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Set Up Joplin on a Linux Server – Install Joplin Server with One-Click Apps or the Desktop App
Set up your own Joplin Server with One-Click Apps on your Linux server or install the desktop app for encrypted Markdown notes → Learn more now
10 November 20264 min read0 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do app that lets you organize Markdown-based notes in searchable notebooks and sync them across devices. It offers end-to-end encryption, a web clipper, and cross-platform synchronization. Perfect for anyone who values privacy, flexibility, and full control over their data!
This guide covers two options: you install your own Joplin Server, which syncs your notes across your devices, with One-Click Apps. After that, we show you how to install the Joplin desktop app manually on a Linux server with a graphical interface.
Requirements
Before installing Joplin, make sure your hosting environment meets the following requirements to ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance.
Hardware
Minimum
ZAP-Hosting Recommendation
CPU
1 vCPU core
4 vCPU cores
RAM
2 GB
4 GB
Disk Space
250 MB
250 MB
The software requires all necessary dependencies to be installed and to run on a supported operating system. Verify your server meets the following before starting installation:
Dependencies:Libfuse2
Operating System: Linux with desktop support
Ensure all dependencies are installed and the correct OS version is used to avoid compatibility issues during Joplin installation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
You install your own Joplin Server via One-Click Apps in the VPS web interface: search for Joplin in the app catalog and start the installation with your preferred project, environment, and domain settings. You install the desktop app manually with the official installation script.
You install Joplin Server via One-Click Apps on a Linux server with Debian or Ubuntu. The desktop app, on the other hand, needs a Linux system with a graphical user interface, such as Ubuntu Desktop 25.04.
Joplin Server is the server that syncs your notes across your devices. In the desktop app, you write and organize your notes. In the app's synchronization settings, you choose your Joplin Server as the target.
Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do app that lets you organize Markdown-based notes in searchable notebooks and sync them across devices with end-to-end encryption.
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Software
Installing Joplin Server with One-Click Apps
You can install your own Joplin Server directly via One-Click Apps in the VPS web interface. After your initial app setup, open the app catalog, search for Joplin, and start the installation with your preferred project, environment, and domain settings. This lets you deploy and manage Joplin quickly and easily—without manual command-line work—while still benefiting from integrated web management, custom domain support, and SSL certificates where available.
After the installation, log in with the admin account admin@localhost. The password is generated during the installation. The login note for the app in the panel shows you where to find it. For syncing, Joplin recommends creating a separate user without admin rights on the server.
Warning
Desktop App: Linux with Desktop Environment Required
The following steps install the Joplin desktop app, not a Joplin Server. The app can only be installed and used on a Linux system with a graphical user interface; in this example, Ubuntu Desktop 25.04 is used as a reference.
Preparation
Before setting up Joplin, you need to prepare your system. This includes updating your operating system and installing all required dependencies. This preparation ensures a stable environment and helps prevent issues during or after installation.
Update System
To run your system with the latest software and security updates, first perform a system update by running:
Code
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This ensures your system has the latest security patches and software versions before installation.
Install Dependencies
Once the update is complete, proceed with installing dependencies.
Libfuse2
Joplin requires Libfuse2. Install it with:
Code
sudo apt install -y libfuse2
Installation
Once all requirements are met and preparations are complete, you can start installing Joplin by running:
Joplin will be downloaded and installed using the official installation script. Let the process complete, then you can start the application directly.
Configuration
After installation, you should adjust the basic settings to tailor Joplin to your workflow. Configuration is found in the Settings menu.
Synchronization
Joplin supports various sync targets like Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or WebDAV. Choose your preferred provider under “Synchronization” and enter your credentials. This keeps your notes up to date on all devices. If you installed your own Joplin Server with One-Click Apps, choose Joplin Server as the target and sign in with your server's address and a user you created on it.
Encryption
To protect your synced notes, enable end-to-end encryption in the “Encryption” settings. A key will be generated that you must set up on all devices accessing your notes.
Editor & Appearance
Joplin uses Markdown for notes. In the “Editor” settings, you can choose whether the preview is shown automatically and adjust font type and size.
Plugins & Extensions
The built-in plugin manager lets you install extra features, such as diagram support, calendar integration, or advanced tag management.
Web Clipper
Optionally, you can enable the “Joplin Web Clipper” browser extension to save entire web pages or snippets directly as notes.
With these basic settings, Joplin is ready for many uses, such as task management, project documentation, or personal knowledge bases.
Conclusion and Further Resources
Congratulations! You have successfully set up Joplin on your Linux server, either as your own Joplin Server with One-Click Apps or as the desktop app. We also recommend checking out the following resources to help with server configuration:
Preferred source on Google
