Transform messy, typo-filled text into structured, professional notes instantly to save hours on manual formatting for lectures, meetings, and research notes.
Znote
Build executable tools and automate workflows within your Markdown notes using local JavaScript execution, AI-powered assistance, and secure offline storage.
Free plan available
€14.90/one-time
About Znote
Znote is a local-first Markdown editor designed to bridge the gap between static note-taking and functional software development. Unlike traditional documentation tools, it allows users to treat their notes as a scriptable workspace where text and code live side-by-side in a seamless environment. It operates entirely on the user's device, ensuring data privacy while providing a high-performance environment for writing, brainstorming, and building functional mini-tools. This local-first approach ensures that even without an internet connection, your entire knowledge base remains accessible and your scripts remain executable at all times. The application features a dual-editor interface that includes a WYSIWYG mode for clean, distraction-free writing and a full-featured code editor with auto-complete for technical tasks. Its primary capability is the native execution engine, which allows for the running of JavaScript and Node.js directly within notes, including support for NPM packages. Users can integrate AI by bringing their own API keys from providers like OpenAI or OpenRouter, or by connecting to local LLMs via Ollama. This enables complex tasks like automated meeting transcription, data analysis, and internal API testing without needing to switch to an external browser tab or third-party IDE. The platform is primarily built for developers who need to document APIs and manage code snippets, students who require automated transcription and summarization for lectures, and indie makers who want to prototype ideas quickly. Its Recipes system offers a library of ready-to-use templates for tasks like querying SQL databases, testing HTTP endpoints, or automating email replies. This makes it a versatile engine for personal productivity and professional automation, catering to users who prefer a local, modular approach to their digital workspace rather than a monolithic cloud-based solution. What differentiates Znote from competitors like Notion or Obsidian is its native execution engine and transparent one-time payment model. While platforms like Notion rely on cloud hosting and monthly subscriptions, Znote is completely offline and provides total ownership of data. Compared to Obsidian, it provides deeper built-in integration for code execution and AI features without requiring users to manage a complex ecosystem of third-party plugins. It offers a lifetime license model, providing a sustainable, privacy-focused alternative to the common subscription-based landscape of modern productivity software.
Znote pros & cons
Pros
- Runs Node.js and NPM packages directly inside Markdown notes for rapid prototyping
- Supports local LLMs via Ollama for 100% private AI workflows without external APIs
- One-time payment model avoids recurring monthly subscription fees found in similar tools
- Works entirely offline with no account registration required for basic use
- Preserves rich formatting when copying notes to external tools like Gmail or Jira
Cons
- AI features and code execution require a paid Pro license
- Users must provide their own API keys for cloud-based AI models
- Publishing features for sharing notes online require a separate add-on
- Native mobile applications for iOS or Android are currently unavailable
Znote use cases
- Developers can use the app as a JavaScript playground to test code snippets and document APIs in a single view.
- Students can transcribe audio recordings of lectures and use AI to generate study guides locally.
- Indie makers can build mini-tools like database explorers or email converters directly within their project documentation.
- Product managers can draft meeting minutes in Markdown and paste them into Slack or Jira with perfect formatting.
- Security-conscious users can store sensitive keys and notes locally behind password protection without cloud syncing.
Znote features
- meeting transcription
- local-first data storage
- ai chat integration
- multi-tab interface
- password note locking
- wysiwyg and code editors
- npm package support
- javascript execution engine
Znote pricing
Is Znote free? Yes, Znote has a free plan, and paid plans start at €14.90 / one-time.
Free
Free
- Basic Markdown writing
- Offline access
- Local file management
- Tags and folders
- Full-text search
- WYSIWYG editor mode
- Code editor mode
Pro License
€14.90 / one-time
- AI assistance (BYO Key)
- JavaScript & NPM execution
- Meeting transcription
- Password protected notes
- Advanced export (PDF/HTML)
- Custom themes
- Remove unlicensed label
- Support local LLMs (Ollama)
Znote FAQs
Does Znote require an internet connection?
No, Znote is a local-first application that works entirely offline, ensuring your notes stay on your device. Internet is only required if you use cloud-based AI providers or need to download NPM packages.
Can I use my own AI models?
Yes, Znote allows you to connect your own API keys for OpenAI and OpenRouter, or use local LLMs through Ollama. This gives you full control over your AI costs and data privacy.
How many devices can I use my Pro license on?
A single Pro license is valid for all your personal computers, including Windows, Mac (Intel and Silicon), and Linux machines. There is no limit on the number of personal installs.
What happens if I want a refund?
Znote offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for the Pro license. If you are not satisfied with the product, you can contact the developer for a full refund within that period.
Is my data locked into the Znote ecosystem?
Not at all. Znote uses standard Markdown files and stores them locally on your file system, making it easy to open your notes in any other editor if you choose to switch.
Ratings & reviews
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