Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Zettlr

Free

Zettlr is an open-source writing software that integrates with your Markdown files and reference management tools, offering a clean and efficient writing experience.

Our take

Perfect for authors and researchers who love open-source tools.

So, I’ve been trying out Zettlr, and let me tell you, it’s a mixed bag of wonders and quirks. On the upside, this writing tool really nails it for folks who love organization. It’s got this neat way of connecting bits of information, which is fantastic if you’re dealing with a pile of notes and want them to talk to each other. This linking feature is like having a digital brain map, and once you get the hang of it, there’s no going back. But, and here’s the kicker, if you’re not used to markdown or these kinds of setups, it might feel like learning to ride a unicycle. It takes some getting used to.

Now, let’s talk about the interface. It’s straightforward, almost to a fault. Some might call it minimalist, which is great if you’re into that clean, no-distraction vibe. But if you’re someone who likes a bit of flair or more visual cues, it might feel a bit too bare-bones. It’s like walking into a room with just a desk and nothing on the walls. Functional, sure, but maybe not the coziest workspace. So, it’s a tradeoff: clarity and focus versus a bit of visual pizzazz.

The search functionality is one of those features that feels like a lifesaver, especially if your notes are scattered all over like confetti. It’s surprisingly powerful and can dig through your notes pretty efficiently. If you’re the kind of person who’s always looking for that one elusive note, this tool’s got your back. However, there’s no getting around the fact that setting up your notes for the search to be effective requires some upfront organization. It’s kind of like tidying up before your friend who’s an organizational guru comes over.

I’ve also noticed that Zettlr plays nicely with other tools, which is a big win. You can export your work to various formats, making it a breeze to share your brilliant ideas with the world. This flexibility is a godsend if you’re juggling different platforms. But, and it’s a small but, sometimes the export can be a bit finicky, especially with complex documents. So, patience might be your best friend here if things don’t look just right on the first try.

Finally, let’s chat about performance. Zettlr is fairly nimble, and it doesn’t hog your computer’s resources, which is always a plus. You won’t find it dragging its feet like some other heavier apps. It’s snappy, which is refreshing in a world where everything seems to be bloated. That said, if you’re running it on an older machine, you might notice some lag with larger projects. But for the most part, it’s smooth sailing. Overall, if you’re someone who values a tool that’s both powerful and efficient, Zettlr might just be worth the ride, quirks and all.