Zim Alternatives

Zim is described as '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"' and is a very popular Note-taking tool in the education & reference category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Zim for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iPhone. The best alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or NoteLedge. Other great apps like Zim are Notion, Standard Notes, Microsoft OneNote and Google Keep.

Zim alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Zim.

This page was last updated

Zim

463

Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool

Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Flatpak
Flathub

Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly...

Learn more about Zim

Obsidian
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
167 alternatives to Obsidian
Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Support for LaTeXObsidian supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
9. PortableObsidian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Note organization
Knowledge Base structuring
Write files in markdown
Obsidian vs Zim opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
mbartoli
Proprietary, meaning: Do you ultimately trust the vendor with your (potentially) most personal information. If not, stick with Zim.
Comment•
0
Joplin
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
Cloudron
590 alternatives to Joplin
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Tagging
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Write files in markdown
Synchronization
Multiplatform
Plugin system
Export to HTML
Joplin vs Zim opinions
Almost everyone thinks Joplin is a great alternative to Zim.
mbartoli
Sadly, Joplin's Notes are proprietary: You cannot easily access your files with a third party tool (like a text editor). Zim (and other tools) keep your files readable and writeable in plaintext.
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0

LordMax
IT's not so similar to Zim Desktop, it's really near to evernote/nixnote It can be a good replacement too
Positive comment•
1

andgregorik
Joplin caters to a somewhat different user base: more simplistic, quicker, requires way less IT/wiki savvy just to operate daily. It also has pitch perfect syncing which is not Zim's cup of tea. Still, the moving parts are similar, and it can work as an alternative.
Positive comment•
2
Notion
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Software as a Service (SaaS)
428 alternatives to Notion
With so many tools, it's hard to keep everyone on the same page. Notion is a new tool that unifies them all.
Suggest and vote on features
Notion Features
1. Support for MarkDownNotion supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Kanban BoardNotion allows you to organize your workflow by moving cards with drag-and-drop functionality between multiple columns.
3. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Notion simultaneously.
4. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Notion.
5. Support for LaTeXNotion supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Notion.
7. Support for @mentionsNotion supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
8. Syntax HighlightingNotion supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Wiki
Custom templates
Visual bookmarks
Data export/import
Knowledge Base structuring
Hyperlinks
Tables
Tablet support
Nested Notes
Cross Linking
Notion vs Zim opinions
Most users think Notion is a great alternative to Zim.
Guest
Android Client, Markdown, Built-in trello-like board
Positive comment•
0

dimaneiaglov
Notion is also a wiki and also cross-platform in the sense that it is a web application. It has some features that Zim doesn't, e.g. multi-column layouts.
Positive comment•
1
NoteLedge
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
iPad
361 alternatives to NoteLedge
Capture inspiration from Pinterest, YouTube or web pages, organize ideas in one place and add your notes. Make mood boards or quick sketches to visualize and present ideas!.
Suggest and vote on features
NoteLedge Features
1. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with NoteLedge.
2. Handwritten NotesNoteLedge supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
3. PortableNoteLedge can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
4. Video ImportYou can import external video material into NoteLedge.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Drag and Drop
Sync on many devices
Multi-choice brushes
Tag based
Better formatting
Stickers
Apple Pencil support
Note organization
Live Screen Recording
Export to PDF
NoteLedge vs Zim opinions
Almost everyone thinks NoteLedge is a great alternative to Zim.
durhambell
As soulrain already said, Zim is a wiki/PIM. Noteledge is a notebook/PIM. They are not the same thing at all.
Negative comment•
0

soulrain
Zim is a wiki; noteledge, while complex, is unsuited for a wiki.
Negative comment•
1
Standard Notes
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
466 alternatives to Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser.
Suggest and vote on features
Standard Notes Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionStandard Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedStandard Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
4. Support for MarkDownStandard Notes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsStandard Notes can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. Works OfflineStandard Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Encrypted BackupStandard Notes uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
8. Ad-freeStandard Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationStandard Notes supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Encrypted Notes
Clean design
AES Encryption
Security focused
Minimalistic
Distraction-free Writing
Sync on many devices
Simple text editor
Customizable
Lightweight
Standard Notes vs Zim opinions
soulrain
Zim is a wiki-type encyclopedia software. Standard notes is just a basic notes app.
Negative comment•
1
Microsoft OneNote
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Windows S
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
469 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office), is a digital notebook application that gives people one place to gather notes and information. It also offers shared notebooks, syncing between multiple computers and devices via Windows...
Suggest and vote on features
Microsoft OneNote Features
1. Handwritten NotesMicrosoft OneNote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Microsoft OneNote.
3. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Microsoft OneNote.
4. Works OfflineMicrosoft OneNote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
6. Pressure SensitivityMicrosoft OneNote can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
7. Dark ModeMicrosoft OneNote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. SubtasksMicrosoft OneNote allows you to create and manage tasks inside of a parent-main task.
9. WYSIWYG SupportMicrosoft OneNote integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Visual Organization
Text formatting
Insert images
Unicode Math Support
Support for styluses
Sketching
Unlimited Canvas Area
Real-time sync
Linking capability
Freehand Writing
Microsoft OneNote vs Zim opinions
Some users think Microsoft OneNote is a great alternative to Zim, some don't.
mbartoli
More functional and user-friendly than Zim. However: Privacy. Ask yourself if you trust Microsoft with your data. If yes, that's ok. Personally however, I'd recommend using open source, self-hosted alternatives like Zim.
Comment•
0

LesterCovax
Sync'd across OneDrive, has web, desktop, and mobile clients. There are certainly alternatives, but it gets the job done while enabling a good degree of logical organization.
Positive comment•
2

Guest
It supports both internal and external links and has good structure. It's also WYSIWYG.
Positive comment•
3
Google Keep
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Android Wear
330 alternatives to Google Keep
Google Keep has several features including color coding notes, inserting images, creating lists, geo-fencing, shareable notes, and search by color.
Suggest and vote on features
Google Keep Features
1. Handwritten NotesGoogle Keep supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineGoogle Keep can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeGoogle Keep supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. RemindersGoogle Keep allows you to set reminders for tasks, events or actions, based on parameters of time, place or condition.
6. Sync with Google CalendarGoogle Keep can be synchronized with Google Calendar
7. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Google Keep simultaneously.
Sync on many devices
Visual Organization
Share notes
Web-Based
Multiplatform
Photo notes
Tagging
Html parsing
Real-time sync
Integrated Search
Google Keep vs Zim opinions
This alternative is disputed. Google Keep is still a legitimate alternative to Zim, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
mbartoli
Less useful than OneNote yet also proprietary. If you want good features, use the former. If you value privacy, use Zim, any markdown editor or any word processor in general in conjunction with Nextcloud.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
Not really an alternative. Zim is both a note taking appa AND note organizer
Negative comment•
9
Zettlr
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
140 alternatives to Zettlr
Zettlr is a supercharged markdown editor that combines many writing editor features and collect them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Zettlr to stay focused and productive.
8. LightweightZettlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Link files
Integrated Search
Sync with Nextcloud
Tasklists
Zettlr vs Zim opinions
mbartoli
Native markdown editor. My new choice after retiring Zim. Good features, even clunkier interface than Zim, yet easy to learn and master.
Positive comment•
0
Simplenote
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
400 alternatives to Simplenote
Made by the company behind WordPress, Simplenote enables users to take notes, lists, and ideas. These notes are stored on the cloud and are accessible across multiple devices.
Suggest and vote on features
Simplenote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Support for MarkDownSimplenote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
3. Full-Text SearchSimplenote lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
4. No TrackingSimplenote will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Ad-freeSimplenote doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. LightweightSimplenote consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. Distraction-freeSimplenote has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
9. PortableSimplenote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Cross-device syncing
Search by tags
Protected by Password
Clean design
Simple text editor
Android Sync
Notes synchronisation
Text Based Format
Tagging
Tag based
Simplenote vs Zim opinions
This alternative is disputed. Simplenote is still a legitimate alternative to Zim, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
JohnFastman
Simplenote is much less functional than Zim (no rich-text, no attachment to notes) and although it does work on mobile, it syncs your data via web-facing servers on which your info is held unencrypted. In that respect your information is much more vulnerable to hackers and govt agencies than if you used Zim, stored the data locally and maybe - if you need - sync it with an end-to-end encrypted service like Spideroak, Tresorit or Seafile (Seafile encrypts file content, not metadata).
Negative comment•
24

Guest
Free and free of problems. Just simple.
Positive comment•
-8
CherryTree
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
Mac
499 alternatives to CherryTree
A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.
Suggest and vote on features
CherryTree Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with CherryTree.
2. Syntax HighlightingCherryTree supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
4. PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
Tree structure
Infinite hierarchical depth
Includes images in notes
Outliner
Tree view
Text-manipulation
Export to HTML
Rich text editing
Tagging
Outline folding
CherryTree vs Zim opinions
Almost everyone thinks CherryTree is a great alternative to Zim.
JohnFastman
If Zim isn't to your liking, CherryTree might be: open-source, stores data locally, supports instant search, interprets code blocks, and has more text editing features. The only thing it's not good at (yet) is attaching things by drag-n-drop. But that is in development, I hear.
Positive comment•
10

bekircelik
wysiwyg , bug free, easy-to use and versatile interface, encrypted and un-encrypted mode, can import/export data from/to zim keynote html etc . Code box with syntax highlighting feature is nice. Also can import files image etc . Strictly hierarchical. More likely an outlining software.
Positive comment•
1