What does jrnl replace?

jrnl is a free alternative to Day One ($49.99/yr).

Yes. jrnl is licensed under GPL-3.0, an OSI-approved open-source license.

Does jrnl run on Linux?

Yes (Arch extra: jrnl). Install with: sudo pacman -S jrnl.

There's nothing to host: jrnl is a command-line tool that runs on your own machine.

A free, open-source alternative to Day One. Switching saves $49.99/yr at list price.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 · How we check

Command line

Partly replaces it Active Open source · GPL-3.0 Linux Arch/AUR

jrnl-org/jrnl7.3k★last push Oct 16, 2026checked Oct 17, 2026

A command-line text journal: no phone app, photos or sync, and it can't import current Day One exports.

Install

$ sudo pacman -S jrnl

What does jrnl replace?: jrnl is a free alternative to Day One ($49.99/yr).
Is jrnl open source?: Yes. jrnl is licensed under GPL-3.0, an OSI-approved open-source license.
Does jrnl run on Linux?: Yes (Arch extra: jrnl). Install with: sudo pacman -S jrnl.
Can you self-host jrnl?: There's nothing to host: jrnl is a command-line tool that runs on your own machine.