Joplin Mobile User Guide

Introduction

This guide covers the Joplin mobile app for Android and iOS. It explains how to install the app, set up synchronization, create and organize notes, use attachments, and work offline on the go.

Install Joplin Mobile

Android

• Open the Google Play Store.
• Search for Joplin.
• Install the app by tapping Install.

iOS

• Open the App Store.
• Search for Joplin.
• Tap Get and authenticate with your Apple ID.

Note: The Joplin mobile app is free and open source. For development details, see https://github.com/joplinapp/joplin.

First Launch and Setup

• Open the Joplin mobile app.
• Choose whether to use the app in offline mode or configure synchronization immediately.
• If you plan to sync notes across devices, go to Configuration > Synchronization.

Configure sync

1. Tap Synchronization target.
2. Choose one of the supported sync services: Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, WebDAV, or File system.
3. Enter your account or server credentials.
4. Tap Synchronize to connect and fetch notes.

Tip: Use the same sync target on desktop and mobile so your notes stay consistent.

Notes and Organization

Create a new note

• Tap the New note button in the bottom bar.
• Enter a title and type your content in the editor.
• Notes are saved automatically as you type.

Use notebooks

• Tap the notebook icon to view notebooks.
• Use New notebook to create a notebook for your notes.
• Move notes between notebooks by selecting a note and choosing Move to notebook.

Use tags

• Add tags from the note sidebar or editor options.
• Tap a tag to filter notes that use it.

Editing Notes

Markdown and WYSIWYG

• The Joplin mobile app supports Markdown formatting.
• Use the toolbar buttons to add bold, italics, headings, lists, and checkboxes.
• You can switch between the editor and preview modes to see formatted output.

Attachments and images

• Tap Attach file or Insert image while editing a note.
• Choose images from your gallery or use the camera to capture a new photo.
• Attachments are stored with the note and synced across devices.

Checklists

• Add tasks using checkbox syntax: - [ ] Task name.
• Tap a checkbox to mark a task complete.
• Checklists are ideal for shopping lists, meeting actions, or quick reminders.

Search and Navigation

Search notes

• Use the search bar at the top of the notes list.
• Search text inside note titles and contents.
• Filter results with tags and notebooks.

Quick access

• Pin notes or use favorites if the mobile app interface supports them.
• Use swipe actions to quickly archive or delete notes.

Offline Use

• Joplin mobile works offline by default.
• Notes created offline are saved locally and synced when you reconnect.
• Be sure to sync after reconnecting to avoid losing updates between devices.

Import and Export

Import notes

• Use the desktop app for full import support; mobile is best for note creation and editing.
• If you need to import data directly on mobile, use supported sync services to pull notes from your synced storage.

Backup notes

• Sync your notes regularly to a cloud service.
• Use the desktop app to export full backups if needed.

Tips for Mobile Productivity

• Use voice-to-text or the mobile keyboard for quick note capture.
• Create a daily journal note or quick memo notebook for rapid capture.
• Use tags to categorize notes for easy retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Joplin mobile without sync?

A: Yes. Joplin mobile works offline and saves notes locally. Sync is optional but recommended for multi-device access.

Q: Can I view attachments on mobile?

A: Yes. Images, PDFs, and other attached files can be opened directly from the note.

Q: Does Joplin mobile support encryption?

A: Yes. Enable end-to-end encryption in the app settings when using sync to secure notes and attachments.