What is a Zettelkasten?
"Slip box" in German — the note-taking method behind sociologist Niklas Luhmann's remarkably prolific output. Instead of sorting notes top-down into folders, you build a web of connections bottom-up, note by note, so insight tends to show up later when you rediscover links you didn't consciously make. ZettelNote automates the discovery of those connections.
Can the server really not read my notes?
Correct. Notes are encrypted on your device with AES-256-GCM before they're sent anywhere, and the encryption key never leaves your device or reaches our servers. We only ever store encrypted data, so even if our database were compromised, your notes stay unreadable without your passphrase. See the "How it works" section on the homepage for more.
What happens if I forget my passphrase?
Because of the zero-knowledge design, we never store your passphrase or any hint about it — so if you forget it, nobody, including us, can recover your notes. Note that this passphrase is separate from your login password. We strongly recommend not reusing it elsewhere and keeping it somewhere safe.
Is it free?
Yes, creating an account and using ZettelNote is free. You can also try it instantly with no account at all, in "local mode."
What platforms are supported?
Native desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux (built with Electron), plus an installable web app (PWA) that also works offline.
Does it sync across devices?
Yes. Once you create an account, notes written on one device sync automatically to your other devices, and updates show up in real time.