ZenWriter AlternativesTop Text Editors & Word Processors like ZenWriter

ZenWriter is described as 'Enjoy a distraction-free, full-screen text editor designed for Windows, offering a zen-like interface to maintain focus and support uninterrupted writing flow' and is a Text Editor in the office & productivity category. There are more than 50 alternatives to ZenWriter for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web-based and iPhone apps. The best ZenWriter alternative is Typora. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try FocusWriter or Foam. Other great apps like ZenWriter are Nuclino, Marknote, Rentry.co and iA Writer.

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ZenWriter alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Text Editors or Word Processors.  Other popular filters includes Windows + Free. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of ZenWriter.
ZenWriter iconZenWriter
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Enjoy a distraction-free, full-screen text editor designed for Windows, offering a zen-like interface to maintain focus and support uninterrupted writing flow.

More about ZenWriter
More about ZenWriter
ZenWriter alternatives page was last updated Mar 3, 2025
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  1. Typora icon
    Typora icon

    Typora

     320 likes
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    A minimalist Markdown editor offering cross-platform synchronization, live preview, and seamless export/import in various formats like PDF, DOCX, and LaTeX. Features include distraction-free Focus and Typewriter modes, file management with tree and articles panels, and content organization through an outline...

    166 Typora alternatives
    Typora screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Electron
    Typora screenshot 1
    Typora screenshot 2
    +4
    Typora screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Support for Themes
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Live Preview
    3.  Write files in markdown
    4.  WYSIWYG Support
    5.  Save as Markdown
    6. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    7.  Syntax Highlighting
    8.  Simple text editor
    9.  Multiplatform
    10.  Export to PDF
    11.  Spell Checking
    12.  No registration required
    Typora iconZenWriter Icon

    Typora VS ZenWriter

    Is Typora a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
    Comments about Typora as an Alternative to ZenWriter
     
    Guest

    Typora is mainly for people who need to write math equations or code rather than writing.

    Negative comment •Mar 18, 2018
    -4
    ZenWriter Icon
    Typora icon

    • Some users think Typora is a great ZenWriter alternative, some don't.

    • Typora is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to ZenWriter.

    • Typora is the most popular commercial alternative to ZenWriter.

    • Typora is Paid and ProprietaryZenWriter is also Paid and Proprietary
    • Typora is LightweightZenWriter is not according to our users
  2. FocusWriter icon
    FocusWriter icon

    FocusWriter

     204 likes
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    Simple but configurable and themeable, distraction-free text editor for writers. Open-source and available across desktop platforms.

    93 FocusWriter alternatives
    FocusWriter screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    Themes
    Modify theme
    +7
    Set timer

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Distraction-free Writing
    2.  Daily progress tracker
    3.  Fullscreen support
    4.  Skin customization
    5.  Auto-saving
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Spell Checking
    9.  No registration required
    10.  Portable
    11.  Writing statistics
    12.  Multiple languages
    FocusWriter iconZenWriter Icon

    FocusWriter VS ZenWriter

    Is FocusWriter a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
    Comments about FocusWriter as an Alternative to ZenWriter
     
    Guest

    Has most of the features offered by zenwriter, hides all distractions, has optional typewriter machine sounds, daily goal, multiple themes you can choose from or create yourself and the huge plus of linux portability.

    Positive comment •Apr 16, 2019
    0
    ZenWriter Icon
    FocusWriter icon

    • Most users think FocusWriter is a great ZenWriter alternative.

    • FocusWriter is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to ZenWriter.

    • FocusWriter is Free and Open SourceZenWriter is Paid and Proprietary
    • FocusWriter is LightweightZenWriter is not according to our users
  4. Foam icon
    Foam icon

    Foam

     45 likes
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    Foam is a personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, built on Visual Studio Code and GitHub.

    238 Foam alternatives
    Foam screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    • Visual Studio Code

    Foam Features

    1.  Knowledge base
    2.  VSCode
    3.  Knowledge Management
    4.  Write files in markdown
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    Foam iconZenWriter Icon

    Foam VS ZenWriter

    Is Foam a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     

    • Foam is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to ZenWriter.

    • Foam is Free and Open SourceZenWriter is Paid and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Typora icon

    Typora

    A minimalist Markdown editor offering cross-platform synchronization, live preview, and seamless export/import in various formats like PDF, DOCX, and LaTeX. Features include distraction-free Focus and Typewriter modes, file manag...

    https://typora.io
    Learn More
  6. Nuclino icon
    Nuclino icon

    Nuclino

     135 likes
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    Nuclino is a unified workspace where teams can bring all their knowledge, docs, and projects together in one place. It’s a modern, simple, and blazingly fast way to collaborate, without the chaos of files and folders, context switching, or silos.

    298 Nuclino alternatives
    Nuclino screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • iPad
    Nuclino screenshot 1
    Nuclino screenshot 2

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Real time collaboration
    2.  Mind Map view
    3.  Kanban Board
    4.  Support for MarkDown
    5.  WYSIWYG Support
    6.  Team Collaboration
    7.  Drag and Drop
    8.  Wiki-like interface
    9.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    10.  Custom fields
    11.  Internal linking
    12.  Hierarchical Structure
    Nuclino iconZenWriter Icon

    Nuclino VS ZenWriter

    Is Nuclino a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     

    • Nuclino is the most popular Web-based, Android, iPhone & iPad alternative to ZenWriter.

    • Nuclino is Freemium and ProprietaryZenWriter is Paid and Proprietary
    • Nuclino is Lightweight and MinimalisticZenWriter is not according to our users
  7. Marknote icon
    Marknote icon

    Marknote

     17 likes
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    Marknote lets you create rich text notes and easily organise them into notebooks. You can personalise your notebooks by choosing an icon and accent color for each one, making it easy to distinguish between them and keep your notes at your fingertips.

    82 Marknote alternatives
    Marknote screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Marknote screenshot 1
    Marknote screenshot 2
    +1
    Marknote screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Save as Markdown
    5.  Notebook
    6.  KDE
    7.  No registration required
    8.  WYSIWYG Support
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Spell Checking
    12.  Note Manager
    Marknote iconZenWriter Icon

    Marknote VS ZenWriter

    Is Marknote a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
  8. Rentry.co icon
    Rentry.co icon

    Rentry.co

     50 likes
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    Rentry.co is a markdown pastebin and publishing service with preview, custom urls and editing. Fast, simple and free.

    176 Rentry.co alternatives
    Live markdown syntax highlighting

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Rentry.co screenshot 1
    Rentry.co screenshot 2
    +1
    Rentry.co screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Live Preview
    3.  Publishing
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Syntax Highlighting
    6.  Command line interface
    7.  Tab preview
    8.  Distraction-free Writing
    Rentry.co iconZenWriter Icon

    Rentry.co VS ZenWriter

    Is Rentry.co a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
  10. iA Writer icon
    iA Writer icon

    iA Writer

     94 likes
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    The key to good writing is not that magical glass of Bordeaux, the right kind of tobacco or that groovy background music. The key is focus. What you need to write well is a spartan setting that allows you to fully concentrate on your text and nothing but your text.

    113 iA Writer alternatives
    iA Writer screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    iA Writer screenshot 1
    iA Writer screenshot 2
    +3
    iA Writer screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Distraction-free Writing
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Support for MarkDown
    5.  Nested Folders
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Live Preview
    8.  No registration required
    9. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    10.  Syntax Highlighting
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  Integrated into iOS
    iA Writer iconZenWriter Icon

    iA Writer VS ZenWriter

    Is iA Writer a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
    Comments about iA Writer as an Alternative to ZenWriter
     
    tuva-hayabi

    iA Writer is sold as a one-time-purchase license, ZenWriter only offers a subscription plan.

    Positive comment •Dec 13, 2023
    0
    ZenWriter Icon
    iA Writer icon

    • iA Writer is the most popular Android Tablet alternative to ZenWriter.

    • iA Writer is Paid and ProprietaryZenWriter is also Paid and Proprietary
    • iA Writer is Privacy focused and LightweightZenWriter is not according to our users
  11. Notepack icon
    Notepack icon

    Notepack

     14 likes
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    Privacy oriented, without vendor lock in note organizer, todo list desktop application. Work offline with text, markdown and pdf files.

    338 Notepack alternatives
    Markdown support

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Dark mode enabled
    Tasks list
    +2
    Create new workspace

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Note organization
    2.  Knowledge Management
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  WebDAV Sync
    Notepack iconZenWriter Icon

    Notepack VS ZenWriter

    Is Notepack a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
  12. OmmWriter icon
    OmmWriter icon

    OmmWriter

     46 likes
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    Ommwriter is a simple text processor that firmly believes in making writing a pleasure once again, reinvindicating the close relationship between writer and paper. The more intimate the relation, the smoother the flow of inspiration.

    48 OmmWriter alternatives
    OmmWriter screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    OmmWriter iconZenWriter Icon

    OmmWriter VS ZenWriter

    Is OmmWriter a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
  13. WriteMonkey icon
    WriteMonkey icon

    WriteMonkey

     125 likes
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    Writemonkey is a Windows zenware writing application with an extremely stripped down user interface, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your words.

    98 WriteMonkey alternatives
    The interface, full screen.

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    The interface, windowed.
    Some options.
    +4
    WriteMonkey screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Pomodoro Timer
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Portable
    4.  Command palette
    5.  Distraction-free Writing
    6.  Fullscreen support
    WriteMonkey iconZenWriter Icon

    WriteMonkey VS ZenWriter

    Is WriteMonkey a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
  14. scrutch icon
    scrutch icon

    scrutch

     5 likes
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    End-to-encrypted, laser-focussed yet elegant editor. No registration, no login, no ads, no tracking, no hassle. Just write. In private or together with others.

    288 scrutch alternatives
    scrutch screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Distraction-free
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Real time collaboration
    7.  Full-Text Search
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Distraction-free Writing
    11.  Share notes
    12.  Progressive Web App
    scrutch iconZenWriter Icon

    scrutch VS ZenWriter

    Is scrutch a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     

    • scrutch is the most popular SaaS alternative to ZenWriter.

    • scrutch is Free and ProprietaryZenWriter is Paid and Proprietary
    • scrutch is Lightweight and Privacy focusedZenWriter is not according to our users
  15. Byword icon
    Byword icon

    Byword

     52 likes
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    Byword is designed to make writing more enjoyable with Markdown on your Mac, iPhone and iPad.

    153 Byword alternatives
    Byword screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Byword screenshot 1
    Byword screenshot 2
    +9
    Byword screenshot 3

    Byword Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Distraction-free Writing
    4. Dropbox icon  Dropbox integration
    5.  Synchronization
    Byword iconZenWriter Icon

    Byword VS ZenWriter

    Is Byword a good alternative to ZenWriter?
     
12 of 59 ZenWriter alternatives