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HackMD vs Zettlr

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

HackMD icon
HackMD
Zettlr icon
Zettlr

HackMD vs Zettlr: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

HackMD: HackMD is a real-time collaborative markdown editor and note-taking web application. It allows teams to write, edit, review and publish markdown documents together in real-time. Features include GitHub/GitLab integration, code blocks, task lists, and drawing.

Zettlr: Zettlr is a markdown editor for students, academics and novelists. It features a distraction-free writing mode, auto-save, syntax highlighting for various markup languages, and support for citations and bibliographies.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature HackMD Zettlr
Sugggest Score — —
Category Remote Work & Education Office & Productivity
Pricing Open Source Open Source

Product Overview

HackMD
HackMD

Description: HackMD is a real-time collaborative markdown editor and note-taking web application. It allows teams to write, edit, review and publish markdown documents together in real-time. Features include GitHub/GitLab integration, code blocks, task lists, and drawing.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Zettlr
Zettlr

Description: Zettlr is a markdown editor for students, academics and novelists. It features a distraction-free writing mode, auto-save, syntax highlighting for various markup languages, and support for citations and bibliographies.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

HackMD
HackMD Features
  • Real-time collaborative editing
  • Markdown support
  • Code block support
  • GitHub/GitLab integration
  • Task lists
  • Drawing support
Zettlr
Zettlr Features
  • Markdown editing
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Auto-save
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Citations and bibliographies
  • Export to various formats
  • Tagging and search
  • Dark mode
  • Spell checking
  • Word count

Pros & Cons Analysis

HackMD
HackMD
Pros
  • Free for individuals
  • Great for collaboration
  • Integrates with GitHub/GitLab
  • Supports markdown formatting
  • Has useful features like code blocks and drawings
Cons
  • Formatting can get messed up with multiple simultaneous editors
  • No WYSIWYG editor
  • Limited free plan storage
Zettlr
Zettlr
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Minimalist and clean interface
  • Good Markdown support
  • Useful academic writing features
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • No collaboration features
  • Steep learning curve for some features

Pricing Comparison

HackMD
HackMD
  • Open Source
Zettlr
Zettlr
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

HackMD
HackMD
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Zettlr
Zettlr
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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