AFFiNE

AFFiNE is an open-source, local-first knowledge OS that combines documents, whiteboards and multi-view databases into a single hyper-fused workspace. It offers cross-platform clients (web, desktop, mobile) and real-time collaboration while emphasizing privacy and self-hosting options.

Key Features

• Unified canvas merging rich text, visual whiteboards and multi-view databases into one editable space.
• Multimodal AI assistant for writing, drawing, summarization, slide generation and brainstorming.
• Local-first storage and real-time synchronization for collaborative editing across clients.
• Cross-platform distribution with desktop (Electron-based) apps and mobile clients, plus a web demo.
• Built on a polyglot stack including TypeScript frontends, Rust-based data engine (OctoBase/Cargo toolchain), CRDT sync foundations and modern frontend tooling.

Use Cases

• Team knowledge bases and product wikis that need rich visual boards and structured databases in one workspace.
• Design and ideation sessions combining freeform whiteboarding with embedded documents and assets.
• Personal and team note-taking with templates, real-time collaboration and local-first data ownership.

Limitations and Considerations

• Plugin/third-party block ecosystem is still maturing; a more extensive plugin marketplace and third-party block ecosystem is planned but not yet fully available.
• An Enterprise Edition is referenced as forthcoming; some enterprise features (SSO, advanced admin/audit) are not yet published in the Community Edition.

AFFiNE targets users who want a privacy-focused, extensible alternative to siloed doc and whiteboard tools. It is suitable for individuals and teams that prefer self-hosting, local-first storage and a single hyper-fused workspace for creative and structured work.