Zettlr

Academic-focused markdown editor prioritizing research workflows

macoswinlinux

Zettlr is an open-source markdown editor designed for academic writing, note-taking, and research management. It processes files locally and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What we love ❤️

  • Combines markdown editing with citation management (supports CSL/BibTeX)
  • Full-text search across your entire knowledge base
  • Supports academic writing workflows with Zettelkasten functionality
  • Export to multiple formats including PDF, Word, and HTML via Pandoc
  • Built-in pomodoro timer and writing statistics
  • Handles LaTeX equations and academic references
  • Local file processing ensures data privacy

Worth noting 💡

  • Requires Pandoc installation for import/export functionality
  • Learning curve for academic features and citation management
  • Heavier resource usage compared to simpler markdown editors
  • Keyboard shortcuts and workflows may take time to master
  • Cannot directly edit PDFs or handle complex tables
  • May feel overwhelming for users seeking basic note-taking

Zettlr offers comprehensive academic writing capabilities with robust markdown editing, citation management, and research organization features. While its academic-focused interface and citation system require initial learning investment, the powerful search, export options, and Zettelkasten implementation make it valuable for serious research work. It's particularly well-suited for journalists, academics, researchers, and students who need to manage citations and complex writing projects while maintaining control over their data.