AFFiNE

Open-source, local-first knowledge base combining docs, whiteboards, databases, and AI in one workspace.

Overview

AFFiNE is an open-source knowledge base platform that merges documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI capabilities into a single local-first workspace. Founded in Singapore in 2022 and backed by 70,000+ GitHub stars, it serves both individual creators seeking a Notion + Obsidian alternative and enterprise teams looking for a self-hostable Confluence replacement.

The platform emphasizes privacy and data ownership through its local-first architecture, allowing users to work offline and maintain full control over their knowledge base. AFFiNE is available as managed cloud (Pro, Team tiers) or self-hosted via Docker, with native apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Key differentiators include real-time collaboration without sacrificing local-first principles, an integrated canvas that doesn't separate docs from whiteboards, and open-source transparency with MIT licensing for the editor and source-available backend.

Key features

Merged docs, whiteboards, and databases in one workspace
Local-first architecture with offline support
Real-time collaboration
Built-in AI for drafting, summarizing, and outlining
Self-hosting via Docker with MIT-licensed editor
Native apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Ready-to-use templates
Version history and sync

Pros

Open-source with strong community (70k+ GitHub stars)
Local-first design gives users full data control
Unified workspace eliminates tool-switching
Self-hosting option available
Free tier for individuals and small teams
Cross-platform native apps
Transparent about licensing and data handling

Cons

Backend server code requires commercial license for modifications
Free tier limited to 3 members per workspace
Smaller ecosystem compared to Notion
Self-hosting requires technical setup
AI features bundled with Pro or available as add-ons

Use this if

You need a unified workspace combining docs, whiteboards, and databases; want local-first data ownership; require self-hosting capability; or seek an open-source alternative to Notion or Confluence.

Skip this if

You need the broadest third-party integrations ecosystem; require pure markdown-first workflows; or prefer a closed-source, cloud-only solution with minimal setup.

Best for

Teams building internal knowledge basesIndividual creators wanting local-first ownershipOrganizations seeking Notion or Confluence alternativesPrivacy-conscious teams needing self-hostingProjects combining docs, whiteboards, and planning

Alternatives

NotionObsidianConfluenceMiroMoodboard

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