Getting Started with NixNote: Installation, Setup, and Sync TipsNixNote is a third-party, open-source Evernote client for Linux that brings offline note-taking, rich-text editing, tagging, and Evernote synchronization to desktops. This guide walks you through installing NixNote, configuring it for first use, managing notebooks and notes, and troubleshooting common sync issues. It also includes practical tips to keep your notes organized and safe.
What NixNote is (and isn’t)
NixNote is an Evernote client built for Linux. It supports Evernote’s syncing, tags, notebooks, attachments, and basic note formatting. It is not an Evernote replacement with all mobile clients or Evernote’s cloud-only features; rather, it acts as a desktop bridge allowing Linux users to work with Evernote accounts natively.
Before you begin: requirements and account prep
- Operating system: a modern Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch, etc.).
- Evernote account: you’ll need an active Evernote account (free or paid).
- Dependencies: NixNote often requires Qt libraries and other build/runtime packages depending on distribution. If using packaged binaries (DEB/RPM/AUR), package manager will handle most dependencies.
If you plan to sync a large Evernote account, ensure you have sufficient disk space and a stable internet connection.
Installation
Installation methods vary by distribution. Below are common ways to install NixNote.
Ubuntu / Debian (DEB)
- Download the latest .deb from the NixNote releases page or a trusted repository.
- Install with dpkg or gdebi:
sudo dpkg -i nixnote2_*.deb sudo apt-get -f installThis installs the package and pulls missing dependencies.
Fedora / CentOS (RPM)
- Download the appropriate .rpm file.
- Install with dnf or rpm:
sudo dnf install ./nixnote2-*.rpmor
sudo rpm -i nixnote2-*.rpm
Arch Linux / Manjaro (AUR)
NixNote is available in the AUR as an unofficial package. Use an AUR helper:
yay -S nixnote2 Build from source
If you prefer building from source or need the latest commit:
- Install build dependencies (Qt development libraries, Boost, OpenSSL, etc.).
- Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/robert7/nixnote2.git cd nixnote2 qmake make sudo make installAdjust commands if the project uses cmake or other build tools. Consult the repo README for exact steps.
First-run setup
- Launch NixNote from your application menu or terminal:
nixnote2 - The first-run wizard prompts you to sign in to Evernote. Enter your Evernote credentials. If your account uses two-factor authentication (2FA), create and use an app password from your Evernote account settings and use that password in NixNote.
- Choose a local sync folder and initial sync preferences (sync all notebooks vs selective sync).
Sync options and strategies
NixNote supports different sync modes. Choose based on your usage and bandwidth.
- Full sync: downloads all notes and attachments. Best for offline access but requires disk space and time.
- Selective sync: choose only certain notebooks to sync. Useful for large accounts or limited disk space. Configure this in Preferences → Sync → Notebooks.
Sync tips:
- Perform the initial full sync on a reliable, high-speed connection.
- Regularly sync after major edits or before switching devices.
- If you use multiple Evernote clients, resolve conflicts by checking note history and timestamps.
Using NixNote: notes, notebooks, tags, and attachments
- Create and edit notes with the rich-text editor (bold, lists, images).
- Organize with notebooks and stacks. Create notebooks via File → New Notebook or the Notebooks pane.
- Use tags to cross-reference notes across notebooks; tags are lightweight and very searchable.
- Attachments: drag-and-drop files into notes. Large attachments can be set to not sync automatically if you want to save bandwidth.
Search:
- NixNote supports Evernote search grammar. Use queries like notebook:“Work” tag:projectX created:day-7 to find recent items.
Backups and data safety
- Enable automatic local backups (Preferences → Backup). Keep periodic copies of the NixNote database file.
- You can export notebooks as ENEX (Evernote export) files for portability: File → Export → ENEX.
- Keep a separate copy of important attachments outside NixNote if they are critical.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Authentication errors: If you use Evernote 2FA, generate an app-specific password and use that in NixNote. If login fails, check network/firewall settings.
- Sync hangs or slow sync: stop sync, restart NixNote, and try syncing a single notebook. Large attachments can slow sync—consider selective sync for attachments.
- Database corruption: restore from the latest backup or export. Run any provided repair utilities from the project if available.
- Missing formatting or unsupported features: NixNote does not always support the newest Evernote features. Keep expectations realistic and verify note content in the official Evernote client if needed.
Advanced tips
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up note creation and navigation (check Preferences → Shortcuts).
- Create templates for recurring note types by saving a blank note and duplicating it.
- Use saved searches for frequent queries.
- Automate exports using scripts that call NixNote’s command-line options (if available) to dump notebooks to ENEX for scheduled backups.
Alternatives and when to switch
If you need first-class Evernote feature parity across devices (including mobile), consider using Evernote’s official clients in addition to NixNote. For a fully native open-source note system, look into Joplin or Standard Notes (both have cross-platform clients and end-to-end encryption).
Summary
NixNote brings Evernote access to Linux with rich note editing, tagging, and syncing. Install via your distro’s package method or build from source, sign in using your Evernote credentials (use an app password if you have 2FA), choose selective or full sync based on storage, and keep regular backups. Troubleshoot sync issues by checking authentication, network, and large attachments. With selective sync, templates, and saved searches, NixNote can be a powerful Linux note workflow tool.
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