Znote is a local first Markdown editor that combines note taking, artificial intelligence and executable code in a single workspace. Instead of treating notes as static documents, Znote allows users to turn them into reusable tools and workflows.
Users can write normal Markdown notes, reference their own files as context for AI, run JavaScript and Node.js directly inside code blocks, query databases, call APIs and display results such as tables and charts within the same document.
Znote stores notes as ordinary .md files on the user’s computer. It does not require an account for basic use, works offline and does not depend on proprietary cloud storage. Existing Obsidian vaults can also be opened directly in Znote.
The platform supports AI services including OpenAI and OpenRouter, as well as local AI models through Ollama. It also supports Model Context Protocol, or MCP, allowing AI inside notes to interact with external tools such as GitHub, PostgreSQL, Slack and Linear.
Znote is particularly useful for developers, product managers, technical leads, researchers and professionals who want to combine notes, AI, code and automation without moving constantly between different applications.
Features
AI Inside Notes
Znote places AI directly within Markdown documents rather than requiring users to work in a separate chatbot window.
AI generated answers appear inline with the note, allowing the original information and AI output to remain together.
AI Context from Your Own Files
Users can type @ and select a note, template or code block that the AI should use as context.
This makes it possible to ask questions based on selected information rather than repeatedly copying and pasting content into an AI chat.
Slash Prompts
Znote supports reusable slash commands for AI tasks.
Commands can be used for activities such as brainstorming and rewriting. Since commands themselves are stored as Markdown files, users can customize existing prompts or create their own.
Interactive AI Sessions
Users can start interactive AI sessions directly from their notes. The resulting conversation can then become part of a clean Markdown document.
Executable JavaScript
JavaScript and Node.js code can run directly inside Znote code blocks.
Users can write code, press play and view the output within the same note.
API Calls
Executable code blocks can communicate with external APIs. This allows a Markdown document to function as a reusable tool rather than simply documenting how an API works.
Database Queries
Developers and analysts can query databases directly from a note and display the results alongside their written analysis.
Inline Charts and Tables
Results generated by code can appear as charts and tables directly inside the Markdown document.
This can be useful for reports, analytics and recurring business dashboards.
MCP Support
Znote supports Model Context Protocol, allowing AI models to interact with external tools and services.
Users can configure MCP servers for tools such as GitHub, PostgreSQL, Slack, Linear and many other compatible services.
AI Tool Actions
With MCP connections, AI can do more than answer questions. Depending on the connected service and permissions, it can search information, query systems or create items.
For example, meeting action items could potentially be turned into Linear issues from within a note.
Bring Your Own AI
Znote allows Pro users to connect their own AI providers.
Supported options include OpenAI and OpenRouter, while Ollama can be used to run compatible AI models locally.
Local AI with Ollama
Privacy conscious users can use Ollama to run AI models locally instead of sending every AI request to an external model provider.
Plain Markdown Files
All notes are stored as standard Markdown files.
Users can open them with other Markdown editors, back them up using their preferred system and retain access even if they stop using Znote.
Obsidian Compatibility
Znote can open an existing Obsidian vault directly.
Users can even work with Znote and Obsidian side by side on the same vault, allowing them to use Znote’s executable code and AI functionality without abandoning their existing Markdown knowledge base.
WYSIWYG Editing
Znote includes a WYSIWYG editor for users who prefer writing without constantly working with raw Markdown syntax.
Full Text Search
Users can search across their local notes to quickly locate information within their Markdown collection.
Offline Operation
The application works with locally stored files and can operate offline for regular editing and local functionality.
AI features that use external providers naturally require access to those providers, while local Ollama models can provide an offline AI option.
Local Storage
Files are stored on the user’s computer in folders selected by the user.
Znote states that there is no cloud requirement and no telemetry by default.
Cross Platform Support
Znote is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Downloads are provided for different processor architectures, including Apple Silicon and ARM based systems.
How It Works
Users first download and install Znote for Windows, macOS or Linux.
They can create a new Markdown workspace or open an existing collection of .md files, including an Obsidian vault.
Users then write notes normally using the WYSIWYG or Markdown based editing environment.
To use AI, they can reference another note, file or code block using @ and provide an instruction. The AI uses the selected information as context and places its response directly inside the note.
Users who want automation can create JavaScript or Node.js code blocks.
They can run these blocks to process data, call APIs, query databases or create visual outputs.
For more advanced workflows, users can configure MCP servers to connect Znote with compatible external tools.
Pro users can connect their own OpenAI or OpenRouter account or use local AI models through Ollama.
Because everything remains in Markdown, completed workflows can be saved and rerun later.
Use Cases
Developers
Developers can write documentation, test APIs, run JavaScript and create reusable technical workflows within the same Markdown files.
Product Managers
Product managers can turn meeting notes and brainstorming sessions into structured user stories and connect workflows with project management tools.
Technical Leads
Technical leads can use AI and MCP connections to retrieve development information, review GitHub activity and prepare standup summaries.
Data Analysis
Users can query databases, process exported files and generate tables or charts directly inside their notes.
Meeting Notes
Teams can summarize meeting notes, identify decisions and convert action items into structured tasks.
Research
Researchers can maintain local Markdown collections and ask AI questions using selected research notes as context.
API Testing
Developers can write API calls and documentation together, turning a note into a reusable API testing environment.
Personal Knowledge Management
Users can maintain a local knowledge base without storing all their notes on a proprietary cloud service.
AI Prompt Workflows
Frequently used prompts can be stored as reusable Markdown files rather than repeatedly rewritten in separate AI chat applications.
Automation
Users can combine AI, JavaScript, APIs and MCP tools to create repeatable workflows from ordinary notes.
Pricing
Znote’s main application and features are available free of charge.
The Free version includes the Markdown editor and free AI requests that allow users to test the AI functionality.
For ongoing AI use with the user’s own models and API providers, Znote offers a Pro license for €29.90 as a one time payment.
There is no recurring Znote subscription for this license.
The Pro license allows users to bring their own AI through providers such as OpenAI and OpenRouter or run compatible models locally through Ollama.
The official website currently provides a 14 day money back guarantee for the Pro license.
Users choosing paid external AI providers may separately incur usage charges from those providers. Local models through Ollama can avoid external model API charges, although they require suitable computer resources.
Strengths
One of Znote’s strongest advantages is that it combines notes, AI and executable code without forcing users to move between several applications.
Its local first approach gives users direct ownership of their Markdown files.
Plain .md storage also reduces platform lock in because files remain readable by other Markdown applications.
The ability to run JavaScript and Node.js inside notes is particularly valuable for developers and technically oriented users.
MCP support extends the platform further by allowing AI to interact with external services and real business tools.
Compatibility with existing Obsidian vaults makes Znote easier to adopt for users who already maintain a Markdown based knowledge system.
The one time Pro license can also be attractive to people who prefer avoiding another recurring software subscription.
Drawbacks
Znote is particularly oriented toward developers, product managers and technically comfortable users. People looking only for a basic note taking application may find some of its advanced capabilities unnecessary.
Running JavaScript, configuring APIs and setting up MCP servers requires more technical knowledge than using conventional note applications.
The Pro license does not necessarily cover the cost of external AI models. Users connecting OpenAI, OpenRouter or other paid providers may have additional API expenses.
Local AI through Ollama avoids cloud AI costs but requires sufficient hardware resources.
Znote also focuses on local Markdown files rather than the extensive real time team collaboration and cloud workspace features available in some mainstream productivity platforms.
Comparison with Other Platforms
Znote overlaps with note taking platforms such as Obsidian and Notion, but its approach is different.
Compared with Notion, Znote emphasizes local files, offline operation and user ownership rather than a cloud centered workspace.
Compared with Obsidian, Znote adds built in AI and executable JavaScript or Node.js code blocks without requiring users to assemble the same functionality through multiple plugins.
Znote also resembles programming notebooks because code can be executed and results displayed directly beside written explanations. However, it uses ordinary Markdown files rather than requiring users to maintain a separate notebook format.
Its MCP support further distinguishes it from conventional note taking applications because AI can connect with external tools and perform actions from within a note.
Users primarily interested in team collaboration and cloud databases may prefer a platform such as Notion. People who value local Markdown, AI, coding and automation may find Znote more suitable.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
The official website displays positive feedback from users.
One user describes Znote as a strong Jupyter style notebook environment for JavaScript.
Another user highlights the ability to run code directly within the application and describes it as a significant time saver with a clean interface.
A further testimonial praises the combination of AI integration with JavaScript and Markdown functionality.
Znote’s official website also reports a 5.0 user rating and states that the product has been featured at the top on Product Hunt.
These testimonials and ratings are presented by Znote itself and should therefore be treated as company published user feedback rather than independently verified reviews.
Conclusion
Znote is an interesting productivity tool for people who want their notes to do more than simply store information.
It combines a clean Markdown editor with AI, executable JavaScript, database queries, API calls, inline visualizations and MCP based connections to external tools. This allows a simple note to become a reusable workflow or lightweight application.
Its local first approach is particularly attractive for users who want ownership of their data. Notes remain ordinary Markdown files stored on the computer and can be opened in other compatible applications, including Obsidian.
Developers, product managers, technical leads and advanced knowledge workers are likely to gain the most value from Znote. The free application makes it easy to explore, while the one time Pro license provides ongoing AI access using the user’s own cloud or local models.
For users looking for a combination of Markdown note taking, AI assistance, coding and automation without another recurring software subscription, Znote offers a distinctive approach.
