AFFiNE Community Edition

Self-Hosted

Open-source knowledge management tool (alternative to Notion/Obsidian)

Overview

AFFiNE Community Edition is a self-hostable open-source knowledge base merging note-taking, whiteboarding, and task management. It supports block-based and markdown editing, real-time collaboration, and offline access. Deploy via Docker, Kubernetes, or manual setup—keep data on your server for full privacy control. Features include bidirectional links, canvas mode for visual organization, and customizable workspaces. Ideal for individuals/teams seeking a flexible, privacy-first alternative to proprietary tools without subscriptions.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  affine_community_edition:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: affine-community-edition
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Block & markdown editing
Real-time collaboration
Integrated whiteboarding (canvas mode)
Self-hostable (Docker/Kubernetes support)
Bidirectional links & offline access

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is AFFiNE Community Edition hard to install?

It’s easy with Docker—use the official Docker Compose file to set up in minutes. Non-Docker options (manual/Kubernetes) exist but need basic server knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Notion?

Yes—It offers block editing, workspaces, and tasks like Notion, plus integrated whiteboarding and full self-hosting for privacy. Great for avoiding proprietary lock-in.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely! The Community Edition is open-source (AGPL license) and free to use, modify, and self-host with no hidden costs or subscriptions.

Top Alternatives

Notion Compare

Confluence Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Knowledge Management Tools

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data privacy (self-hosted)
⊕ No subscription fees
⊕ Open-source (customizable)
⊕ Combines notes, whiteboards, and tasks

Cons

⊖ Requires server setup/maintenance
⊖ Steeper learning curve for new users
⊖ Limited third-party integrations vs SaaS tools