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Zim Alternatives for Mac

There are many alternatives to Zim for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best Mac alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or NoteLedge. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Zim and loads of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to Zim are Notion, Standard Notes, Google Keep and Microsoft OneNote.

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.
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Zim iconZim
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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...

Learn more about Zim
  1. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    155 alternatives to Obsidian 

    Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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.  PortableObsidian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    8.  Calendar ViewObsidian has a built-in calendar view to have a clear overview of your content over time.
    9.  LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
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    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.

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  2. Joplin icon

    Joplin

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Firefox
    588 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
    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.
    Desktop and mobile apps
    Example
    Cli version!
    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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    LordMax

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

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    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.

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  4. Notion icon

    Notion

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    • Mac
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    • Online
    • Android
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    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    424 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
    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.
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    Notion vs Zim opinions
    Most users think Notion is a great alternative to Zim.
    Guest

    Android Client, Markdown, Built-in trello-like board

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    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.

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  5. NoteLedge icon

    NoteLedge

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    • Mac
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    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    355 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
    Features
    1.  Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with NoteLedge.
    2.  PortableNoteLedge can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    3.  Handwritten NotesNoteLedge supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
    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.
    Screenshot
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    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.

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    soulrain

    Zim is a wiki; noteledge, while complex, is unsuited for a wiki.

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  6. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

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    • Mac
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    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    462 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
    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.  File VersioningStandard Notes has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
    9.  Ad-freeStandard Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    Free version.
    Screenshot
    Cross-platform sync and end-to-end privacy
    Standard Notes vs Zim opinions
    pros, cons and recent comments
    soulrain

    Zim is a wiki-type encyclopedia software. Standard notes is just a basic notes app.

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  8. Google Keep icon

    Google Keep

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    • Mac
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    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Android Wear
    328 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
    Features
    1.  Works OfflineGoogle Keep can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    2.  Handwritten NotesGoogle Keep supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
    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.
    Screenshot
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    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.

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    Guest

    Not really an alternative. Zim is both a note taking appa AND note organizer

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  9. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows S
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    463 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote 

    Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, 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
    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.
    Screenshot
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    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.

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    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.

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    Guest

    It supports both internal and external links and has good structure. It's also WYSIWYG.

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  10. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

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    • Online
    • Android
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    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Kindle Fire
    397 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
    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.  File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
    Screenshot
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    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).

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    Guest

    Free and free of problems. Just simple.

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    -8
  11. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    117 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
    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.  LightweightZettlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    6.  Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Zettlr to stay focused and productive.
    7.  Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
    The Berlin Theme (dark mode)
    The Berlin Theme (light mode)
    The Bielefeld Theme (dark mode)
    Zettlr vs Zim opinions
    pros, cons and recent comments
    mbartoli

    Native markdown editor. My new choice after retiring Zim. Good features, even clunkier interface than Zim, yet easy to learn and master.

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  12. CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

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    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    • Mac
    493 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
    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.  Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    4.  Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
    5.  PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    Screenshot
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    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.

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    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.

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Showing 10 of 131 alternatives
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