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SiYuan

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Privacy-first personal knowledge management system with Markdown, block references, and bi-directional links.

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Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Strong emphasis on user privacy

Biggest con

No specific cons mentioned in the provided text.

TL;DR - SiYuan

  • Privacy-first personal knowledge management.
  • Supports Markdown, block references, and bi-directional links.
  • Offers offline use and end-to-end encrypted synchronization.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is SiYuan?

Editorial review
SiYuan is a privacy-first personal knowledge management system designed to help users restructure their thoughts and knowledge. It supports complete offline use and offers end-to-end encrypted synchronization for secure data management. The system integrates concepts of blocks, outlines, and bi-directional links, allowing users to connect and organize information in a highly flexible and interconnected manner. This tool is ideal for individuals, students, researchers, and professionals who need a robust and secure platform for note-taking, knowledge organization, and thought processing. Its emphasis on privacy and offline capabilities makes it suitable for those who prioritize data control and accessibility without constant internet reliance. The combination of Markdown for formatting, block-level referencing, and bi-directional linking provides a powerful environment for deep knowledge work and creative thinking.

Available on: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong emphasis on user privacy
  • Ability to work completely offline
  • Secure data synchronization with end-to-end encryption
  • Flexible knowledge organization with blocks and bi-directional links
  • Free to download and use

Cons

  • No specific cons mentioned in the provided text.

Key Features

Privacy-first designComplete offline usabilityEnd-to-end encrypted synchronizationMarkdown formatting supportBlock-level referencingBi-directional linkingOutline organization

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jun 11, 2026

Free

Free

  • Offline use
  • Block editing
  • Flashcards
  • Databases
  • AI integration
  • Bi-directional links
  • Outline lists
  • Privacy-first

Reviews

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SiYuan FAQ

How does SiYuan support flexible knowledge organization?

SiYuan allows users to connect and organize information through its integration of blocks, outlines, and bi-directional links. This system enables a highly flexible and interconnected approach to managing thoughts and knowledge. Users can leverage Markdown for formatting within this structure.

Which teams or individuals benefit most from SiYuan?

SiYuan is ideal for individuals, students, researchers, and professionals who require a robust and secure platform for note-taking, knowledge organization, and thought processing. Its focus on privacy and offline capabilities suits those who prioritize data control and accessibility without constant internet reliance.

How is SiYuan priced?

SiYuan is free to download and use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. This allows users to utilize its full capabilities without any cost.

Can SiYuan be used without an internet connection?

Yes, SiYuan offers complete offline use, ensuring users can access and manage their knowledge without constant internet reliance. This feature supports continuous productivity regardless of network availability.

How does SiYuan compare to Obsidian regarding data privacy?

SiYuan places a strong emphasis on user privacy, offering end-to-end encrypted synchronization for secure data management. It is designed as a privacy-first personal knowledge management system, allowing users to restructure their thoughts while maintaining data control.

What kind of data synchronization does SiYuan offer?

SiYuan provides end-to-end encrypted synchronization for secure data management. This ensures that while data can be synchronized, it remains protected and private throughout the process.

Source: b3log.org

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