MCP Servers · ZenNotes

zennotes

ZenNotes is a keyboard-first Markdown notes application that stores plain files locally, with Vim navigation, split-view workflows, diagrams, and MCP integration. It runs as a desktop app (Electron), self-hosted web app (Go server), or future hosted service, keeping notes under user control without a database.

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Source: GitHub — github.com/ZenNotes/zennotes

1.9k

GitHub stars

Forks

TypeScript

Primary language

MIT

License (OSI-approved)

Key facts

Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.

Field	Value
Repository	ZenNotes/zennotes
Owner	ZenNotes
Primary language	TypeScript
License	MIT — OSI-approved
Stars	1.9k
Forks	99
Open issues	93
Latest release	v2.11.0 (2026-07-07)
Last updated	2026-07-07
Source	https://github.com/ZenNotes/zennotes

What zennotes is

Built in TypeScript (desktop/core) and Go (server), ZenNotes uses CodeMirror 6 for editing with live preview, supports GitHub-flavored Markdown, KaTeX, Mermaid, TikZ, and JSXGraph rendering. It exposes a first-party MCP server, watches the vault for external changes, and provides a CLI companion (`zen`) for terminal and launcher integrations (Raycast on macOS).

Quickstart

Get the zennotes source

Clone the repository and explore it locally.

terminalbash

1git clone https://github.com/ZenNotes/zennotes.git2cd zennotes3# follow the project's README for install & configuration

Need it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.

Best use cases

Vim-power users managing local plain-text vaults

Ideal for developers, writers, and power users who want Vim motions, leader-key flows, and command palette navigation without leaving the keyboard. Works seamlessly with existing `.md` files and folder structures.

Self-hosted home server or LAN note system

The Go-backed web app allows deployment on personal hardware without external hosting or SaaS dependencies. Multi-device access within a LAN with full vault control.

AI-augmented note workflows via MCP

First-party MCP server integration allows compatible AI tools and agents to work on the same vault in real time, avoiding data copying and staying in sync with the live file system.

Implementation considerations

Desktop app (Electron) has auto-update; web/self-hosted requires manual Go server deployment and reverse proxy setup for production.
Vault structure is flexible (inbox/ or root-level notes) but migration from other tools requires file conversion; README does not document an importer.
CLI companion (`zen`) is macOS-first for Raycast; Windows/Linux CLI support unclear; verify feature parity before standardizing on CLI workflows.
MCP integration assumes familiarity with MCP protocol; setup complexity for non-standard AI tools is unknown.
Performance on large vaults (1000+ notes) and concurrent file-system watchers not documented; stress-test before migration.

When to avoid it — and what to weigh

You need proprietary cloud sync or real-time multi-user collaboration — ZenNotes is local-first and file-based. The hosted multi-user mode is planned but not yet available; current deployments are single-user or LAN-only.
You require WYSIWYG or rich text editing — ZenNotes is Markdown-only. If your workflow depends on inline formatting, embedded media manipulation, or non-text content, this may feel limiting.
You want a fully managed, zero-configuration service — Self-hosted mode requires running a Go server. Desktop is simpler but still involves local file system setup. Neither path offers hands-off hosting.
Your team needs document-level permissions or audit trails — File-based architecture and current single-user focus mean no built-in access control, role management, or change auditing.

License & commercial use

MIT License permits commercial use, modification, and distribution with attribution. No copyleft restrictions or secondary license obligations.

MIT is a permissive OSI license suitable for commercial products. However, verification of security posture, support terms, and liability disclaimers is advised before production use. The project does not state warranty or SLA guarantees; see LICENSE file and GitHub repository for full terms.

DEV.co evaluation signals

Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.

Signal	Assessment
Maintenance	Active
Documentation	Adequate
License clarity	Clear
Deployment complexity	Moderate
DEV.co fit	Good
Assessment confidence	High

Security considerations

Local-first desktop app runs on user machine with access to file system; Electron surface inherits browser security model. Self-hosted web server requires TLS, authentication, and network isolation to prevent unauthorized vault access. No security audit, penetration test, or formal threat model stated. Vault file permissions depend on OS-level controls; MCP server exposes vault to external processes—vet third-party MCP clients carefully. No disclosure of known vulnerabilities; check GitHub Security Advisories.

Alternatives to consider

Obsidian

Similar Vim support, plain-file Markdown, and mobile/desktop sync. Obsidian has larger ecosystem (1000+ plugins), mobile apps, and official sync service, but is closed-source and charges per seat. ZenNotes is open-source and self-hosted.

Logseq

Open-source, local-first, supports Markdown and outline-based workflows. No Vim mode by default and different interaction model; less focused on keyboard-first navigation than ZenNotes.

Joplin

Open-source, cross-platform, supports markdown and end-to-end encryption. Broader device support (mobile) but less emphasis on Vim navigation and keyboard-first workflows; database-backed, not plain-file.

Software development agency

Build on zennotes with DEV.co software developers

Test the desktop app (cross-platform installers available) or deploy the self-hosted Go server on your infrastructure. Review the full docs at docs/README.md and GitHub source before production use.

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zennotes FAQ

Does ZenNotes store notes in a database?

No. Every note is a plain `.md` file inside a chosen vault directory. ZenNotes does not use hidden databases or proprietary formats, allowing easy access via any text editor or external tools.

Can I use ZenNotes with an existing Obsidian vault?

Yes. ZenNotes now supports Obsidian-style layouts: notes at the vault root (not just inbox/), loose asset files, embedded file resolution (e.g., `![[image.png]]`), and legacy `attachments/` / `_assets/` folders. However, some Obsidian-specific plugins or syntax may not work.

How do I deploy ZenNotes for team use?

Desktop and self-hosted modes are currently single-user. A future hosted multi-user mode is planned but not available. For team use, self-hosting the Go server on a LAN allows multiple devices but not per-user permissions or access control.

What is MCP integration and why would I use it?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard for AI tools to interact with external systems. ZenNotes' first-party MCP server lets ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI agents read and modify your vault in real time, without copying files. Useful for AI-augmented writing and research workflows.

Work with a software development agency

Need help beyond evaluating zennotes? DEV.co is a software development agency offering software development services and web development for teams of every size. Our software developers and web developers build custom software, web applications, APIs, and mcp servers integrations — and maintain them long-term.

Ready to evaluate ZenNotes for your team?

Test the desktop app (cross-platform installers available) or deploy the self-hosted Go server on your infrastructure. Review the full docs at docs/README.md and GitHub source before production use.

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