SiYuan

SiYuan: Personal knowledge management system that supports Markdown, block references, and end-to-end encryption.

SiYuan is a privacy-first personal knowledge management system designed for organizing notes, thoughts, and long documents using block-based editing. It features block-level bidirectional links, relational databases, spaced repetition using the FSRS algorithm, and outline folding. Users can integrate OpenAI for writing assistance, translation, brainstorming, and grammar correction. Data is stored locally on user-controlled devices, with end-to-end encrypted synchronization available across multiple devices. It also supports deployment via Docker and running as a mobile server on a local network.

SiYuan at a glance

Best for: Writer, Researcher, Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Web, self-hosted, Docker
Pricing: Free basic local storage; Feature and annual subscription plans available with official cloud storage or third-party sync.
Released: August 2020
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: b3log.org

Key features

Block editor with 20+ block types and 10+ inline elements
Block-level bidirectional links and global relationship graphs
Databases with relations, rollups, and templates
Spaced repetition memory training using the FSRS algorithm
Outline lists with folding and embedded document-style records
OpenAI integration for writing assistance and brainstorming
End-to-end encrypted multi-device data synchronization
Self-hosted deployment via Docker and local network mobile server

Use it for

Organize personal knowledge and notes using block-level links
Write and edit large documents smoothly with dynamic loading
Memorize information efficiently with FSRS spaced repetition
Collaborate and sync notes securely across multiple devices

Alternatives to SiYuan

Basic Memory — Stores data in local Markdown files that remain accessible and readable by any AI.
EdgeEver — Run it on Cloudflare for free or self-host it via Docker with full privacy.
LLM Wiki Compiler — Compiles raw sources into a citation-traced, interlinked markdown wiki.
Smart Connections — Finds related notes locally by default without requiring an API key.
Obsidian Wiki — Compiles knowledge into markdown and carries context across agent sessions.
Murmur — Capture thoughts instantly with real-time Whisper AI transcription.
Lucid — Converts dictated text into structured notes and diagrams using a local model.
Claude Obsidian — Maintains user ownership of files in a local-first, source-cited vault.
NoteGen — It keeps notes in local Markdown files and runs completely free with no subscription.
IWE — Works natively across Mac apps, text editors, terminal CLI, and MCP servers.
Quello — Ask across Notion, GitHub, Google Drive, and PDFs with exact-source citations.
Remio — Local-first AI memory indexing unlimited files and meetings with complete data control.

All SiYuan alternatives