SimpleJournal

SimpleJournal is a note taking application that allows you to create memos or write down anything using text, geometric shapes and images. The tool is an open source alternative for Microsoft's Windows Journal, a note taking app that has been discontinued.

Following a quick and uneventful installation, the app pops up an assistant that presents you with an overview of the app's capabilities and helps you create your first journal page at the same time. You can configure the resolution, theme, paper format and size, contact pressure of the input device, Bezier smoothing, shape recognition, pen and highlighter.

Do not fret if the end result is not exactly what you want after first use, as you can access the assistant from the Settings and start a new page anytime you want.

Working with the app is as simple as it gets, meaning that you can simply start drawing using any of your favorite input devices, excluding the keyboard. Needless to say that you can write using pens with different colors and shapes, include shapes, delete notes and add images, an option that is relatively hard to spot, but can be found in the uppermost menu of the tool.

It is worth mentioning that you can toggle touch on and off, depending on your equipment as well as need and preferences. If you prefer not using a pen input device, you can simply switch to one that supports touch inputs. The tool is based on WPF and hence, you can write or draw using pen, mouse or the touch pad of a laptop.

SimpleJournal is a tool that addresses anyone who needs to take more detailed notes that include images, shapes or axes, such as for college, school, work, design or any other papers that entail studying or going through materials.