Vim Users Deserved Better, So I Built This

# Vim Users Deserved Better, So I Built This **TL;DR:** Zenotes is an open-source note-taking app with full Vim keybindings, built-in keyboard navigation, Markdown live preview, templates, remote repositories, and more — designed for users who never want to leave the keyboard. ## Download & Installation Visit zenotes.org (https://zenotes.org) to download. The app is called Zenotes, current version 2.0.8, with frequent releases (sometimes two or three times a day) because the author actively uses it and adds new features or workflows as needed. Supports Mac, Windows, Linux, and even offers a Docker image for server deployment accessed via browser. ## Core Design Philosophy The author built Zenotes because they wanted a note-taking app with full Vim keybinding support. They enjoy using Vim in many places but weren't happy with the Markdown note experience in Vim, so they decided to build their own. All operations have built-in Vim bindings, and even the sidebar is fully navigable by keyboard. The author's rule: whenever they catch themselves reaching for the mouse, it's a signal to add a new feature. ## Interface Overview When you open the app, you'll see the inbox with a default sample note to demonstrate the look. The left sidebar includes tasks, quick notes, archive, and trash. The right sidebar shows note connections (similar to Obsidian's graph view), comments, outline, PDF download, archive actions, etc. Supports split-screen editing with live preview, where editor and preview lines stay as synchronized as possible. ## Vim Keybindings & Keyboard Navigation - **Vim mode is enabled by default**, with a Vim-style cursor. - Press `Ctrl W + H` to jump to the sidebar, where all elements are keyboard-operable. - Press `F` to show shortcut labels for all clickable elements, similar to the Vimium browser extension. For example, press `F` then `A` to enter preview mode — no need to memorize many shortcuts. ## Command Palette & Quick Actions Press `Shift + Command + P` to open the command palette, similar to VS Code. Everything you can do can be invoked from here, including creating notes, switching repositories, opening templates, etc. Demo notes are available — creating one generates a set of examples showcasing various features, helping new users get started quickly. ## Markdown Preview & Editing Features - **Markdown preview while editing**: Even in edit mode, you see the rendered output without always displaying raw Markdown code. - Code blocks with syntax highlighting, tables, lists, and all Markdown features are supported. - Math formulas use LaTeX/KaTeX, and Mermaid diagrams can be zoomed and displayed fullscreen. ## PDF & Attachments PDF files can be previewed directly within the app: you can choose to preview PDFs in edit mode (edit while viewing the PDF) or open them as references. PDFs are copied to the notes directory, so the original files are not polluted. Attachments like images appear in the "Files" area for quick access. ## Template System Built-in templates commonly used in engineering (e.g., ADR architecture decision records), with support for custom templates. Templates can use variables (like dates), and you can quickly create notes via "New from template". You can also insert Markdown content by pressing `/` within a note, or apply an existing template via "Insert template". ## Multiple Repositories & Remote Connections - **Quick connect**: Allows connecting to remote repositories (e.g., deployed on any server via Docker), storing note data on the server and accessing via browser. - Supports setting the inbox or repository root directory: if set to the root repository, the inbox remains visible but becomes a top-level directory, similar to Obsidian's vault root. - Daily notes and weekly notes can be enabled, created by default from a template. ## Customization Settings - **Themes**: Multiple built-in themes (default Gruvbox Dark), switchable via shortcuts. The sidebar can be set to the same color as the editor or a different one. - **Editor settings**: Enable/disable Vim mode, Leader key hints, smooth scrolling, word wrap. Supports absolute and relative line numbers (like Vim). - **Search**: Built-in search, or specify the ripgrep or fzf binary paths to enhance search. - **Key mappings**: All key mappings are customizable, with a large number of modifiable shortcuts. - **Typography**: Can read and use system fonts. ## Other Useful Features - **Archive & Trash**: Notes are not permanently deleted; they are moved to corresponding directories (`archive/`, `trash/`). The author designed this to prevent accidental deletion. There is a dedicated operation for permanent deletion. - **Quick capture**: A floating note window, similar to Raycast's quick note. - **Help page**: Built-in full documentation, opened as a tab, searchable. ## Open Source & Community Zenotes is an open-source project hosted on GitHub (zenotes/zenotes). The author encourages free use and modification. The demo repository mentioned in the video can be created locally. --- **Source:** YouTube video - Vim Users Deserved Better, So I Built This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=661XzULWfVU)