Self-Hosted / Projects / SiYuan
SiYuan
StableSpecs verified September 6, 2026 · against v3.8.2
Overview
Self-hosted block-based knowledge management system with Markdown, backlinks, and encrypted sync.
SiYuan is a self-hosted, block-based knowledge management system for people who want a local-first alternative to Notion or a more structured alternative to plain Markdown notes.
Why people choose SiYuan
Its core model treats content as addressable blocks rather than only whole pages. That supports WYSIWYG editing, block references, backlinks, folding, outlines, and reorganizing notes without losing the relationships between them.
What is included
The official product pages list Markdown-compatible editing, block-level references, bidirectional links, relation/rollup databases, templates, flashcards with spaced repetition, PDF annotation, optional AI assistance, mobile clients, browser extensions, and a Docker server option.
Data, sync, and deployment tradeoffs
SiYuan stores workspace data locally in a folder containing assets, notebooks, plugins, templates, and JSON document data. Official pages describe end-to-end encrypted incremental sync, but self-hosted users still need to protect the workspace, persist Docker storage, and maintain backups. Some features are paid-member features, so free/open source does not mean every capability is unrestricted.
Best fit
Choose SiYuan when block-level structure, offline use, and local control matter more than a conventional team wiki workflow. Notion is easier for hosted collaboration, while Obsidian may be a better fit if you prefer a simpler local Markdown vault and plugin ecosystem.
Interface previews
Screenshots of the SiYuan interface.
Feature support
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Block-level WYSIWYG editingBlock editing is the central concept described on the official product page. | Supported |
| Markdown supportThe official title and product pages identify Markdown support. | Supported |
| Block references and backlinksOfficial pages describe block references, backlinks, and relationship graphs. | Supported |
| Relation, rollup, and template databasesThe product page documents relation, rollup, and template support. | Supported |
| End-to-end encrypted incremental syncThe official product page describes E2EE sync and incremental synchronization. | Supported |
| Docker server deploymentThe official download page provides a Docker server option. | Supported |
| AI assistanceOfficial pages describe writing, translation, summaries, and other AI assistance; availability and provider configuration can vary. | Partial support |
| Offline/local-first storageThe official privacy section says data is stored on the user-controlled device and remains usable without a network. | Supported |
Community signals
- Stars
- 46.9k
- Forks
- 3.1k
- Open issues
- 6
- Last commit
- 19h ago
- Latest release
- v3.8.8
- Repo created
- Aug 2020
Includes open pull requests
3d ago
Refreshed nightly from the GitHub API.
Questions
What is SiYuan used for?
SiYuan is used for structured note-taking, personal knowledge management, linked documents, databases, outlines, and local-first research workflows.
Is SiYuan a self-hosted Notion alternative?
Yes. SiYuan offers pages, databases, collaboration options, and a Docker server, while emphasizing local-first storage and block-level references.
Can SiYuan run in Docker?
Yes. The official download page links to a Docker server image, but it explicitly cautions non-programmers against the server path.
How does SiYuan store data?
SiYuan stores data in a workspace folder. The official FAQ describes assets, plugins, templates, public data, notebook folders, and JSON document files inside that workspace.
Does SiYuan support backlinks and block references?
Yes. Block references, backlinks, filtering, and relationship graphs are core features described on the official product page.
Does SiYuan sync between devices?
Yes. The official site describes end-to-end encrypted incremental sync and provides desktop and mobile clients.
Is SiYuan completely free?
Most features are free, including commercial use, but the official FAQ says some features are available only to paid members.
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