1. Xournal++ 1.3.0: Note tool gets laser pointer and improved PDF export

• PDFs Exported Correctly
• Improvements for Mathematical Notes
• Accessibility and Customizations
• Availability

The free note-taking software Xournal++ has been released in version 1.3.0: The update brings numerous new features and improvements for users working with stylus input devices. Particularly interesting are the innovations in PDF export and a laser pointer tool for presentations.

PDFs Exported Correctly

Arguably the most important change concerns PDF export: From Xournal++ 1.3.0 onwards, the internal structure of PDF backgrounds will be preserved. In practice, this means that hyperlinks, comments, and other PDF objects will be retained and continue to function during export. Previous versions of the software flattened these structures during export, causing interactive elements to be lost. The new version thus enables the creation of interactive PDFs, for example, for lecture slides with clickable links.

For presentations, the new version introduces a laser pointer tool. It creates strokes that disappear automatically. In full-screen or presentation mode, content can be highlighted without leaving permanent markings. Both modes are also further configurable to user preference in the new version.

Improvements for Mathematical Notes

The developers have added a new graph background with periodically thicker lines. These main axes facilitate the alignment of plots and diagrams. Correspondingly, grid snapping has been revised: it now automatically adapts to the displayed grid for all background types, whether graph, lined, or dotted. This allows for more precise drawings on different background types.

For LaTeX users, version 1.3.0 includes the option to use an external editor for LaTeX entries. Instead of the integrated basic editor, tools like Overleaf can now be used, offering advanced features such as syntax highlighting and templates. The external editor renders the formulas back into the Xournal++ file format.

Accessibility and Customizations

A new screen recoloring option allows for changing the color of the screen output. The accessibility feature supports various filters such as inversion or grayscale and is aimed at users with requirements for contrast or color representation.

Furthermore, with the new version, multiple instances of the same button can be placed in the toolbar if desired. This allows for task-specific layouts, such as a mathematics configuration with quick access to LaTeX and grid backgrounds. The toolbar configuration is done via XML files. Optionally, it is now also possible to scroll beyond page margins, which can be helpful for large-format diagrams or precise corrections on a tablet.

Additionally, PDF markers can now be given selectable opacity. The plugin interface has also been revised, which primarily affects developers of Lua plugins. Version 1.3.0 also ships with four new plugins. New events for tools and export hooks expand the possibilities, but also bring breaking changes that require adjustments to existing plugins.

Availability

Xournal++ is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS and supports common stylus input devices such as Wacom, Huion, or XP-Pen. The software is an open-source alternative to proprietary programs like GoodNotes or OneNote. A detailed list of all changes can be found in the Changelog on GitHub.

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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.