SiYuan

SiYuan provides a local‑first environment for personal knowledge management, storing notes, documents, and other content directly on the user’s device. It organizes information as blocks that can be linked, embedded, and arranged hierarchically, allowing users to build interconnected knowledge graphs without relying on external services. The system supports multiple languages and offers a desktop client for macOS, with additional deployment options such as Docker, Unraid, and TrueNAS for self‑hosting.

Targeted at individuals who prioritize privacy and data ownership, SiYuan is suitable for researchers, writers, and anyone who needs to capture, structure, and retrieve ideas offline. Its architecture emphasizes open‑source licensing (AGPL‑v3) and provides mechanisms for data synchronization through third‑party sync disks, while keeping the primary data repository under the user’s control.

Distinctive aspects include a block‑based editing model, extensive customization through an app market, and a community‑driven development process reflected in frequent releases and an active Discord channel. The software is considered stable and is distributed under a permissive open‑source license.