AFFiNE
Open-source docs, whiteboards, and databases on one local-first edgeless canvas
What is AFFiNE?
AFFiNE is an open-source (MIT) all-in-one workspace that merges block-based docs, infinite-canvas whiteboards, and databases into a single edgeless surface, positioning itself as a Notion-plus-Miro alternative. It targets teams and individuals who want local-first data with the option to self-host, plus built-in AI for writing and slide generation.
Markdown-native, local-first, docs, notes, and knowledge tools that are easy for people and AI agents to read.
See the full Markdown & Knowledge guide to compare more tools, buyer criteria, and related workflows.
Use cases to evaluate
Product teams sketching user flows on a canvas next to the spec doc
Self-hosted internal wiki with whiteboarding for architecture diagrams
Solo creators using one app for notes, mind maps, and slide decks
Workshops where facilitators mix sticky notes with structured docs
Fit to evaluate
Engineering teams wanting an MIT-licensed Notion + Miro alternative
Privacy-conscious orgs that require self-hosting
Designers and PMs whose work spans documents and visual canvases
Open-source-first individuals avoiding Notion lock-in
Business fit
Right for you if you genuinely need docs and a freeform canvas in the same tool and you want the option to self-host on MIT-licensed code (68.7k GitHub stars at time of writing). The edgeless mode that lets a doc, table, and whiteboard share one infinite canvas is the headline differentiator versus stacking Notion plus Miro. Skip if you need a battle-tested commercial SaaS with strong SLAs, or if your team is already deep in Notion and wouldn't tolerate a younger ecosystem.
How to evaluate AFFiNE
Use this category when knowledge is scattered across chats, private documents, and tribal memory.
Confirm the exact workflow
Map AFFiNE to one concrete workflow first, such as product teams sketching user flows on a canvas next to the spec doc. Avoid buying before the owner, trigger, output, and success metric are clear.
Check category fit
Compare file portability, linking, search, permissions, and export options.
Compare practical alternatives
Shortlist AFFiNE against Obsidian, Logseq, Roam Research so the decision is based on fit, effort, and workflow ownership rather than brand recognition alone.
Validate cost and rollout effort
Pricing page returned HTTP 402 and could not be verified live. Community Edition is free and open-source under MIT for self-hosting; AFFiNE Cloud and AI plans exist but exact dollar amounts are not confirmed from the fetched sources. Also confirm implementation time, support needs, and whether the easy setup matches your team.
Compare AFFiNE with alternatives
Use this quick comparison before booking demos or moving data into a new system.
| Primary workflow | Product teams sketching user flows on a canvas next to the spec doc, Self-hosted internal wiki with whiteboarding for architecture diagrams |
|---|---|
| Best-fit team | Engineering teams wanting an MIT-licensed Notion + Miro alternative, Privacy-conscious orgs that require self-hosting |
| Implementation effort | Easy setup and maintenance profile |
| Pricing check | Free plan + paid plans |
| Closest alternatives | ObsidianLogseqRoam ResearchTana |
AFFiNE pricing
| Model | Free plan + paid plans |
|---|---|
| Snapshot | Pricing page returned HTTP 402 and could not be verified live. Community Edition is free and open-source under MIT for self-hosting; AFFiNE Cloud and AI plans exist but exact dollar amounts are not confirmed from the fetched sources. |
| Checked |
Common questions about AFFiNE
What is AFFiNE?
AFFiNE is an open-source (MIT) all-in-one workspace that merges block-based docs, infinite-canvas whiteboards, and databases into a single edgeless surface, positioning itself as a Notion-plus-Miro alternative. It targets teams and individuals who want local-first data with the option to self-host, plus built-in AI for writing and slide generation.
What is AFFiNE used for?
Common use cases: Product teams sketching user flows on a canvas next to the spec doc; Self-hosted internal wiki with whiteboarding for architecture diagrams; Solo creators using one app for notes, mind maps, and slide decks; Workshops where facilitators mix sticky notes with structured docs.
How much does AFFiNE cost?
Pricing page returned HTTP 402 and could not be verified live. Community Edition is free and open-source under MIT for self-hosting; AFFiNE Cloud and AI plans exist but exact dollar amounts are not confirmed from the fetched sources.
Who is AFFiNE best for?
AFFiNE fits Engineering teams wanting an MIT-licensed Notion + Miro alternative, Privacy-conscious orgs that require self-hosting, Designers and PMs whose work spans documents and visual canvases, Open-source-first individuals avoiding Notion lock-in. Right for you if you genuinely need docs and a freeform canvas in the same tool and you want the option to self-host on MIT-licensed code (68.7k GitHub stars at time of writing). The edgeless mode that lets a doc, table, and whiteboard share one infinite canvas is the headline differentiator versus stacking Notion plus Miro. Skip if you need a battle-tested commercial SaaS with strong SLAs, or if your team is already deep in Notion and wouldn't tolerate a younger ecosystem.
What are alternatives to AFFiNE?
Common alternatives to AFFiNE include Obsidian, Logseq, Roam Research, Tana, Capacities, Reflect.