Zettlr is a free and open-source markdown editor built for writers, researchers, and academics who need a powerful and flexible environment for writing and knowledge organization. It combines a distraction-free interface with robust features like citation management, Zettelkasten support, and integration with reference managers such as Zotero. Zettlr is ideal for long-form writing, academic publishing, and knowledge management workflows. Available across Windows, macOS, and Linux, Zettlr offers a professional-grade writing experience without the limitations of commercial software.
Features
Zettlr includes an extensive set of features tailored to writing and research productivity.
Markdown Editing
Full markdown support with syntax highlighting, live preview, and export options.
Zettelkasten Method Support
Link notes through unique IDs and backlinks to build a connected knowledge base.
Citation Management
Supports citation keys from BibTeX or Zotero, making it ideal for academic writing.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Available on macOS, Windows, and Linux with consistent user experience across all systems.
Tags and Metadata
Organize notes using tags, YAML metadata, and custom properties for advanced filtering.
Integrated File Management
All files are stored locally in plain text, and the app supports nested folder structures.
Custom Themes and Fonts
Customize the interface with themes, font styles, and editor layout preferences.
PDF and Word Export
Export documents to multiple formats using Pandoc for academic publishing or submission.
Multilingual Interface
Supports multiple languages, making it accessible for international users.
Command Palette
Quick access to all commands and settings using an intuitive search-based menu.
How It Works
Zettlr functions as a markdown editor enhanced for research and academic workflows. Upon launching the app, users can open a directory of markdown files, which Zettlr treats as a workspace. You can create notes, tag them, and link between them using Zettelkasten principles. Notes are stored locally in folders, making it easy to back up or sync using cloud storage services.
The interface includes a side panel for file navigation, a central editor window, and a preview pane. Users can cite references using citation keys, and Zettlr will automatically format them using a bibliography file and the Pandoc export engine. It also integrates directly with Zotero for streamlined academic writing.
Customization options allow users to change themes, configure keyboard shortcuts, and tailor the workspace to their writing habits.
Use Cases
Zettlr serves a wide range of professionals and knowledge workers who rely on long-form writing and structured thinking.
Academic Writing
Write theses, research papers, and journal articles with full citation and bibliography support.
Knowledge Management
Use Zettelkasten linking and tagging to build a personal knowledge base over time.
Writers and Journalists
Draft articles, books, or blog posts in a clean and efficient markdown environment.
Researchers
Annotate findings, manage literature reviews, and connect concepts using backlinks.
Students
Take study notes, organize reading material, and manage assignments using a distraction-free interface.
Publishers
Prepare manuscripts and export them in various formats, ready for publishing workflows.
Pricing
Zettlr is completely free and open-source.
Free Download
Available at no cost for Windows, macOS, and Linux
No subscription, ads, or paid tiers
Licensed under the GNU GPL-3.0 License
Donations
Users can support development through GitHub Sponsors, OpenCollective, or PayPal
You can download Zettlr and support its development at https://www.zettlr.com/download
Strengths
Zettlr’s main strength lies in its focus on open access, privacy, and academic-grade features. It is one of the few markdown editors that supports full citation management and integrates seamlessly with reference tools like Zotero. Its support for the Zettelkasten method makes it appealing for knowledge workers who value idea connection and note linking. Cross-platform compatibility and local file storage offer maximum flexibility and data ownership. With no subscription model, Zettlr is accessible to students and researchers worldwide.
Drawbacks
While powerful, Zettlr has a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with markdown or academic writing tools. It lacks real-time collaboration features, making it less suitable for team projects. Unlike tools such as Notion or Obsidian, Zettlr does not offer extensive plugin support or web-based access. Users looking for a highly visual interface or drag-and-drop editing may find the experience too text-heavy. Zettlr is designed for focused, text-based work rather than multimedia content creation.
Comparison with Other Tools
Compared to Obsidian, Zettlr is more academically focused, offering better citation support and export options. Obsidian provides more customization and plugins but lacks native citation management. Compared to Typora, Zettlr includes additional research features and is better suited for large-scale writing projects. Notion offers broader project management features, but is less effective for structured academic writing and lacks true markdown support. Zettlr is an ideal middle ground for those who need both note linking and formal writing capabilities.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Zettlr has received positive feedback from academics, students, and writers who value its professional features and open-source model. Users frequently highlight the citation tools, markdown flexibility, and support for Zettelkasten workflows. Many praise its ability to handle large writing projects and organize notes efficiently. Community support through forums and GitHub has helped Zettlr grow as a stable, dependable writing environment. Its academic-friendly export features have made it a preferred tool in research communities.
You can explore user feedback and community discussions at https://www.producthunt.com/products/zettlr
Conclusion
Zettlr is a robust, open-source markdown editor tailored for researchers, writers, and anyone who works with large volumes of structured text. It brings together markdown writing, citation management, and knowledge linking in a distraction-free environment that runs on any major operating system. For users seeking a tool that respects privacy, supports academic standards, and enables deep thinking, Zettlr is a compelling and cost-effective solution. If your work involves long-form writing or managing knowledge over time, Zettlr is worth exploring.
