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Denote vs zk: catalog facts
Denote	zk
Free Free and available from GNU ELPA.	Free Free to download and use from GitHub.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Command line
Plain-text notes with predictable file names No database or lock-in	Notes stay as plain Markdown files Works with any text editor
Requires Emacs and some familiarity with it No mobile app	Command-line only, no graphical interface Assumes comfort with the terminal
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.