Compare software

zk vs Denote: catalog facts
zk	Denote
Free Free to download and use from GitHub.	Free Free and available from GNU ELPA.
Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux
Notes stay as plain Markdown files Works with any text editor	Plain-text notes with predictable file names No database or lock-in
Command-line only, no graphical interface Assumes comfort with the terminal	Requires Emacs and some familiarity with it No mobile app
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open 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 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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