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A note-taking tool for networked thought.

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Reviews onCapterra
3 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Excellent for connecting disparate ideas and building a knowledge graph

Biggest con

Steep learning curve for new users due to its unique paradigm

TL;DR - Roam

  • Organizes knowledge through bi-directional linking.
  • Facilitates non-linear thought and idea connection.
  • Supports research, writing, and personal knowledge management.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams

What is Roam?

Editorial review
Roam is a note-taking tool designed to help users organize their thoughts and knowledge in a non-linear, interconnected way. It operates on the principle of a 'graph database for your thoughts,' allowing users to link ideas, concepts, and notes together seamlessly. This bidirectional linking creates a web of knowledge where every piece of information can be connected to multiple other pieces, fostering deeper understanding and discovery of relationships between ideas. It is ideal for researchers, writers, students, and anyone who deals with complex information and wants to build a personal knowledge base that grows and evolves with their thinking. By emphasizing atomic notes and linking, Roam helps users overcome the limitations of traditional hierarchical note-taking, enabling them to surface connections they might otherwise miss and develop more robust arguments and insights.

Available on: Web, iOS, Android

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent for connecting disparate ideas and building a knowledge graph
  • Promotes active recall and deeper understanding through linking
  • Flexible structure adapts to various note-taking styles

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users due to its unique paradigm
  • Can become overwhelming if not managed consistently
  • Primarily web-based, with limited offline capabilities

Ratings Across the Web

4(3 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Preview

Key Features

Bi-directional linking between pages and blocksDaily notes for capturing thoughts and tasksBlock references for granular linkingGraph overview of all interconnected notesMarkdown support for rich text formattingQuery language for advanced search and filtering

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Free

Free

  • 1 user
  • 100 MB storage
  • 100 tasks
  • Basic features

Basic

$5 / month

  • 5 users
  • 1 GB storage
  • Unlimited tasks
  • Advanced features

Pro

$15 / month

  • Unlimited users
  • 10 GB storage
  • Unlimited tasks
  • All features
  • Priority support

How Roam's pricing compares

At $5/mo, Roam is mid-range of its 3 direct competitors ($4 to $10/mo across the set).

Roam
$5
$10

Entry paid plan, monthly.

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Roam FAQ

How does bi-directional linking enhance note-taking?

Bi-directional linking automatically creates a reference back to the original source whenever you link to another page or block. This allows for easy navigation between related ideas, revealing connections and context that might otherwise be missed in traditional hierarchical note structures.

Is there a desktop application available for Roam?

Roam is primarily a web-based application, designed to be accessed through a browser. While there isn't a dedicated native desktop application, it can be used effectively within modern web browsers on any operating system.

Can I import existing notes from other platforms into Roam?

Roam supports importing notes, typically in Markdown format. This allows users to migrate their existing knowledge base into the platform and begin integrating it into their personal knowledge graph.

What is the purpose of the graph overview feature?

The graph overview provides a visual representation of all your interconnected notes and their relationships. It helps users understand the structure of their knowledge base, identify clusters of ideas, and discover new connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.

How does Roam handle privacy and data security?

Roam emphasizes data ownership and privacy. Notes are stored securely, and users have control over their data. Specific security measures and data handling practices are detailed in their privacy policy.

Source: ro.am

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