Convert JNT to PDF

Some users might still find .jnt on their old computers and wonder how to open or export these old notes to other format, for example PDF. JNT format comes from old notemaking app for Windows called Microsoft Journal, Windows Journal, or sometimes just Journat, and it is not that easy to open it on modern Windows.

Journal was a note-taking and handwriting application developed by Microsoft for use with a stylus on tablet PCs. It was originally included in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and was available in subsequent versions up to and including Windows 8.1.With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft discontinued Windows Journal due to security concerns and recommended users to switch to OneNote or other alternatives.

A final update for Windows Journal was released in August 2016, which removed the application and provided a way to convert existing Windows Journal notes into another format. Users of Windows 10 and later versions do not have Windows Journal as part of the standard operating system installation.

How to open and convert Journal JNT documents

Installing Journal to Windows 10

Microsoft provides fixed installer of Journal app for the x64 version of Windows 10. This enables users users to download and use the tool in version of Windows where it was no longer available. You can find it here.

Using older version of Windows in virtual machine

The most reliable way how to export your .jnt files to PDF format is to use Windows 7 or 8 virtual machine so you have access to the original software.

1. Launch virtual Windows 7 or Windows 8 virtual OS through VirtualBox
2. Open Journal app and export your .jnt files to PDF format via virtual PDF printer (Microsoft Print to PDF)

Any 3rd party software for modern computers?

Unfortunately, none exist. Microsoft Journal is the only software that can be used to reliably read and export JNT files. Although you can find web-based converters that may claim support for jnt to pdf conversion, they typically do not work due to the limited support of the JNT format.