Siyuan
A privacy-first, self-hosted, fully open source personal knowledge management software, written in typescript and golang.
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What is Siyuan?
SiYuan is a privacy-first personal knowledge management system built around content blocks, so you can organize notes at block-level granularity instead of only by page or document. It supports Markdown editing with WYSIWYG behavior, block references, bidirectional links, outlines, and a global graph for visualizing knowledge connections.
The product emphasizes local-first and offline use, with data stored on the user's own devices and end-to-end encrypted sync for multi-device use. It also supports incremental sync to reduce bandwidth and improve sync efficiency, plus optional cloud and self-hosting workflows for users who want more control.
SiYuan includes features aimed at serious note-taking and knowledge work, such as databases with relations, summaries, and templates, spaced repetition using FSRS, flashcards, and AI-assisted writing and translation. It is designed to handle very large documents smoothly through dynamic loading.
It is aimed at people who want a structured, private, and extensible PKM tool: students, researchers, knowledge workers, and users who prefer self-hosted or offline-capable software. The site also highlights collaboration and server deployment options for more advanced or team-oriented setups.
Siyuan pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
SiYuan offers a Free plan at $0 lifetime with basic functions. The PRO Features option costs $64 lifetime instead of the listed $96 and unlocks integration with third-party S3 data sync and backup plus third-party WebDAV data sync and backup; you must connect your own S3 or WebDAV service. The Subscription option costs $148 lifetime instead of the listed $296, is limited in seats, and includes cloud assets hosting, 8GB official cloud space, official data sync and backup, cloud inbox, and also supports third-party S3 and WebDAV sync and backup. The site states refunds are not supported after subscription.
Siyuan pros
- Privacy-first design
- Works fully offline
- End-to-end encrypted sync
- Block-level editing
- Fine-grained block references
- Markdown WYSIWYG support
- Bidirectional links
- Reverse link panel
- Global knowledge graph
- Block-focused navigation
- Outline-based organization
- Supports rich formatting
- Database relations and summaries
- FSRS spaced repetition
- Built-in flashcards
- AI-assisted writing tools
- Handles very large documents smoothly
- Incremental sync saves bandwidth
- Self-hosting via Docker
- Cloud inbox and cloud asset hosting available
Siyuan cons
- Free cloud sync space is limited to 8GB
- Subscription refunds are not supported
- Third-party S3 setup is required for custom S3 sync
- Third-party WebDAV setup is required for custom WebDAV sync
- Nutstore is not supported for WebDAV
- Some advanced sync features require paid plans
- Cloud features may be overkill for simple note-taking
- Many advanced options may feel complex for beginners
Frequently asked questions about Siyuan
What is SiYuan designed for?
SiYuan is designed as a privacy-first personal knowledge management system. Its core idea is block-based content organization, combining blocks, outlines, Markdown editing, and bidirectional links to help users capture, connect, and retrieve knowledge efficiently.
Can SiYuan be used without the internet?
Yes. The website says SiYuan supports complete offline use, with data stored on the user's own devices. That means you can keep working locally even if the network is unavailable or the cloud service is down.
How does syncing work in SiYuan?
SiYuan supports end-to-end encrypted sync for multiple devices. It also uses incremental synchronization to reduce data transfer and improve sync efficiency, and it offers both official cloud sync and third-party S3 or WebDAV sync options.
What are the main block features?
The site emphasizes block editing as a core concept. SiYuan supports fine-grained block references, block-level links, block-focused navigation, and the ability to split, reorganize, and move blocks without breaking existing links.
Does SiYuan support databases?
Yes. SiYuan includes databases that support relations, summaries, and templates. The website presents this as a way to connect information across databases and manage knowledge in a more structured way.
What is the role of AI in SiYuan?
SiYuan includes AI features connected to OpenAI. The website says AI can help with writing continuations, translation, summarization, brainstorming, and correcting grammar, spelling, and typos.
Is SiYuan suitable for large documents?
Yes. The site says SiYuan can edit million-word-scale documents smoothly on a normal computer by using dynamic loading. This makes it suitable for users working with very large notes or long-form content.
What is included in the free plan?
The free plan is lifetime and includes the basic functions of SiYuan. The pricing page separates paid features from the free tier, mainly around advanced sync and cloud-related capabilities.
What does the PRO Features purchase add?
The PRO Features lifetime purchase adds integration with third-party S3 sync and backup, as well as third-party WebDAV sync and backup. The website says you must connect your own S3 or WebDAV service yourself.
What does the subscription plan include?
The subscription plan includes cloud assets hosting, 8GB official cloud space, official data sync and backup, and cloud inbox. It also includes the ability to integrate third-party S3 and WebDAV sync and backup, subject to connecting your own external service.