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SiYuan

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

Free, no paid tier
FreeNote-TakingProductivityWriting Apps
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Tracked since2026

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • Privacy-first personal knowledge management.
  • Supports Markdown, block references, and bi-directional links.
  • Offers offline use and end-to-end encrypted synchronization.

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.

What is SiYuan?

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

how we evaluateSourceb3log.org ↗

Key Features

  • Privacy-first design
  • Complete offline usability
  • End-to-end encrypted synchronization
  • Markdown formatting support
  • Block-level referencing
  • Bi-directional linking
  • Outline organization

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 30, 2026

SiYuan plans and prices, checked September 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Free

Free

  • Offline use
  • Block editing
  • Flashcards
+5 more
  • Databases
  • AI integration
  • Bi-directional links
  • Outline lists
  • Privacy-first
View full pricing

Is SiYuan worth the price?

Great value

SiYuan's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a fully-featured 'Free' tier that includes advanced functionalities like AI integration, databases, and bi-directional links.

This makes it an outstanding value for users who prioritize privacy and robust features without a subscription cost. It's best for individuals seeking a powerful, free, and privacy-focused PKM solution.

Full SiYuan pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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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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