Zen Editor icon

Zen Editor

Zen Editor is a minimalist writing app for distraction-free writing and note-taking. It has a clean interface with only the essential formatting tools, allowing writers to focus on their content rather than appearance.

What is Zen Editor?

Zen Editor is a minimalist writing and text editing application designed for distraction-free writing. It has a clean, uncluttered interface that eliminates non-essential tools and UI elements so writers can focus solely on their content rather than appearance.

Key features of Zen Editor include:

  • Minimalist UI with only the core editing and formatting tools such as fonts, text size, bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, text alignment, lists, etc.
  • Fullscreen mode for zero distractions and complete focus on writing
  • Live word counter and reading time estimate
  • Auto-save to prevent losing work in case of crashes or power loss
  • Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android
  • Supports major file formats like DOC, DOCX, TXT, MD, PDF, HTML, etc.
  • Basic note organizer to group notes into notebooks
  • Tagging for easier search and organization of notes and documents
  • Built-in encryption for securing sensitive documents
  • Offline access for writing anywhere, anytime

With its clutter-free UI, core editing tools, and focus mode, Zen Editor is aimed at writers seeking a distraction-reduced environment to write without worrying about formatting and appearance.

The Best Zen Editor Alternatives

Top Apps like Zen Editor

Typora, Rentry.co, iA Writer, Zettlr, Mark Text, MacDown, ghostwriter, HedgeDoc, StackEdit, Haroopad, MarkdownPad are some alternatives to Zen Editor.

Typora

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Rentry.co

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IA Writer

iA Writer is a popular text editor and word processor application designed specifically for distraction-free writing. It has a very clean and minimal interface that removes unnecessary buttons and menus so you can focus on your writing.Some key features of iA Writer include:- Focus mode that grays out...

Zettlr

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Mark Text

Mark Text is an open-source markdown editor available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. It aims to provide a simple, elegant, and powerful markdown experience.Key features of Mark Text include:Live preview - See updates rendered in real time as you type.Tabs - Open multiple markdown documents in tabs...

MacDown

MacDown is an open-source, lightweight Markdown editor for macOS. It has a simple, uncluttered user interface that focuses on the writing experience. Some of the key features of MacDown include:Real-time Markdown syntax highlighting and live preview as you typeSupport for GitHub Flavored Markdown, including task lists and emojiCustomizable themes...

Ghostwriter

Ghostwriter is an open-source, cross-platform word processor designed to provide a simple and distraction-free writing environment. With a minimalist user interface devoid of clutter, Ghostwriter concentrates purely on text content rather than formatting choices.Some of the key features of Ghostwriter include:Minimalist design to avoid distractions while writingAuto-save and...

HedgeDoc

HedgeDoc is an open-source web application for collaboratively editing markdown files in real-time. It allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously while seeing each other's edits appear live.HedgeDoc can function as a powerful note-taking tool or website content management system. It renders markdown formatting to HTML...

StackEdit

StackEdit is a free, open-source, online Markdown editor with a variety of features for writing, formatting, and publishing documents. Some key capabilities of StackEdit include:Real-time Markdown preview - See changes rendered as you typeSyntax highlighting for code blocksSupport for Markdown extensions like tables, footnotes, task listsCollaborative editing in real-time...

Haroopad

Haroopad is an open-source Markdown editor with live preview. Some key features include:Clean, intuitive user interface with live preview as you typeSupports GitHub Flavored Markdown including syntax highlighting, task lists, emoji, etc.Exports to HTML, PDF, Word, and moreMath typesetting with LaTeX and MathML supportCode block highlighting for many...

MarkdownPad

MarkdownPad is a feature-rich Markdown editor for Windows to write Markdown documents faster. Some key features include:Live preview pane with syntax highlighting that updates in real-time as you typeCustomizable editor theme options including dark modeExport Markdown documents to HTML or PDF format with one clickQuickly access Markdown elements like...