AFFiNE
Verified working Aug 3, 2026
A local-first workspace for notes, whiteboards, databases, and AI.
AFFiNE is an open-source productivity workspace that combines document editing, visual canvases, structured databases, templates, and AI-assisted work. It is aimed at people and teams who want a connected knowledge base and planning environment while retaining more control over their data through local-first and self-hostable options.
Why it stands out
- Combines wiki-style writing and freeform visual whiteboarding instead of treating them as separate products.
- Local-first positioning gives users more control over workspace data than many cloud-only collaboration tools.
- Open-source development lets teams inspect the codebase and follow public issue activity.
- Covers both individual note-taking and team knowledge-base workflows in the same product family.
- Enterprise options include private cloud and self-hosted deployments for organizations with stricter control needs.
Good to know
- Free use is presented for individuals, while commercial and team usage can involve paid fees.
- Private cloud and self-hosted enterprise deployments require contacting sales rather than simple self-serve setup.
- Its broad docs-whiteboards-databases-AI scope may be more tool than needed for someone seeking a lightweight notes app only.
Photos
Product teams, founders, and knowledge workers can keep documentation, planning boards, and project context in one connected workspace. Build an internal wiki that also supports visual brainstorming and task planning. Turn research notes, mind maps, and project databases into a shared team knowledge base. Use templates for planners, storyboards, checklists, itineraries, and study notes. Evaluate a privacy-conscious alternative to separate wiki, whiteboard, and planning tools.
Block-style documents, whiteboards, databases, project planning, mind mapping, presentation-style frames, ready-made templates, AI assistance, team spaces, open-source code, local-first data handling, desktop and mobile apps, and enterprise private-cloud or self-hosted deployment options.
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