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Zettlr

Zettlr is a free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing, with Zotero citations, Zettelkasten notes and Pandoc export to Word, PDF and LaTeX.

Our take: Zettlr does one job well: getting a cited, formatted document out of plain Markdown files.

Best forAcademic Markdown writing
ReviewedPricing: Free
7.7 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try ZettlrFree (GPL-3.0)

Zettlr is a free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing. It cites from Zotero, JabRef or Juris-M, supports Zettelkasten-style notes and exports through Pandoc. It costs nothing, has no paid tier and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

The bottom line

The free pick for Markdown writers who cite a lot and want local files.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isA free, open-source desktop Markdown editor for academic writing, with reference-manager citations and Pandoc export.
Our takeZettlr does one job well: getting a cited, formatted document out of plain Markdown files.
Citations from Zotero and Pandoc export work without plugins, and nothing leaves your computer. The trade-off is reach: there is no phone app, no built-in sync and no collaboration, and you need some comfort with Markdown and a reference manager.
Why we rate itFree, local-first and built around citations and export rather than bolted on.
The catchDesktop-only, no built-in sync, and citations need a reference manager.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • Theses and research papers in Markdown
  • Writers who cite from Zotero
  • Local, account-free note-taking
Not good for
  • Writing on a phone
  • Real-time co-editing with a team
  • People who prefer a Word-style editor
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Minutes to install and open a folder; longer to connect a Zotero library and set export profiles.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    When you need to write across devices or with collaborators, since there is no sync or sharing built in.
  3. Walled garden
    None: plain Markdown files in your own folders, GPL-3.0 source code.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try Zettlr

Zettlr cost

OptionPriceWhat you get
Zettlr desktop app$0Full app under GPL-3.0, no account, no paid tier
Support the projectOptional donationPatreon or PayPal; no extra features

From Zettlr's download page, checked 4 October 2026.

Where Zettlr runs

SystemRequirementInstall options
macOS12.0 or newer, Intel and Apple SiliconDirect download, Homebrew
WindowsWindows 10 or newer, 64-bitDirect download, WinGet, Chocolatey
LinuxDebian/Ubuntu, Fedora/Red Hat, AppImage; 64-bit and ARMAPT, Flatpak, Pacman
iOS / AndroidNot availableNo mobile app listed

From Zettlr's download page (v4.8.0), checked 4 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zettlr free?

Yes. Zettlr is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence, with no paid tier. The project is funded by voluntary donations through Patreon and PayPal (checked 4 October 2026).

What is Zettlr used for?

Writing in Markdown with citations: papers, theses, books and research notes. It links to Zotero, JabRef or Juris-M for references, supports Zettelkasten-style notes and exports through Pandoc to formats such as Word and PDF.

Does Zettlr work with Zotero?

Yes. Zettlr reads your Zotero library (or JabRef or Juris-M) and formats citations in over 9,000 styles. You need the reference manager set up and your library exported before you can cite.

Is there a Zettlr mobile app?

No mobile app is listed on the download page or in the docs (checked 4 October 2026). Zettlr runs on Windows 10+, macOS 12+ and Linux. Because it works on plain Markdown files, you can sync the folder with a tool of your choice.

Zettlr vs Obsidian: which should I use?

Both are free to use. Zettlr is built around academic writing, with Zotero citations and Pandoc export included and no paid extras. Obsidian is free for personal and commercial use and sells Sync ($4 per user per month billed annually) and Publish as add-ons. Pick Zettlr if your end product is a cited paper.

What is the latest version of Zettlr?

Version 4.8.0, published on GitHub on 18 September 2026. The previous release, 4.7.0, came out in July 2026.

Zettlr alternatives

Other tools for notes and writing:

Showing 1–3 of 4
Sources checked October 4, 2026: Zettlr homepage, Zettlr download page, Zettlr on GitHub, Zettlr documentation.

Conversion Gems independently reviews every tool.

Tags

#Markdown#AcademicWriting#OpenSource#Zettelkasten

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