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SiYuan

Free (local) / $9.99/year (cloud sync)
4.5/5

Privacy-centric note-taking with block-level linking, SQL queries, and unlimited local storage.

Why founders use SiYuan

Markdown editing with WYSIWYG hybrid
Block-level linking and queries
SQL-based search system
Unlimited local storage
Database and template support
Parent-child document nesting
Full-text search
Plugins and themes
Cross-platform sync

The Good

Complete data ownership and privacy
Block-level linking and backreferences
SQL-based query system for advanced searches
Extremely fast for large documents
Professional-grade editing experience
Low subscription cost for cloud features

The Bad

Steeper learning curve than Notion
Less polished UI compared to commercial alternatives
Smaller community and ecosystem

The Verdict

SiYuan is a powerful local-first note-taking and knowledge management system built for users who value privacy and control. Every note is stored locally on your device in JSON format, with optional end-to-end encrypted cloud sync. It features innovative block-level linking, advanced SQL querying capabilities, and a WYSIWYG editor that handles documents with millions of words efficiently.\n\nUnlike cloud-based tools, SiYuan lets you own your data completely. The free version includes all core features with unlimited local storage; paid cloud sync ($9.99/year) is optional. It's particularly loved by researchers, technical writers, and knowledge workers building complex personal knowledge systems.

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