AFFiNE
Open-source all-in-one workspace for docs, whiteboards, and databases
About AFFiNE
AFFiNE is an open-source knowledge operating system that combines documents, whiteboards, and databases in a single workspace. Built with a local-first architecture, it offers privacy-focused note-taking with AI capabilities, replacing fragmented tools like Notion, Miro, and Monday with one cohesive environment where text and drawings are equal citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Local-first architecture ensures data privacy and works offline without internet
- Unique combination of docs, whiteboards, and databases in one open-source tool
- Strong Notion alternative with better privacy and self-hosting options
- Active development with frequent updates and growing AI capabilities
- Generous free tier with unlimited local workspaces
Cons
- Mobile experience still maturing compared to established competitors like Notion
- Search and find-replace functionality needs improvement
- Smaller plugin and integration ecosystem than Notion or Obsidian
- AI features still evolving and not as polished as dedicated AI writing tools
- Tagging and graph view features are limited compared to Obsidian
Key Features
Docs + Whiteboards
Seamlessly switch between structured documents and freeform whiteboards within the same workspace
Local-First Architecture
Data stored locally by default for privacy and offline access, with optional cloud sync
AI Integration
Built-in AI for writing assistance, content summarization, and knowledge base queries
Database Views
Organize information in flexible database views with custom properties and filters
100+ Templates
Pre-built templates for project planning, meeting notes, knowledge management, and more
Open Source
Fully open-source with self-hosting option for complete data ownership and customization
BlockSuite Technology
Proprietary block editor that treats text and visual elements as equal citizens
Pricing
- Unlimited local workspaces
- 10 GB cloud storage
- Up to 3 team members
- 7-day file history
- Basic AI features
- 100 GB cloud storage
- Unlimited team members
- 30-day file history
- Advanced AI features
- Priority support
- Shared team workspaces
- Admin controls
- Advanced permissions
- SSO integration
- Everything in Pro
Best For
Privacy-First Note Taking
Keep personal and work notes locally with optional cloud sync for teams who prioritize data ownership
Visual Project Planning
Combine written project plans with whiteboard brainstorming in a single workspace
Team Knowledge Base
Build a shared knowledge base with docs, databases, and visual content accessible to the whole team
Notion Alternative
Replace Notion with an open-source, local-first alternative that offers similar functionality with better privacy
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Featured In
7 Best Open-Source Note-Taking Apps for Knowledge Management (2026)
Best for visual knowledge workers — AFFiNE is the only open-source tool that seamlessly combines documents and whiteboards, making it ideal for anyone whose thinking process involves spatial arrangement alongside structured text
6 Notion Alternatives That Don't Lag on Large Workspaces (2026)
Best for visual thinkers who need docs and whiteboards in one place — AFFiNE's canvas-document integration is unique among local-first tools.
6 Obsidian Alternatives With Better Collaboration Features (2026)
Best for teams that want Obsidian's local-first philosophy with real collaboration and visual thinking — the most promising open-source alternative for privacy-conscious teams