Jarnal is a lightweight, open-source Java application designed for notetaking, sketching, and PDF annotation. Unlike most modern PDF editors that rely on cloud servers, Jarnal includes a unique built-in client-server collaboration feature that allows multiple users to view, highlight, and write on the exact same document simultaneously over a local network or internet connection.
Because it is written in Java, it runs seamlessly across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Step 1: Requirements and Setup
Before initiating a collaborative session, all participants must install Java and download the software:
Install Java: Ensure you have the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed on your computer.
Download Jarnal: Download the official application archive (usually jarnal-install.zip) directly from David Levine’s Jarnal Software Page. Extract and Launch: Unzip the archive into a folder of your choice.
On Windows, launch the app by double-clicking jarnal.cmd or jarnal.jar.
On Mac/Linux, open your terminal, navigate to the folder, and run jarnal.sh. Step 2: Preparing the PDF Background
Jarnal processes PDFs by overlaying annotations on top of them as a background. Launch Jarnal to open a blank default document.
Click File in the top menu bar, then select Open Background.
Browse your local files and select the PDF you wish to collaboratively review.
The PDF will render as the page background, ready for markup. Step 3: Setting Up the Collaborative Session
Jarnal operates on a host-and-client network model. One user acts as the server (host), and all other team members connect as clients. Mode A: The Host (Server) Setup
Find your network IP address (Local IP if everyone is on the same Wi-Fi; Public IP if working remotely across the internet).
Go to the top menu and select Collaborate (or Network depending on your specific version build). Select Start Server.
Note the port number Jarnal prompts you with (the default port is typically 8080 or specified in the network dialogue). Ensure your firewall permits incoming connections on this port. Mode B: The Client Setup
Open a blank Jarnal interface (Clients do not need to open the PDF manually; it will stream from the host).
Go to the top menu and select Collaborate → Connect to Server. Input the Host’s IP address and the designated Port number.
Click connect. The host’s active PDF screen will instantly sync onto the client’s monitor. Step 4: Live Collaborative Annotation
Once connected, any markings made by a team member will propagate to everyone else’s screen in near real-time:
Handwritten Scribbles & Stylus Input: Select the Pen tool from the toolbar to draw arrows, circle objects, or write margin notes using a mouse or a drawing tablet.
Text Comments: Click the Text (“T”) icon, click anywhere on the PDF page, and start typing into the dynamic box.
Highlighting: Use the highlighter tool to layer semi-transparent yellow, green, or red marks across text paragraphs.
Layered Separation: Markups are applied on individual vector paths, preventing users from corrupting or accidentally deleting the underlying PDF content. Step 5: Saving the Shared Annotations Jarnal handles saving via unique configurations: Jarnal – David Levine
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