SiYuan

SiYuan is a personal knowledge management system that treats every piece of content as a block. These blocks can be linked, referenced, and organized in multiple ways. Unlike traditional note-taking apps, SiYuan gives you complete control by storing everything locally on your device.

The tool uses a block-based approach where even whole documents are treated as blocks. This makes it easy to split, move, and connect information without breaking existing links. You can create bidirectional links between ideas, use outlines to organize thoughts, and view your knowledge as a graph.

It includes features like mathematical formulas, charts, flashcards for learning, and database views. The app is self-hosted, meaning you own your data completely.

Getting started with SiYuan is straightforward. Here are the key steps:

• Download and install SiYuan from the official website for your operating system, whether Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile devices.

• Create your first notebook after opening the app. This becomes your workspace where all notes will be stored.

• Start writing using the markdown editor. The interface shows formatted text as you type, so you do not need to remember markdown codes.

• Create links between notes by typing double brackets around words or using the slash command to reference specific blocks from other documents.

• Use the outline view to organize your thoughts in a structured way. You can fold and unfold sections to focus on specific parts.

• Enable sync features if you want to access notes on multiple devices. You can use the official cloud service or connect your own storage service like Amazon S3.

• Privacy-first with complete offline use

• Block-level references and bidirectional links

• Markdown editor with visual formatting

• End-to-end encrypted sync

• Spaced repetition flashcards

• Database views with relations

• Self-hosted deployment option

• Multiple device support

• Mathematical formulas and charts

• Open source and free for local use

• Graph view of knowledge connections