Open Source Alternatives to Obsidian

The best CMS tools similar to Obsidian

Zettlr stands out as a leading open-source alternative to Obsidian.

The Obsidian ecosystem primarily consists of CMS solutions. Explore these alternatives to discover tools that align with your specific Obsidian-related requirements, whether you're looking for enhanced features, different user experiences, or specialized functionalities.

Zettlr iconZettlr

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Zettlr screenshot

Zettlr is a powerful, open-source writing tool designed to streamline your writing process from the initial idea to the final publication. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a versatile platform for writers of all kinds, including bloggers, journalists, researchers, and authors. With a focus on privacy and user control, Zettlr ensures your notes and documents stay secure on your device without any forced cloud synchronization or hidden costs.

  • Privacy First: No forced cloud synchronization; all files stay on your computer.
  • First-class Citation Support: Integrates with reference managers like Zotero, JabRef, and Juris-M.
  • Versatile Exporting: Supports various export formats and templates for journals and conferences.
  • Integration: Easily integrates with tools like LanguageTool for grammar checking.
  • Customizable Interface: Allows tweaking every pixel of the app and supports custom CSS.
  • Automated Workflows: Includes a snippets system for quick insertion of boilerplate text.
  • Zettelkasten Support: Supports note IDs, internal links, related files, and a graph view for organizing knowledge.

Zettlr brings simplicity back to your writing by offering open-minded writing that adapts to your style, fast information retrieval, and versatile exporting options. Trusted by researchers and writers worldwide, Zettlr is your one-stop publication workbench.