First, Zim is not an average text editor. That is why if you have used hierarchical text editors like: AllMyNotes Organizer or Tree Notes, it's almost the same. In the same way, Zim can use it to create pages.
And to link those pages, like wiki functions, hence the slogan. What is a desktop Wiki So, the application, which is written in Python is available for Windows and Linux. Likewise, both versions are identical in use and features, although the PC version is a few versions behind.
Also, when you run the application for the first time, you will be asked to create a new notebook. Which, is to give a name and select a folder to store it. In the same way, this notebook will keep your pages containing your notes. All pages are saved in .TXT format.
Zim is nice with its interface
Also, Zim's interface is of the old school, and also, with a minimalist design. We recommend that you do not get discouraged with this program, as it is very easy to get used to. Thus, the GUI interface consists of a menu bar, toolbar and two panels. In the same way, the main screen is the Home page. The left panel is the tree view that you can use to navigate the subpages of the notebook.
Thus, the right panel of the program is your editor, where you will write, edit, format the notes, among others. In the same way, this is where the unique features of the application come into play. In this way, it is not limited to the content of the text.
Since Zim allows you to add images, hyperlinks to URLs and local files. In the same way, you can drag and drop the content of the interface to add them to the page.
Now, you can use Zim as a text editor and use it to edit .TXT files, using the import option. Similarly, export options can be used to save documents in other formats such as HTML, MHTML, Latex, Markdown and RST.
You can enjoy more editing features
Similarly, the toolbar has some navigation options, some formatting styles and the option to attach files. When you open the Calendar option, a journal notebook is created that has automatically categorized the subpages. Also, these subpages are for the day, month and year you have selected.
Likewise, the format menu has many more options that include headers, list styles: (numbered, with bullets, list of check boxes), scripts, among others. This means that you can use this software for anything. How to keep a diary, keep track of your expenses, a collection of notes. You can use them to take notes in class or meetings, to-do lists, among others. Just depend of you.
Although the toolbar says: Font, Emphasis, among others, the program supports universal keyboard shortcuts for Bold, italics, underlining, etc.
Creating subpages and linking
First, you must right-click anywhere in the left panel to create a new page or subpage. Now, you must choose between the Journal and the default templates. To link to the newly created page, you must open another page and place the cursor where you want the hyperlink to appear. Or simply, highlight a word and click on the Link button. Also, you can use CTRL + L, or the Insert menu.
Also, links to images and websites will be added as URLs, which will open in your browser. Links to other pages open as a text file in the default editor, such as Notepad. In addition, ZIM also supports backlinks, which can be searched, and lets you see which page links you have and where.
Now, you can use Zim to create a completely offline Wiki, with an index page that works quite easily. And how can it be published as an HTML file? You can even create a website using the application.
Although there is a Save option, Zim automatically saves your notes. You would still manually save the notes, just in case. Thus, Zim Wiki is also available in a portable version, which can be extracted to any folder on your PC or removable drives.