Zettlr
An open-source Markdown editor for academic writing and knowledge organization with references, tags, full-text search, Pandoc workflows and multi-platform builds.
Build a local knowledge workspace
Zettlr uses local Markdown files with tags, links and full-text search to organize research notes, excerpts, project material and long-form drafts. Stable filenames and predictable folders make later migration easier.
Keep references and attachments traceable
Citation keys, author metadata, attachment paths and export settings should remain connected to the source note. Review duplicate records and missing files before exporting a complete document.
Pandoc is an export boundary
Basic Markdown editing works independently; PDF, DOCX and LaTeX export need matching converters, templates and fonts. Test a small Chinese sample and archive the conversion environment with the workspace.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave Zettlr to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save Zettlr to this cloud drive
Zettlr installation, notes and export workflow
Create a backup-ready Markdown workspace, standardize filenames and tags, then validate search, citations and target-format export with a small sample.
Before you start
- Choose the Windows, macOS or Linux build and prepare separate workspace, attachment and backup directories.
- Check converter, template and font requirements for PDF, DOCX or LaTeX export.
- Prepare a sample note with headings, tags, citations, images, tables and formulas.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the platform build
Choose the Windows installer, Intel or Apple Silicon package, or Linux DEB, RPM or AppImage, then check language and directory permissions.
- 02
Create a Markdown workspace
Keep notes, attachments and references in a clear structure, then create an index note and one tagged sample.
- 03
Configure references and export
Connect the required reference database or converter, export a short document and inspect Chinese fonts, footnotes, citations and images.
Quick start
- 01
Organize with tags and links
Use stable tags for topic and status, link related concepts and keep filenames readable without frequent renaming.
- 02
Search and check citations
Locate notes and citation keys, then inspect metadata, duplicates and attachment paths before exporting.
- 03
Export and archive versions
Export a sample, check contents and pagination, then archive Markdown, attachments, reference data and conversion settings together.
Usage tips
- Back up source files, attachments and reference databases as one workspace; an exported document alone loses research context.
- Recheck Chinese fonts, line breaks and citation style on the target platform instead of trusting editor preview only.
- Snapshot the workspace before removing orphaned attachments or duplicate references.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why are Chinese characters wrong in the PDF?
Check converter, system fonts and template settings with a minimal Chinese sample before exporting the full document.
Why is a citation missing?
Check citation key, reference-database connection, style and conversion log in a short test document before processing the whole workspace.
- Archive the workspaceSave Markdown, attachments, reference database, configuration notes and a recent export, then restore-test them in another directory.
- Uninstall while retaining tool recordsRemove Zettlr through system application management and keep version, template and converter notes after confirming independent backups.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zettlr useful for?
It suits Markdown-based research notes, literature excerpts, project material and long-form writing with tags, search and references.
Is Pandoc required for basic editing?
No. Basic Markdown editing is local; specific PDF, DOCX or LaTeX exports need matching converters, templates and fonts.
How should a Zettlr workspace be backed up?
Back up the full workspace together with attachments, reference data and export settings, preferably with versioned snapshots.
Why test export with a small document?
A small sample exposes missing fonts, citation fields, image paths and converter issues before they affect a long document.