memEx

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted knowledge base with bidirectional links

Overview

memEx is an open-source, self-hosted knowledge management tool for building connected notes and ideas. It supports bidirectional links, markdown editing, tag organization, and local-first sync. Deployable via Docker or traditional server setups, it lets users own their data while offering modern features like graph views, backlinks, and note versioning. Ideal for privacy-focused individuals or teams seeking an alternative to cloud-based tools without sacrificing core functionality.

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:
  mem_ex:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: mem-ex
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Bidirectional link support for connected ideas
Markdown editing with live preview
Self-hosted data ownership and privacy
Interactive graph view of note connections

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is memEx hard to install?

memEx is easy to install using Docker, which reduces setup to a few commands. Manual installation requires basic Node.js server knowledge, but official documentation provides step-by-step guides for both methods.

? Is it a good alternative to Obsidian?

Yes—memEx offers self-hosted data ownership (unlike Obsidian's local-only default) while retaining core features like bidirectional links and markdown. It’s ideal if you want to access your notes from anywhere without relying on cloud services.

? Is memEx completely free?

memEx is 100% free and open-source under the MIT License. You can use, modify, and self-host it without any costs or premium tiers.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Knowledge Management Tools

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party data storage)
⊕ Open-source (customizable to user needs)
⊕ No subscription fees or locked features
⊕ Seamless markdown integration for note-taking

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server setup (Docker or Node.js environment)
⊖ Smaller community compared to tools like Obsidian
⊖ Limited collaboration features for teams (in early stages)
⊖ Fewer third-party integrations than cloud-based alternatives