Overview
Zettlr’s differentiator is that citations are native: connect your Zotero library (via Better BibTeX) and cite with @key autocompletion while you write Markdown, then export through Pandoc to Word, PDF, or LaTeX with the bibliography formatted correctly. Notes and drafting live in one open tool.
Why researchers use it
- Real citations in Markdown — Zotero autocomplete while typing
- Pandoc built in — one-click export to DOCX/PDF/LaTeX with CSL styles
- Zettelkasten support — IDs, internal links, and a file-based structure
Getting started
- Install Zettlr plus Pandoc; in Zotero, add Better BibTeX and auto-export your library as .json.
- Point Zettlr’s citation settings at that file; type @ to cite.
- Draft in Markdown; export via File → Export with your journal’s CSL style.
The honest review
Strengths. The smoothest free path from literature notes to a properly cited draft without touching LaTeX directly — ideal for humanities and social science workflows.
Limitations. Less polished and less extensible than Obsidian; the interface has rough edges; large vaults feel slower than in the bigger PKM apps.
When NOT to use this
If you already live in Obsidian, adding Zettlr just for citations is unnecessary — the Obsidian+Pandoc plugin route covers it. Zettlr is the right choice when you want one simple tool, not an ecosystem.