Migrating from Evernote to Joplin is a straightforward task that can help you transition to a more reliable, open-source note-taking solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the migration process on macOS and Android.

## Why Switch from Evernote to Joplin?

### My Experience with Evernote

I used Evernote for just shy of three years. I used it briefly when it came out, then quickly pivoted to using handwritten note software. I was tired of maintaining my note app, so I switched to OneNote for a while. OneNote isn't a complete disaster, but a multitude of bugs surrounding Microsoft's ecosystem finally pissed me off too much, so I switched to Evernote.

The past few months with Evernote have been a disaster. I used the macOS, Windows, Android versions, and versions after version 7.X migrated to a new version, built upon Electron. I'm not sure if Electron is the cause of stability issues or if it's simply a raging grease fire.

The Evernote app folder contains Electron artifacts indicating that Electron is their chosen web application framework.

I used the Legacy Evernote after facing numerous bugs along with missing features, though it's inevitable they will decommission it soon without warning. The legacy client started crashing on me, so I started looking for alternatives. I stumbled upon [Dendron], which fit the bill for a while, but I found myself missing features I needed.

Fast forward to today, and I have had it with Evernote. It's slow to load on Android, and Evernote doesn't listen to its users. It's time to move on.

## Step-by-Step Migration Guide

I saw [a funny post on Reddit] asking, "WTF are Evernote doing?" I said they are losing customers, and now I am writing about my brief experience migrating to [Joplin].

### Prerequisites
- Legacy Evernote Client installed
- Joplin installed on your devices
- OneDrive account (or preferred sync service)

### Migration Steps

1. Install [Joplin on Android]
2. Configure the Android client to sync with OneDrive
3. Open the Legacy Evernote Client.
   * _The new version only lets you select 50 notes, WTF?!_
4. Select a notebook
5. Select all notes by pressing **Cmd-A**
6. Hold **Control,** then **click** your selected notes list
7. Select **Export Notes**
8. Check **Include tags for each note**
9. Save the note export with the same name as my notebook
10. Open Joplin
11. Go to **File** -> **Import** -> **ENEX - Evernote Export File** (as Markdown)
    * _If you want to use HTML, that's up to you._
      * I recommend Markdown for easier raw editing experiences.
12. Choose your saved notebook
    * Rinse Repeat
13. Open Joplin **Preferences** -> **Synchronization**
14. Choose a sync target
    * _I used the local **App/Joplin** folder synced with OneDrive_
15. Click **Synchronize**
16. Wait for the newly imported notes to sync with OneDrive
17. Edit notes on an Android device, or a MacBook
18. Profit

## Joplin Features and Benefits

These features will bring all the boys to the yard.

* [Joplin Web Clipper]
* [Plugins]
* [Desktop Apps]
* [Mobile Apps]
* [Note Templates]
* [External Text Editor]
* And many more...

## Conclusion

Note apps are plentiful, and Evernote worked well for me. I wouldn't say I liked paying for it, but ~$69.00 a year is a lot cheaper than coffee. I'll miss some of its features, but the open-source Joplin will catch up and surpass anything Evernote can throw at us. The experience is so similar and so smooth; I'm excited for the future of it. I also like [the name].

I hope this article helped you escape the Evernote hellscape in 2021. 👋 📓

## Updates

* [Who is working at Evernote these days?] - 2021-10-29

[evernote]: https://evernote.com/
[joplin]: https://joplinapp.org/
[dendron]: /blog/2021/01/23/dendron-and-gitjournal/
[a funny post on reddit]: https://www.reddit.com/r/Evernote/comments/mnj5f0/wtf_are_evernote_doing/gtzv5lb/?context=3
[joplin on android]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.cozic.joplin
[the name]: https://joplinapp.org/faq/#why-is-it-named-joplin
[joplin web clipper]: https://joplinapp.org/clipper
[plugins]: https://joplinapp.org/plugins/
[desktop apps]: https://joplinapp.org/desktop/
[mobile apps]: https://joplinapp.org/mobile/  
[note templates]: https://joplinapp.org/#note-templates
[external text editor]: https://joplinapp.org/#external-text-editor
[who is working at evernote these days?]: https://twitter.com/jeffabailey/status/1454146215164223492?s=20