description SiYuan Overview

SiYuan is a powerful, open-source personal knowledge management system with a block-based editor and an outliner. Data is stored locally in SQLite, ensuring privacy and performance. It features bidirectional linking, graph view, and supports Android. It's a strong choice for users seeking a free, privacy-focused, and feature-rich Notion-like experience with offline capability.

Development is community-supported. It ranks for its impressive feature set as a free, open-source tool and its commitment to local-first, portable data storage.

recommend Best for: SiYuan is best suited for power users who value privacy, have a strong need for knowledge management tools, and are willing to invest time in learning the unique block-based editor.

info SiYuan Specifications

balance SiYuan Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros
  • check Supports bidirectional linking
  • check Graph view for visualizing knowledge connections
  • check Open-source with a strong community
  • check Local storage in SQLite ensures privacy and performance
thumb_down Cons
  • close Limited mobile app features compared to desktop
  • close Steep learning curve due to unique block-based editor
  • close No native support for collaboration among multiple users
  • close Less user-friendly interface compared to some proprietary alternatives

help SiYuan FAQ

Is SiYuan free to use?

SiYuan is free and open-source, with a freemium model offering additional features.

Does SiYuan support collaboration?

SiYuan does not natively support real-time collaboration among multiple users.

Can I use SiYuan on my mobile device?

Yes, SiYuan supports Android and can be used on mobile devices, though some features are limited compared to the desktop version.

What is SiYuan?
SiYuan is a powerful, open-source personal knowledge management system with a block-based editor and an outliner. Data is stored locally in SQLite, ensuring privacy and performance. It features bidirectional linking, graph view, and supports Android. It's a strong choice for users seeking a free, privacy-focused, and feature-rich Notion-like experience with offline capability. Development is community-supported. It ranks for its impressive feature set as a free, open-source tool and its commitment to local-first, portable data storage.
How good is SiYuan?
SiYuan scores 7.1/10 (Good) on Lunoo, making it a well-rated option in the Knowledge Management category. SiYuan scores 8.7/10 due to its powerful features like bidirectional linking and graph view, as well as being open-source with local storage for priva...
How much does SiYuan cost?
Free Plan. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
What are the best alternatives to SiYuan?
See our alternatives page for SiYuan for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: Logseq, Athens Research, Clio.
What is SiYuan best for?

SiYuan is best suited for power users who value privacy, have a strong need for knowledge management tools, and are willing to invest time in learning the unique block-based editor.

How does SiYuan compare to Logseq?
See our detailed comparison of SiYuan vs Logseq with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.
Is SiYuan worth it in 2026?
With a score of 7.1/10, SiYuan is a solid option in Knowledge Management. See all Knowledge Management ranked.
What are the key specifications of SiYuan?
  • License: MIT License
  • Linking: Bidirectional linking with graph view
  • Storage: Local SQLite database
  • Platform: Web, Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Mobile Support: Android app available

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