Zettlr AlternativesTop Note-taking Tools & Text Editors like Zettlr

Zettlr is described as 'From idea to publication in one app: Zettlr accompanies you while writing your blog post, newspaper article, term paper, thesis, or entire book' and is a very popular Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Zettlr for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad apps. The best Zettlr alternative is Obsidian, which is free. Other great apps like Zettlr are Joplin, Logseq, Microsoft OneNote and Notesnook.

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Zettlr alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Zettlr.
Zettlr iconZettlr
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From idea to publication in one app: Zettlr accompanies you while writing your blog post, newspaper article, term paper, thesis, or entire book.

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Zettlr alternatives page was last updated Jul 15, 2024
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Alternatives
  1. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     969 likes
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    Privacy-oriented note-taking app for non-linear thinking, blending knowledge graph creation with wiki-style linking. Supports Markdown, end-to-end encryption, and plugins for customization. Offers distraction-free mode, tags, themes, syntax highlighting, and operates offline without tracking.

    103 Obsidian alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1

    Top Obsidian Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Local Storage
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Graph view
    5.  Bidirectional links
    6.  Mind Mapping
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Knowledge Management
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Backlink

    Obsidian VS Zettlr

     
    Comments about Obsidian as an Alternative to Zettlr
    SolarDesalination
    Positive •Feb 26, 2022
    0

    It's more advanced than Zettlr on certain features related to navigation and add-ons.

    Guest
    Negative •Feb 10, 2021
    2

    Obsidian's editor is definitely more likeable that Zettlr (which has a buggy quality) but it does not support writers for things like exporting and references. Obsidian is really just notes, so it's a better alternative to Evernote.

    Zettlr Icon
    Obsidian icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Obsidian is a great Zettlr alternative.

    • Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Zettlr.

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Zettlr.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryZettlr is Free and Open Source
  2. Joplin icon

    Joplin

     816 likes
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    Open source app for managing notes and to-dos with Markdown support. Syncs seamlessly across devices using services like Dropbox and OneDrive. Offers end-to-end encrypted synchronicity, offline access, rich import/export options, and a Web Clipper for browsers.

    75 Joplin alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Desktop and mobile apps

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Web Clipper
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Local Storage
    7.  Tagging
    8. Android icon  Android Sync
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  File Sync
    11.  Encrypted Notes
    12.  WebDAV Support

    Joplin VS Zettlr

     
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to Zettlr
    Dyewall
    •Oct 21, 2021
    0

    For me, it's more pleasant to write in Zettlr, but other than that Joplin has it's own pros.

    Rand Natret
    Positive •Apr 29, 2020
    1

    Incredible app well polished, though with some slight flaws.

    Zettlr Icon
    Joplin icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Joplin is a great Zettlr alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Zettlr.

    • Joplin is the most popular Open Source alternative to Zettlr.

    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceZettlr is Free and Open Source
    • Joplin is Privacy focusedZettlr is not according to our users
  4. Logseq icon

    Logseq

     278 likes
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    Local-first, privacy-focused notebook supporting Markdown and Emacs Org mode. Offers offline use, encrypted backups, plugin extensibility, LaTeX support, real-time collaboration, and hierarchical organization for personal knowledge management.

    126 Logseq alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Logseq screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Bidirectional links
    2.  Graph view
    3.  Outliner
    4.  Local Storage
    5.  Backlinks
    6.  Knowledge base
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Knowledge Management
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Note organization
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Full-Text Search

    Logseq VS Zettlr

     

    • Logseq is the most popular Web-based alternative to Zettlr.

    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceZettlr is also Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zenkit Hypernotes icon
    Zenkit Hypernotes

    Knowledge-management tool enabling interconnection and note expansion, semantic network creation, collaboration with task features, and mobile readiness with offline support across devices.

    https://zenkit.com
    Learn More
  6. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1139 likes
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    Comprehensive digital notebook offering organizers, shared notes, multi-device syncing, and optical character recognition, plus cloud-based data management for efficient information handling and accessibility.

    96 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1

    Top Microsoft OneNote Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Web Clipper
    3.  Visual Organization
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Text formatting
    6.  Insert images
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Support for styluses
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Pressure Sensitivity
    12.  Multiple Account support

    Microsoft OneNote VS Zettlr

     
  7. Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     136 likes
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    Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.

    249 Notesnook alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • PK flagPakistan

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak
    Notesnook screenshot 1

    Properties

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

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  Private notes
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Note organization
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Support for MarkDown
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Web Clipper
    12.  Reminders

    Notesnook VS Zettlr

     

    • Notesnook is the most popular SaaS alternative to Zettlr.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceZettlr is Free and Open Source
    • Notesnook is Privacy focusedZettlr is not according to our users
  8. AppFlowy icon

    AppFlowy

     165 likes
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    AppFlowy is an open source alternative to Notion. You are in charge of your data and customizations.

    67 AppFlowy alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    AppFlowy screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Note organization
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Kanban Board
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  WYSIWYG Support
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Notebook
    11.  Wiki
    12.  Portable

    AppFlowy VS Zettlr

     
  10. Zim icon

    Zim

     499 likes
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    Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...

    298 Zim alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • NL flagNetherlands
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Zim screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Plain text file
    3.  Wiki-like interface
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Cross-Platform
    6.  Note organization
    7.  WYSIWYG Support
    8.  Outliner
    9.  Text formatting
    10.  Portable
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Notebook

    Zim VS Zettlr

     
    Comments about Zim as an Alternative to Zettlr
    Marco Bartoli
    Positive •Dec 9, 2022
    1

    Zim is not an electron app. So it's a lot faster and arguably easier to use. I'd use it any day over Zettlr - IF it would support markdown natively. Instead, your notes are stored as "Zim text files" (containing wiki markup not supported by other editors). So, with a heavy heart, I ditched it in favor of a more portable option in Zettlr (and markdown in general).

    elzinus
    Positive •Jun 26, 2020
    0

    BIG PLUS: speed. Zim is very lightweight, simple but highly customizable. Writing is not in markdown, but can be exported in this format. (Zimwiki syntax is also compatible with pandoc, this makes life easy.)

    Zettlr Icon
    Zim icon

    • Most users think Zim is a great Zettlr alternative.

    • Zim is Free and Open SourceZettlr is also Free and Open Source
    • Zim is LightweightZettlr is not according to our users
  11. Typora icon

    Typora

     321 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 panel.

    170 Typora alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Electron
    Typora screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Support for Themes
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Clean design
    5.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Live Preview
    3.  Write files in markdown
    4.  WYSIWYG Support
    5.  Save as Markdown
    6.  Simple text editor
    7. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  Multiplatform
    10.  Export to PDF
    11.  Spell Checking
    12.  Works Offline

    Typora VS Zettlr

     

    • Almost everyone thinks Typora is a great Zettlr alternative.

    • Typora is the most popular commercial alternative to Zettlr.

    • Typora is Paid and ProprietaryZettlr is Free and Open Source
    • Typora is LightweightZettlr is not according to our users
  12. CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     311 likes
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    A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.

    76 CherryTree alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    CherryTree screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Hierarchical Structure
    2.  Tree structure
    3.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    4.  Includes images in notes
    5.  Outliner
    6.  Tree view
    7.  Tree Style Tabs
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Portable
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  No registration required

    CherryTree VS Zettlr

     
  13. Beaver Notes icon

    Beaver Notes

     45 likes
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    Your personal note-taking haven for privacy and efficiency.

    51 Beaver Notes alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Beaver Notes screenshot 1

    Properties

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

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  No registration required
    4.  File Tagging
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Tag based
    7. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  WYSIWYG Support
    10.  Support for MarkDown
    11.  Cloud Sync
    12.  Focus Mode

    Beaver Notes VS Zettlr

     
10 of 163 Zettlr alternatives