Video summary

Vim Users Deserved Better, So I Built This

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product overview: Zenotes (note-taking app, v2.0.8)

Zenotes is a cross-platform, open-source note-taking app built around a full Vim-style editing experience (“Vim motions” / Vim mode). Its workflow emphasizes keyboard navigation, fast note creation, and strong Markdown support.

  • Website/download: https://zenotes.org
  • GitHub/download mentioned as: Zenotes/Zenotes
  • Version at time of video: 2.0.8
  • Release cadence: “two or more releases a day” is mentioned

Main features highlighted

Vim-first editor

  • Everything is Vim, including Vim-style motions for navigation.
  • Keyboard navigation for the sidebar (example: Ctrl+W, H to jump to the sidebar).
  • Leader-key hints (described as similar to Vim’s which-key).
  • Keymap customization and line number modes:
    • Relative and absolute line numbers, like Vim.

Keyboard-driven UI navigation

  • Includes a “press F” interaction that reveals clickable elements (links / interactive UI).
  • Designed to reduce the need to memorize shortcuts:
    • Press F, then jump to where you want (e.g., F → A / AB in the demo).

Vault/folder-based structure (Obsidian-style)

  • Uses vaults plus an inbox / quick notes / archive / trash workflow.
  • The inbox model is optional:
    • You can instead use a root-vault style (conceptually similar to Obsidian).

“Trash” is non-destructive

  • Archive and “trash” are implemented as directory moves, not true deletion.
  • “Delete” moves notes into a trash directory, with restoration possible.
  • The intent is explicitly to avoid accidental loss.

Rich Markdown rendering

  • Markdown preview in edit mode.
  • Syntax highlighting, tables, and code blocks.
  • Math support in LaTeX/KaTeX-style formats.
  • Diagram support, with Mermaid called out heavily.

Preview/layout tools

  • Split editor + preview mode, with an attempt to keep lines in sync.
  • PDF support, including:
    • PDF preview in edit mode
    • “Open as reference” workflow (PDFs are handled/copied to avoid damaging originals)
    • Example workflow: read a book PDF and take notes alongside it

Command palette + integrated help

  • Shift+Command+P opens a command palette (VS Code-like).
  • An in-app Help tab embeds searchable documentation inside the UI.

Templates & quick insertion

  • Built-in, engineering-focused templates such as:
    • meeting notes, bug reports, ADRs
  • Template insertion is supported via UI and quick interactions.
  • Quick insertion for things like dates and Markdown constructs.

Tasks system

  • A dedicated Tasks view aggregates tasks across notes.
  • Task attributes mentioned:
    • Priority tags (e.g., “high”)
    • Due dates (format mentioned generically as “in this format”)
  • Multiple task views:
    • List, calendar, Kanban (Kanban tasks can be moved)
  • Clarification: tasks are basic/personal-use, not intended to replace a full task manager.

Multi-vault and remote sync via server/web

  • Multiple local vaults, with a vault switching UI.
  • Remote vault option described:
    • Run via Docker on a server
    • Access via the web version of the same app
    • Mentions “quick connect” (remote setup not fully shown)

AI integrations

  • MCP support, connected to “Cloud Code / Cloud Codex / Cloud Desktop and Codex” (as mentioned).
  • Demo example: ask AI to write a note (bubble sort) and then continue.
  • CLI feature:
    • Installing a Zen command to interact with notes/tasks (and potentially AI workflows)

Raycast integration

  • Raycast integration exists:
    • A Raycast PR took long to review, then was “baked into Zenotes.”
  • Example usage:
    • “Zen search” to find notes and open them

Quick capture + floating notes

  • Quick capture: a floating quick-note panel with a shortcut (Raycast-like quick notes).
  • Floating notes: right-click to open notes in a floating reading window.
  • Zen mode: distraction-free, reading-focused mode.

Pros (as presented)

  • Strong Vim-style experience: Vim motions throughout; keyboard-first navigation.
  • Lower risk of data loss: trash/archive are directory moves and are restorable.
  • Excellent technical Markdown support: syntax highlighting, code blocks, LaTeX/KaTeX math, Mermaid diagrams.
  • Good PDF + notes workflow: open as reference, capture notes while studying.
  • Fast command access: command palette + F-mode interactive navigation reduces memorization.
  • Templates + task aggregation help structure recurring note types.
  • Multiple integration paths: MCP/AI, CLI, Raycast.
  • Frequent releases, suggesting active development.

Cons / limitations mentioned (or implied)

  • Keeping PDF preview/edit sync aligned in split view is described as difficult (layout sync challenges due to rendering differences).
  • Tasks are intentionally basic, not a full replacement for dedicated task management.
  • Remote vault setup is mentioned as not fully explored in the demo (“haven’t really ran the remote one just yet”).
  • No explicit negative points like “bugs” or “performance issues” are stated.

Comparisons made

Obsidian

  • Similarities:
    • Vault concept
    • linked-node / navigation ideas
  • Differences / why Zenotes instead of Obsidian:
    • The creator wanted a more purpose-built workflow: “everything is Vim” is positioned as a defining focus.

VS Code

  • Command palette described as similar to VS Code (Shift+Command+P).

Raycast

  • Quick capture/floating notes compared to Raycast notes/quick note behavior.

Task managers

  • Zenotes tasks view is positioned as not replacing full task management software.

Unique points mentioned (consolidated)

  1. Zenotes is an open-source project, featured on Twitter with a feature walkthrough video.
  2. Download: zenotes.org, open source at Zenotes/Zenotes.
  3. Version 2.0.8, with frequent releases (2+ per day).
  4. Cross-platform (Mac/Windows/Linux) plus a Docker image.
  5. Onboarding includes theme/font customization.
  6. Vault-based system modeled after Obsidian.
  7. “Everything is Vim,” including Vim cursor behavior.
  8. Keyboard-only sidebar navigation (example: Ctrl+W, H).
  9. F-mode interactive navigation that shows clickable elements.
  10. Inbox/quick notes/archive/trash are implemented as directories.
  11. Trash is directory-based (restorable), not destructive deletion.
  12. Command palette (Shift+Command+P) like modern editors.
  13. Demo notes are included to teach features quickly.
  14. Strong Markdown rendering with preview in edit mode.
  15. Math support (LaTeX/KaTeX).
  16. Diagram support, especially Mermaid (with zoom/expand).
  17. Linked nodes / graph-like connections in the sidebar.
  18. Comments and outline navigation for longer documents.
  19. Export/archiving to PDF-like output (archive/unarchive mentioned).
  20. Split editor/preview with line-sync attempts.
  21. Searchable in-app help/docs tab.
  22. Attachment/file view area for images and quick jumps.
  23. Many themes, with theme switching via UI shortcuts.
  24. Editor options include activating Vim mode and leader-key hints.
  25. Quick capture (floating notes), templates, weekly/daily notes.
  26. Multiple vaults and vault switching.
  27. Search supports external tools like ripgrep/fd (mentioned as alternatives).
  28. Live preview and edit/view tab options.
  29. Smooth scrolling and word-wrap options.
  30. PDF workflow: - PDF preview in edit mode - “Open as reference” - PDF is copied/handled to avoid messing up originals
  31. Keymaps fully customizable; system font typography; relative/absolute line numbers.
  32. Remote vault access via Docker + web, including “quick connect.”
  33. Inbox concept can become root-vault style; inbox/quick names customizable.
  34. Engineering-focused templates.
  35. Slash menu for Markdown and template insertion; date insertion via shortcuts.
  36. MCP AI integration with “Codex/Cloud” tooling to generate/write notes.
  37. CLI (“Zen command”) to open notes and run MCP server tasks.
  38. Tasks view aggregates tasks with tags/priorities/due dates; views include list/calendar/kanban.
  39. Tasks are basic/personal by design.
  40. Raycast integration included (Zen search), tied back to a Raycast PR delay.
  41. About/releases page exists.
  42. Floating notes via right-click.
  43. Zen mode for distraction-free reading/writing.
  44. Creator recommends experimenting; mentions a coming feature to “share things” and visualize notes in a browser.

Speaker views / contributions

  • Single speaker throughout: the creator/reviewer. No other distinct speakers are present in the subtitles.

Concise verdict / recommendation

Recommended if you want a Vim-first, keyboard-centric note-taking experience with strong Markdown and technical writing features (math, Mermaid, syntax highlighting), non-destructive trash/archive, and a study-friendly PDF + notes workflow.

Best suited to engineering/technical note users; not positioned as a full task management replacement.

Original video