Zettlr review: private writing with local files

Zettlr is a free open-source Markdown editor for people who want to turn notes into essays, reports or book manuscripts. Its main privacy benefit is keeping your writing on your computer without forced cloud storage.¹ It is a good choice if you enjoy writing at a desk and want more control over where your drafts live.

Last checked October 28, 2026.

At a glance

What it is: A desktop writing and publication workspace.¹

Works on: Windows, macOS and Linux.⁴

Price: Free; supported by donations.¹

Licence: GNU GPL version 3.²

Best for: Longer writing projects, study notes and keeping drafts under your control.

Official site: zettlr.com

What Zettlr does and how it protects your privacy

Zettlr combines writing, finding material and preparing documents for publication. Markdown uses ordinary text with simple formatting marks: a hash sign before a line makes a heading.⁶ You can concentrate on the words first and decide how the finished document should look later.

The project says there is no telemetry or forced cloud synchronisation, and files stay on your computer.¹ Telemetry means information an app sends about its use. For a personal journal or an unfinished manuscript, keeping control of the storage location is a useful starting point.

That control also means choosing your own backup routine. Before writing anything sensitive, choose a folder deliberately and check whether another app uploads it. Think about who can sign in to the computer, too. A local folder should be part of your privacy plan, alongside a strong device password and a separate backup.

Key features in Zettlr

Connected notes: Links, file identifiers and tags help connect related ideas.⁵
Full-text search: Find words across your writing instead of opening files one at a time.²
References: Load a reference library from tools such as Zotero or JabRef to insert citations.⁵
Publication exports: Pandoc, a document converter, supports preparing your writing for other formats.²
Reusable snippets: Insert recurring text or formatting without rebuilding it each time.²
Appearance choices: Themes and dark mode let you adjust your writing environment.⁵

Zettlr pros and cons

Pros

A sensible fit for writers who want to choose where their work lives.
Useful room to grow from short notes into a substantial manuscript.
Combining search and references can reduce interruptions during drafting.
A good starting point for learning a reusable, text-based writing workflow.

Cons

Desktop focus: The project does not currently offer an Android or iPhone version.⁶
Export setup: Some export profiles need a separate LaTeX installation, a document typesetting system.²
A different writing habit: Allow time to learn Markdown if you usually format everything through toolbar buttons.
Storage decisions: Plan backups and any sharing arrangements yourself rather than assuming a local writing folder covers them.

Is Zettlr safe and private?

The project website’s copyright names Hendrik Erz.¹ The latest stable release is 4.9.0, published on October 25, 2026.³ Its recent release activity makes it an actively maintained choice.

Offline writing is supported, while the FAQ describes an internet connection for checking available releases.⁶ Treat the no-telemetry promise as a statement about usage tracking, rather than a promise that every feature stays disconnected. Keep updates enabled so you receive fixes.

Review grammar checking before enabling it. LanguageTool is off by default; its standard server option sends text over the internet, while a locally configured server can keep that checking on your computer.⁸ For confidential drafts, leave it disabled unless you have deliberately chosen a suitable setup.

Local storage should not be treated as proof of encryption. Protect the computer and backup destination separately, and consider what happens if someone obtains access to either. If encrypted notes are your main requirement, read the Academy guide to Notesnook before choosing a workflow.

Zettlr’s security page warns that downloaded documents and export templates can contain harmful code.⁷ For an untrusted Markdown file, it recommends opening the file in a plain text editor first and removing unusual code. Raw mode, which shows the underlying text instead of a formatted preview, is described as another safe way to open that file in Zettlr. Stick to your own files and trusted templates when getting started. The same page says security researchers vet the app for unexpected ways to run code. That description does not name a security certification.

How to get started with Zettlr

Download from the official site. Follow its download link and choose your operating system. The project supplies Windows x64, macOS Intel and Apple Silicon, and several Linux packages.⁴
Install and read the tutorial. The app includes introductory files for new users.² Start with these before customising the workspace.
Choose a writing folder. Use a clearly named location and decide whether it should be included in any existing cloud backup or synchronisation arrangement.
Write a small practice document. Try a title, two headings, a paragraph and a short list. Keep the content non-sensitive while learning the controls.
Review optional connections. Check the grammar settings before using them with private material. Leave unfamiliar integrations alone until you understand where they send information.
Try the output and backup. Export your sample into the format you need, inspect the result, then make a separate backup of the original. Do this before moving a thesis or a whole notebook.

Who should use Zettlr and who might prefer something else?

Choose Zettlr if your main job is writing: collecting thoughts, shaping an argument and producing a finished document. It is especially appealing if you want to take responsibility for your own writing folders. Begin with one real project, rather than reorganising every note you own on the first day.

If a notebook structure matters more than publication, compare Trilium Notes. For shared Markdown writing, explore HedgeDoc. Notesnook is another candidate when encrypted notes are the priority. Decide whether writing, shared editing or protected cross-device access is your biggest need, then read the relevant guide before moving private material.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zettlr free?

Yes, Zettlr is free software supported through donations.¹ You can start with the desktop download; choose your storage and backup arrangements separately.

Does Zettlr work on iPhone or Android?

No official mobile version is currently offered; the team says its resources are focused on maintaining the desktop app.⁶ Make mobile access an early decision if you often capture ideas away from your desk.

Can Zettlr be used offline?

Yes, the documentation says it is fully functional offline.⁶ For private writing, keep optional online grammar checking out of your workflow unless you have chosen to use it.

Is Zettlr available on Flathub?

Yes, its Linux app is listed on Flathub.⁵ For the most direct installation route, start with the official website and follow the instructions for your computer.