ZenNotes

ZenNotes / zennotes

Public

Keyboard-first local Markdown notes with Vim motions, diagrams, and MCP integration.

zennotes.org electron local-first markdown mcp notes
96
8
100% credibility
Found Apr 18, 2026 at 96 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
TypeScript
AI Summary

ZenNotes is a keyboard-driven desktop app for creating and organizing plain Markdown notes with built-in previews, task tracking, search, and AI assistant integration.

How It Works

1
📥 Download ZenNotes

Grab the app from the latest release and install it on your computer.

2
📁 Pick your notes folder

Choose any folder on your computer to store your notes as simple text files.

3
✏️ Create your first note

Start writing with familiar formatting like headings, lists, and links.

4
🚀 Keyboard magic unlocks

Fly through notes using quick shortcuts, live previews, and smart views for tasks and tags.

5
📂 Organize effortlessly

Sort notes into inbox for active work, quick for ideas, archive for later, and trash for cleanup.

✅ Your personal knowledge hub

Enjoy a fast, distraction-free space where ideas connect, tasks track, and everything stays yours.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is zennotes?

ZenNotes is a keyboard-first desktop app for local Markdown notes, built in TypeScript using Electron and React. It stores everything as plain .md files in a vault folder, with Vim motions for editing, navigation, and pane switching, plus live preview for diagrams like Mermaid, TikZ, and KaTeX math. Search zen notes github for znotes—its MCP integration lets AI tools like Claude read/write your vault directly.

Why is it gaining traction?

It ditches databases for plain files you sync anywhere, while delivering fast Vim-style motions, split edit/preview modes, and vault-wide tasks/tags without lock-in. Diagram rendering and optional ripgrep/fzf search feel native, and MCP server enables safe AI integration for note generation. Developers dig the intentional, low-chrome feel over pointer-heavy alternatives.

Who should use this?

Vim fans handling specs, research, or planning notes with diagrams and task lists. TypeScript devs needing local Markdown vaults with AI hooks via MCP. Keyboard-first users ditching Obsidian or Notion for file-based motions and quick capture.

Verdict

Grab zennotes for local, Vim-driven Markdown notes with diagrams and MCP—96 stars and 1.0% credibility score signal early days, but the demo tour and built-in help make testing straightforward. Solid for power users; watch for polish.

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