Simple Journal is a simple journaling application. It uses a common, readily available file format, an encrypted zip file (.zip) containing a series of Rich Text Documents (.rtf), to store its data. Because of this, it does not require a special application to read or write entries. The Simple Journal UI simply makes loading, saving, and modifying entries easier. The application is available as both a legacy Windows application as well as a Universal Windows Platform app in the Microsoft Store. The legacy version is open source and available on GitHub.
Features
- Saves files in readily-available encrypted zip file format containing plain rich-text files; does not require the application to read/write entries.
- Provides simple interface to add, edit, browse, and search entries.
- Available as a standard Windows application or via the Windows Store.
- Open Source (standard Windows application only).
History
Growing up during the heyday of LiveJournal, I contributed my share of angst to the internet throughout my teenage years. At some point in my 20s, I wised up and privated many of these entries, but when LiveJournal was bought by a Russian company, I decided it was time to move on. The data hoarder in me didn't like the idea of deleting everything, and I still occasionally like to have a place to put thoughts to (digital) paper, so I was left looking for a place to store all my entries locally. I wrote some throwaway code to download all my entries to rich-text files, and I appreciated the simplicity of this solution, so I decided to build on it.
Using a FOSS .NET library to handle the encrypted zip file, I was able to throw together a front-end UI without too much effort. I was having fun with it, so I decided to clean it up a bit and open-source it. Some time later, I decided I wanted to brush up on my Universal Windows Platform (UWP) development skills, so I created a "port" and published it to the store. I haven't yet open-sourced this version, but I'm not opposed to the idea. Both versions are available for free.
Screenshots
Below are screenshots of the Windows Store (UWP) and Legacy Windows versions, respectively.
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