Denote
An Emacs note-taking package that organises plain-text notes through a predictable, descriptive file naming scheme.
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About Denote
Denote is a note-taking package for Emacs, available from GNU ELPA. Instead of a database, it relies on a consistent and descriptive file-naming scheme, so notes remain easy to find and sort with ordinary file tools.
It is documented in a detailed manual, and version 4.2.0 was released in May 2026. A range of companion packages extends it with Org and Markdown support, journaling, sequences and Consult integration.
Strengths
- Plain-text notes with predictable file names
- No database or lock-in
- Thorough official manual
- Many companion packages for journals and sequences
Limitations
- Requires Emacs and some familiarity with it
- No mobile app
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and available from GNU ELPA.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- Protesilaos
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Emacs users who want simple, durable plain-text notes
- Categories
- Code editors, Note-taking
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Denote
Compare allSoftware that can replace Denote for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Org-roam
An Emacs package for linked, plain-text personal knowledge management built on Org mode files.
Org-roam is a GPL-3.0 Emacs package for linked Org mode notes with backlinks, a graph view and GPG encryption, relying on Org mode rather than file naming.
Org mode
A GNU Emacs major mode for notes, outlines, to-do lists and documents kept in plain text.
Org mode is the GPL-3.0 Emacs mode for notes, outlines, tasks and agenda in plain text files, without Denote's file naming scheme for organising notes.
zk
A command-line tool for maintaining a plain-text Markdown Zettelkasten or personal wiki.
zk is a command-line tool for a plain-text Markdown Zettelkasten that works with any text editor, removing the need for Emacs.
Foam
A personal knowledge management system built on Visual Studio Code and plain Markdown files.
Foam builds a linked Markdown knowledge base with wikilinks and graph view inside Visual Studio Code, switching the editor from Emacs to VS Code.
Obsidian
A notes app that works on a folder of plain Markdown files on your own disk, with links between them.
Obsidian manages a folder of plain Markdown files with links, backlinks and graph view in a standalone app with mobile clients, but it is not open source.
VimWiki
A Vim plugin that turns linked plain-text files into a personal wiki with its own syntax.
VimWiki moves plain-text linked notes into Vim with its own wiki syntax and website export, requiring Vim instead of Emacs and offering no built-in sync.
The Archive
A plain-text Zettelkasten note-taking app for macOS that stores notes as Markdown files.
The Archive is a paid macOS Zettelkasten app storing notes as plain Markdown files, giving a graphical interface instead of Emacs.
nb
A command-line and local web tool for plain text notes, bookmarks and a Git-backed knowledge base.
nb keeps plain text notes and bookmarks with Git-backed versioning from the command line, working with any text editor instead of Emacs.
Denote as an alternative
Listings that name Denote as an alternative.
jrnl
A command-line journal that stores entries in plain text files, with optional AES encryption.
Denote keeps plain-text notes with predictable file names inside Emacs, and its companion packages cover journals, but it requires Emacs instead of a standalone command.
Neorg
A Neovim plugin and file format for notes, tasks and organising your life inside the editor.
Denote organises plain-text notes in Emacs through predictable file names with no database, and has companion packages for journals, but requires Emacs.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Emanote
A tool that turns a folder of Markdown notes into a linked, browsable website.
Zettlr
Write and organize Markdown documents for publication.
Logseq
An outliner that stores notes as plain Markdown files, built around a daily journal and linked blocks.
MindForger
Organize Markdown notes in a personal knowledge workspace.
