Export notes: which format should you choose?
The best export format depends on what the recipient needs to do with your notes. A document for reading, a file for editing, and data for analysis are different jobs. Lognote offers seven export formats; this guide explains the practical choice without treating an export as a full backup.
For reading and sharing: PDF
Choose PDF when the recipient should read or print a stable document. It works well for a handover or a report. It is less convenient when someone needs to edit individual entries or calculate with their timestamps. Before sharing, preview the file and check whether attachments and private details are included.
For further writing: TXT, Markdown, RTF or HTML
Plain text is the simplest choice for copying the words into another system. Markdown is useful when you want portable headings and simple formatting in a text-based workflow. RTF is suitable for further editing in a word processor. HTML is useful when a document will continue in a browser or web workflow. Test an exported sample in the destination app because formatting and media support vary.
For tables and automation: CSV or JSON
CSV is a practical starting point for sorting entries in a spreadsheet. JSON is better when a script or another tool needs structured fields. These formats are useful for analysis, but they are less pleasant to read as a finished report. Check which fields your chosen export includes before relying on an automated process.
Example: one log, three destinations
Suppose a project log contains several timestamped entries. Send a PDF to someone who only needs to read it. Choose CSV to review the entries in a spreadsheet. Choose Markdown when you want to continue writing in a text editor. This is a fictional workflow example; the precise output depends on your export selection and the content of the note.
Export and backup serve different purposes
An export gives you a portable copy for sharing or further work. It does not promise a complete restoration of your Lognote data, settings and attachments. If you need to recover the app later, create and check a backup using Lognote's backup function. Keep both files only as long as you need them and share sensitive records carefully.