the user interface. The rendering pipeline supports pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and low-latency stroke rendering for a natural writing feel. Documents are stored in a custom XML-based format (.xopp) that preserves layers, strokes, and embedded elements. PDF background rendering uses the Poppler library, and LaTeX support invokes a local TeX installation to generate inline formulas.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via system package managers, Flatpak, Snap, or downloadable installers
- Configure pen, eraser, and highlighter tool presets with custom colors and widths
- Set up drawing recognition to convert rough shapes into clean geometric forms
- Map tablet buttons to specific tools using the built-in input device configuration
- Customize page templates with different background styles including lined, grid, and graph paper

## Key Features
- Pressure-sensitive pen input with sub-pixel stroke rendering for natural handwriting
- PDF annotation mode that overlays notes on existing documents without modifying the original
- Layer system for organizing content and separating handwriting from diagrams
- Plugin system using Lua scripting for custom tools and automation
- Cross-platform support for Linux, Windows, and macOS

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **OneNote** — cloud-dependent and proprietary; Xournal++ is offline-first and open-source
- **Notability** — iPad-only; Xournal++ runs on desktop with any pen tablet
- **GoodNotes** — Apple ecosystem only; Xournal++ is cross-platform and free
- **Rnote** — newer Rust-based alternative with fewer features; Xournal++ is more mature
- **Write (Stylus Labs)** — similar concept but less actively maintained; Xournal++ has a larger community

## FAQ
**Q: Does Xournal++ work with a mouse?**
A: Yes, but it is designed for stylus input. Mouse drawing works for basic annotation.

**Q: Can I fill out PDF forms?**
A: Xournal++ is an annotation tool, not a form filler. You can draw and type over PDF pages but not interact with form fields.

**Q: What file format does it use?**
A: The native format is .xopp (gzipped XML). You can export to PDF, PNG, or SVG.

**Q: Does it support handwriting recognition?**
A: Not built-in. It focuses on preserving handwritten strokes. Shape recognition converts rough shapes to clean geometry.

## Sources
- https://github.com/xournalpp/xournalpp
- https://xournalpp.github.io

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/1d1ab828-403f-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: AI Open Source