SiYuan

Self-Hosted

Local-first, block-based open-source knowledge management system

Overview

SiYuan is a privacy-focused, block-based open-source knowledge management tool. It stores data locally in Markdown/JSON for full control, with bidirectional links, backlinks, and version history. It supports self-hosted sync via Docker or built-in servers, enabling cross-device access without third-party clouds. Features include rich media embedding, whiteboards, and plugin customization. Deployment options: desktop binaries (Windows/macOS/Linux), Docker containers, and mobile apps—basic setup is simple, while self-hosted sync needs minor technical know-how.

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

Key Features

Block-based organization with bidirectional links
Local-first data storage (Markdown + JSON)
Self-hosted sync server support (Docker/built-in)
Rich media embedding & whiteboard integration
Extensible via plugins and open API

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is SiYuan hard to install?

Basic setup is straightforward—download binary packages for Windows/macOS/Linux or mobile apps and run. However, setting up a self-hosted sync server requires technical knowledge of Docker or server management.

? Is it a good alternative to Notion?

Yes, for users prioritizing privacy and open-source flexibility. Unlike Notion (cloud-based), SiYuan stores data locally but lacks some collaborative features. It excels at block-based organization and bidirectional links similar to Notion.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—SiYuan is open-source under MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host. No subscription fees; all core features (block editing, sync, whiteboards) are available without cost.

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Knowledge Management Tools

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no cloud dependency for core use)
⊕ 100% free & open-source (MIT License)
⊕ Offline access to all content
⊕ Powerful version history for blocks
⊕ Flexible deployment options

Cons

⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced sync setup
⊖ Limited real-time collaboration vs. cloud tools
⊖ Mobile app features lag behind desktop
⊖ Documentation could be more beginner-friendly