SiYuan
SiYuan supports personal knowledge management with Markdown, block references, and bidirectional links.
About SiYuan
SiYuan is a note-taking app for personal knowledge management. It organizes content as blocks and supports Markdown-style formatting, block references, bidirectional links, backlinks, link graphs, list outlines, and databases with relation and rollup links. The homepage lists a Windows download, and the directory also lists web access.
The homepage states that data is stored on the user's own device and that the app can be used locally without a network connection. Multi-device sync is described as end-to-end encrypted and incremental. A Docker image is available for self-hosting a server. The homepage also describes AI writing and editing assistance that accesses OpenAI, and a mobile mode in which a phone uses SiYuan through a computer's browser on the same local network. Privacy depends on which features are used: sync, self-hosting, and AI features involve services or servers beyond the local device.
Key features
- Block-based editing with WYSIWYG and Markdown formatting
- Block references and bidirectional links with a filterable backlink panel
- Global and block-level link graph views of knowledge connections
- List outline with folding, alongside a document outline
- Spaced repetition flashcards using the FSRS algorithm
- End-to-end encrypted multi-device sync with incremental transfer
Best for: Individuals who organize personal notes through linked blocks and want their data kept on their own devices.
Good for
- Data is described as stored on the user's device, with local use possible without a network
- Moving or splitting blocks does not break existing links, according to the homepage
- Incremental sync is described as reducing data transfer
Watch out for
- Using SiYuan on a phone through a computer's browser requires both devices to be on the same local network
- AI features are described as accessing OpenAI, an external service
SiYuan at a glance
- Website
- b3log.org/siyuan/en
- Category
- Productivity › Notes & Knowledge Management
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- Chinese
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Notes & Knowledge Management
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SiYuan FAQ
Can SiYuan be used without an internet connection?
The homepage states that data is stored on the user's device and can still be used locally without a network connection, even if a cloud service is unavailable.
Can SiYuan be used on a mobile phone?
The homepage describes a mobile server mode. When the computer and phone are on the same local network, the phone can use SiYuan through the computer's browser.
How are the AI features provided?
The homepage says the AI features access OpenAI. The listed uses include continuing writing, translation, abstract extraction, brainstorming, and grammar correction.
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