Joplin
Joplin is a secure, open-source note-taking and to-do application that allows you to capture your thoughts and access them safely from any device through end-to-end encryption.
f.lux
f.lux is a cross-platform computer program that adjusts your display's color temperature according to location and time of day to reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Joplin | f.lux |
|---|---|---|
| Website | joplinapp.org | justgetflux.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2017 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Los Angeles, USA |
Overview
Joplin
Joplin is an open-source note-taking application designed to give you full control over your data. You can create formatted notes using Markdown, attach files, and organize everything into notebooks and tags. It serves as a private alternative to mainstream tools, ensuring your information remains yours. You can solve the problem of fragmented information by centralizing your web clippings, meeting notes, and daily to-do lists in one searchable location.
The software is built for privacy-conscious individuals, researchers, and developers who need a reliable way to sync notes across multiple devices. Because it uses end-to-end encryption, you can sync your data through services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud without worrying about unauthorized access. It is completely free to use as a local application, with optional paid cloud services for enhanced syncing and sharing capabilities.
f.lux
f.lux is a display management tool designed to align your screen's brightness and color with your internal biological clock. During the day, your screens look like sunlight, but as the sun sets, the software automatically transitions your display to a warmer, amber hue. This shift mimics indoor lighting and reduces the blue light exposure that often interferes with your sleep patterns and causes digital eye strain.
You can customize the experience by telling the software exactly what kind of lighting you have and where you live. It then handles the transitions automatically, so you never have to manually adjust your monitor settings as evening approaches. It is a set-it-and-forget-it solution for anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer, especially during late-night sessions.
Overview
Joplin Features
- Markdown Support Write and format your notes easily using Markdown and view them instantly with the built-in previewer.
- End-to-End Encryption Secure your notes with high-level encryption so only you can access your data during synchronization.
- Web Clipper Save web pages as notes directly from your browser to keep important online research in one place.
- Multi-Device Sync Access your notes anywhere by syncing through Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or your own server.
- Offline Access View and edit your entire note library without an internet connection, ensuring you stay productive everywhere.
- Note History Keep track of changes and restore previous versions of your notes if you make a mistake.
f.lux Features
- Adaptive Color Tones. Automatically transition your screen from cool daylight tones to warm indoor colors as the sun sets in your specific location.
- Location-Based Timing. Enter your coordinates or zip code so the software can precisely calculate sunrise and sunset times for your exact area.
- Custom Color Profiles. Choose from various presets like 'Reduce Eyestrain' or 'Classic f.lux' to find the exact warmth level that feels best for you.
- Movie Mode. Preserve colors and shadow detail while watching films with a specialized setting that maintains a balanced look for media.
- Darkroom Mode. Turn your entire screen red and black to preserve your night vision and eliminate blue light entirely in dark environments.
- Smart Lighting Control. Connect your smart home bulbs to the software to synchronize your entire room's lighting with your computer screen's color.
Pricing Comparison
Joplin Pricing
- Full note-taking features
- Markdown editing
- End-to-end encryption
- Sync via 3rd party (Dropbox/OneDrive)
- Browser Web Clipper
- Everything in Free, plus:
- 2GB Cloud storage
- Sync multiple devices
- Publish notes to the web
- Access to Web Clipper
- Email notes to your account
f.lux Pricing
- Full automated color shifting
- Location-based transitions
- Customizable color presets
- Movie and Darkroom modes
- Smart bulb integration
- Everything in Personal, plus:
- Legal use for organizations
- Support for the developers
- One-time payment options
- Volume licensing available
Pros & Cons
Joplin
Pros
- Complete ownership of your data through encryption
- Extensive plugin library for custom functionality
- Excellent Markdown support for technical writing
- No cost for the core application
Cons
- Interface feels less polished than commercial rivals
- Sync setup can be technical for beginners
- Mobile app lacks some advanced desktop features
f.lux
Pros
- Completely free for personal use
- Extremely lightweight on system resources
- Significant reduction in late-night eye strain
- Set-it-and-forget-it automation works reliably
Cons
- Can interfere with color-accurate design work
- Occasional flickering during transition periods
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern apps