Better Notes (BN) is a Zotero plugin designed to enhance note-taking, annotation, and knowledge management workflows. It targets researchers and academics who want to centralize their research notes within Zotero, offering features for linking notes, automating analysis with templates, and syncing with Markdown files.

How It Works

BN transforms Zotero's native notes into a more dynamic knowledge management system. It introduces a note editor with a command palette (Magic Key) for quick actions, supports bidirectional note linking for knowledge graph creation, and allows for extensive customization via note templates. A key feature is the automatic, two-way synchronization with external Markdown files, enabling seamless integration with tools like Obsidian without third-party dependencies.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install: Download the .xpi file from the releases page and install via Zotero's "Add-ons" menu (Tools -> Plugins -> Gear Icon -> Install Add-on from File).
• Requirements: Zotero.
• Resources: Setup is quick, involving a simple plugin installation.
• Links: Latest Version, All Releases

Highlighted Details

• Bidirectional note linking with preview functionality.
• Automated Markdown file synchronization.
• Customizable note templates for summarizing and analyzing research.
• Export notes to Markdown, DOCX, PDF, and FreeMind formats.
• API available for other Zotero plugin developers.

Maintenance & Community

The project is actively maintained by windingwind. A community can be joined via Telegram: @bnzotero.

Licensing & Compatibility

• License: AGPL.
• Compatibility: AGPL's copyleft provisions may require derivative works to also be open-sourced under AGPL, potentially impacting commercial or closed-source integration.

Limitations & Caveats

The plugin is distributed under AGPL, which has strong copyleft requirements. The README notes that "No warranties are provided" and users should "Keep the laws of your locality in mind!".