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Zettlr

Open-source Markdown editor for academic writing and notes

Zettlr is a free Markdown editor for researchers and writers, with Zettelkasten-style linking, citations via Zotero and export through Pandoc.

Visit Zettlr ↗

Pricing: Free

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Categories: Writing, Notes & Knowledge

Zettlr is an alternative to

Microsoft Word

Zettlr compared with similar tools

ProductPriceOpen sourceSelf-hostPlatforms
ZettlrFreeYes–Windows, Mac, Linux
LogseqFree planYes–Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
SiYuanFree planYesYesMac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted
JoplinFree planYesYesWindows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
Standard NotesFree planYes–Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
SilverBulletFreeYesYesWeb, Self-hosted
Roam ResearchPaid––Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

Similar to Zettlr

Logseq

Open-source outliner for networked notes and journals

A privacy-first, open-source outliner that stores notes as local Markdown or Org files with backlinks, daily journals and graph view. For people building a personal knowledge base.

Free plan · Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android · Website ↗

SiYuan

Privacy-first, self-hostable block-based note-taking app

An open-source personal knowledge management app with block references, Markdown editing, databases and optional self-hosting. Suited to users who want local control of their notes.

Free plan · Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted · Website ↗

Joplin

Open-source note-taking app with end-to-end encrypted sync

Joplin is an open-source Markdown notes and to-do app with notebooks, a web clipper and sync via Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud or WebDAV.

Free plan · Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension · Website ↗

Standard Notes

End-to-end encrypted notes app

A note-taking app that encrypts all notes end to end and syncs them across devices, with extra editors for Markdown, code and spreadsheets. For privacy-conscious note takers.

Free plan · Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android · Website ↗

SilverBullet

Self-hosted, programmable Markdown notes in the browser

An open-source note-taking web app that stores Markdown files on your own server, with links, queries and Lua scripting. For tinkerers who want an extensible personal wiki.

Free · Web, Self-hosted · Website ↗

Roam Research

Networked note-taking tool with bi-directional links

A web-based outliner for networked thought, with block references, bi-directional links and daily notes. Used by researchers and writers to connect ideas.

Paid · Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android · Website ↗

Wiki.js

Open-source, Node.js-based wiki engine

A free, open-source wiki application with Markdown and visual editors, Git sync, access control and search. For teams and communities hosting their own wiki.

Free · Web, Self-hosted · Website ↗

Bear

Markdown note-taking app for Apple devices

Bear is a fast, minimalist Markdown notes app with tags, nested organization and iCloud sync for Mac, iPhone and iPad users.

Free plan · Mac, iOS · Website ↗

Questions

Is Zettlr free?

Zettlr is free.

Is Zettlr open source?

Yes, Zettlr is open source.

What platforms does Zettlr run on?

Zettlr is available for Windows, Mac, Linux.

What are some alternatives to Zettlr?

Similar indie products include Logseq, SiYuan, Joplin, Standard Notes and 4 more.

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