Zim
Self-HostedOpen-source desktop wiki with self-hosted sync for personal knowledge management
Overview
Zim is a free, open-source desktop wiki designed for organizing notes in a hierarchical structure. It supports markdown-like formatting, task lists, image embedding, and version control via Git. While running locally, users can sync wiki files to self-hosted services (e.g., Nextcloud, Syncthing) for cross-device access. Storing data in plain text ensures full control over your information, making it a self-managed alternative to cloud-based wikis. It works on Linux, Windows, and macOS, offering a lightweight, offline-first experience.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
zim:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: zim
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Hierarchical note organization for structured knowledge
- Markdown-like formatting with task lists and image support
- Plain text storage with Git integration for version control
- Self-hosted sync compatibility (Nextcloud, Syncthing)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Zim hard to install?
Zim is easy to install: Linux users can use package managers like apt; Windows has an exe installer; macOS supports Homebrew or dmg files. Basic use requires no server setup—self-hosted sync needs additional tools like Nextcloud, which are straightforward to configure.
? Is Zim a good alternative to cloud wikis like Notion?
Zim is ideal for users prioritizing data control and offline access. Unlike Notion (cloud-based), Zim stores data locally and syncs via self-hosted tools, but lacks Notion’s collaborative features and web interface.
? Is Zim completely free?
Yes! Zim is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2), so it’s fully free to use, modify, and distribute without any subscription fees or hidden costs.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Zim
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full data control (local storage, no cloud lock-in)
- ⊕ Lightweight and fast offline performance
- ⊕ Open-source with active community maintenance
Cons
- ⊖ No native web interface (desktop-only core)
- ⊖ Requires manual setup for cross-device sync
- ⊖ Limited multi-user collaboration features