VPS: Setup Joplin on Linux
This guide was created with the following products:
(Details may vary with products from different providers but the main concepts remain the same)
Introduction
Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application that enables organizing Markdown-based notes into searchable notebooks and syncing them across devices. It provides end-to-end encryption, a web clipper, and cross-platform synchronization. Perfect for users who prioritize privacy, flexibility, and full control over their data!
Considering about hosting this service yourself? We’ll walk you through every step on how to set it up and configure it, along with everything you need to keep in mind.
This application 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 the reference.
Prerequisites
Before installing Joplin, ensure that your hosting environment meets the following requirements to guarantee a smooth installation and optimal performance.
| Hardware | Minimum | ZAP-Hosting Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1 vCPU Cores | 4 vCPU Cores |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Disk space | 250 MB | 250 MB |
The software requires that all necessary dependencies are installed and that it is running on a supported operating system. Make sure your server meets the following requirements before proceeding with the installation:
Dependencies: Libfuse2
Operating System: Linux with Desktop Support
Ensure all dependencies are installed and the correct operating system version is in use to avoid compatibility issues during the installation of Joplin.
Preparation
Before setting up the Joplin, you need to prepare your system. This includes updating your operating system to the latest version and installing all required dependencies. These preparations ensure a stable environment and help prevent issues during or after the installation.
Update System
To make sure your system is running with the most recent software and security improvements, you should always perform system updates first. To do this, run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This ensures that your system has the latest security patches and software versions before proceeding.
Install dependencies
Once the update process is complete, the installation of dependencies can now be proceeded with.
Libfuse2
The Joplin software requires Libfuse2 to be installed first. To do this, run the following command:
sudo apt install -y libfuse2
Installation
Now that all requirements have been met and the necessary preparations have been completed, you can proceed with the installation of the Joplin application. To do so, execute the following command:
wget -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/laurent22/joplin/dev/Joplin_install_and_update.sh | bash
Joplin will be downloaded and installed using the official installation script. Simply let the process run until it finishes, after which you can launch the application right away.
Configuration
After installing Joplin, you should configure the basic settings to adapt the application to your workflow. The configuration is accessible through the Settings menu.
Synchronization Joplin supports multiple sync targets such as Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or WebDAV. Select your preferred provider under “Synchronization” and enter your credentials. This allows you to keep notes up to date across devices.
Encryption To secure your synchronized notes, enable end-to-end encryption in the “Encryption” settings. A key will be generated, which must be set up on all devices that access your notes.
Editor & Appearance Joplin uses Markdown for notes. In the “Editor” settings you can define whether the preview is shown automatically and adjust font type and size.
Plugins & Extensions The built-in plugin manager lets you install additional features, such as diagram support, calendar integration, or advanced tag management.
Web Clipper Optionally, enable the “Joplin Web Clipper” browser extension to save entire web pages or selections directly as notes.
With these core settings, Joplin is ready for use in a variety of scenarios, such as task management, project documentation, or personal knowledge bases.
Conclusion and more Resources
Congratulations! You have now successfully installed and configured Joplin on your VPS. We also recommend taking a look at the following resources, which could provide you with additional help and guidance during your server configuration process
- Joplinapp.org - Official Website
- Joplinapp.org/help/ - Joplin Help Center
Got specific questions that aren't covered here? For further questions or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team, which is available daily to assist you! 🙂