SiYuan
Overview
• SiYuan is a privacy-first personal knowledge management (PKM) system designed to help users capture, organize, and connect their ideas efficiently.
• It combines the simplicity of Markdown with a powerful block-based editing framework, making it an ideal environment for writing, note-taking, and long-term knowledge curation.
• Unlike many online tools, SiYuan emphasizes local-first storage and user ownership, ensuring that data remains entirely under the individual’s control.
Core Philosophy: Privacy and Control
• Local-first data storage: All notes, attachments, and configurations are stored locally by default.
• Offline functionality: Users can access and edit their knowledge base without an active internet connection.
• End-to-end encryption (optional): Sensitive information can be secured using encryption options.
• No forced cloud dependency: Syncing is available but remains optional, preserving user autonomy.
Content Structure and Organization
• Block-level model: Every paragraph, list item, or image is treated as an independent block that can be referenced or reused.
• Fine-grained references: Users can link to specific blocks instead of entire documents, creating more precise and dynamic relationships between ideas.
• Hierarchical document organization: Notes can be nested and grouped for both high-level overview and detailed navigation.
Editing Experience
• Markdown WYSIWYG: Combines the clarity of Markdown syntax with live formatting, enabling users to focus on content rather than code.
• Seamless formatting tools: Provides intuitive controls for headings, lists, tables, code blocks, and embedded media.
• Customizable themes and keyboard shortcuts: Adaptable to different writing preferences and workflows.
Use Cases and Flexibility
• Ideal for journaling, research, software documentation, and academic note-taking.
• Supports integration through plugins or APIs for extended functionality.
• Aims to bridge the gap between simplicity, privacy, and long-term personal knowledge management.
FAQ
Q: How is SiYuan different from other note-taking tools like Notion or Obsidian?
A: While tools like Notion and Obsidian are great in their own right, SiYuan takes a stronger stance on privacy and local-first design. It doesn’t force cloud syncing or rely on proprietary storage formats. Everything is stored locally, and you can choose if you want to sync via your own means. It’s also built entirely around the concept of “blocks,” giving you fine control over how you link or reuse specific pieces of information.
Q: What does “privacy-first” really mean in this context?
A: It means that your notes, attachments, and configurations stay on your device unless you decide otherwise. It doesn’t require a constant internet connection, nor does it push you toward cloud storage. For those who need extra protection, SiYuan also supports optional end-to-end encryption, making sure even synced data is secure.
Q: Can I use SiYuan without an internet connection?
A: Absolutely. Offline usage is a core part of SiYuan’s philosophy. You can capture, edit, and navigate your entire knowledge base without being connected to the internet. When you do go online, any optional sync features will update as configured.
Version History
v3.3.5——28 Oct 2025
Privacy-first, self-hosted, fully open-source PKM tool Download the latest version of SiYuan to enjoy new features and updates immediately!
*3.3.5
This version improves some details.
*3.3.3
This version improves some details.
*3.3.2
This version improves some details.
Ratings and reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.