Anyone with the need to write daily notes should take a serious look at Journler.

The name suggests its use is restricted to writing a journal, but it offers much more than that. Written by Philip Dow to meet his own needs, Journler uses every Cocoa trick in the book to bring you additional features and clever ways of organizing your data.

First off, yes, you can use it just to write a journal. Your journal can include styled text, images, audio you record directly into Journler, and links to almost any kind of file you like. Journler includes browser controls for accessing your iPhoto, iTunes and Address Book databases. Wow, this is the kind of clever stuff you expect in commerical apps like Pages, not in freeware.

There’s more. Tabs (keep multiple journal entries open at once), tags (called keywords, but it’s the same thing), smart folders (called Collections, but works just like smart Finder or Mail folders), smooth integration with weblog services Blogger and LiveJournal, a normal or brushed metal window style toggle, and built-in encryption. Even a plug-ins API.

Everything is doable with keyboard shortcuts, of course. Phil even included a “Go to random entry” command. He really has thought of everything. If you’ve been looking for a note-taking application for keeping a personal diary, or for jotting down everything you do during the working day, or just something to manage your weblog with, I’d recommend you give Journler a try.

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