Docs, whiteboards, databases, and AI in one place
AFFiNE combines structured documents, freeform whiteboards, databases, and AI in one workspace so teams can move between writing, planning, and visual thinking without switching apps.
AFFiNE
BeanspruchenAFFiNE is an open-source, local-first workspace for docs, whiteboards, databases and AI, with team collaboration and self-hosted control.
Open-source knowledge workspace
AFFiNE is an open-source knowledge workspace that combines documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI in a local-first environment. It is positioned as an open-source alternative to Notion and Miro for teams and individuals who want to write, draw, plan, and organize related knowledge in one place.
The product supports both cloud-hosted and self-hosted usage. The pricing page describes a free cloud tier for personal use, paid Pro and Team plans for larger workspaces, and self-hosted options for users who want to run the full stack on their own infrastructure.
Core features
Switch between page and canvas workflows
The Page Mode and Edgeless Mode pages show two ways to work: a document format for structured writing and a canvas-like mode for drawing, brainstorming, and visual planning.
Convert pages into a canvas
The whiteboard page highlights flexible conversion from pages to canvas, which helps users start with notes and then move ideas into a visual layout when the work becomes less linear.
Collaborative team workspace controls
The pricing page says AFFiNE supports real-time syncing and collaboration on paid plans, along with multi-member workspaces and multiple admin roles on higher tiers.
Built-in AI assistance
The AI page describes AI assistance for writing, drawing, presenting, summarizing, and mind-map style organization, with inline activation from a document or the sidebar.
Local-first editing with optional cloud sync
The pricing page shows a local-first, privacy-focused product with optional cloud hosting, and the free plan includes unlimited local workspaces and customization.
Common ways teams use AFFiNE
Team knowledge base
Create an internal knowledge base that keeps documents, project notes, and related visual references connected in one workspace.
Structured writing and note taking
Draft structured notes, plans, and documentation in Page Mode when the work needs headings, blocks, and clear organization.
Visual brainstorming and planning
Brainstorm freely on an online whiteboard, then turn the result into a more structured document when the idea is ready to formalize.
AI-assisted content work
Use AI to rewrite text, summarize material, generate presentations, or help shape a mind map from existing content.
Data-controlled personal or team workspace
Run a local-first workspace with optional cloud sync when you want more control over data storage and a self-hosting path.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines docs, whiteboards, databases, and AI in one workspace.
- Supports both cloud-hosted and self-hosted deployment models.
- Local-first design gives users control over how data is stored and managed.
- Offers free personal use and a clearly described team pricing path.
- Includes practical AI tools for writing, summarizing, presenting, and visual planning.
Cons
- The source notes that AI with database/workspace support is still coming soon.
- The pricing and AI pages leave some details vague on integrations and third-party interoperability.
FAQ
Is AFFiNE free to use?
Yes. The pricing page says AFFiNE Cloud Free includes unlimited local workspaces, 10 GB of cloud storage, real-time collaboration with up to 3 members per workspace, and 7 days of version history. The self-hosted edition is also described as free forever under the MIT license for personal and development use.
Can I self-host AFFiNE?
Yes. The pricing page describes self-hosting as running the full stack on your own servers, with the editor and most of the codebase under MIT and the backend under AFFiNE Enterprise Edition terms. It also offers a Self-Hosted Team tier for production team use with paid seats.
Does AFFiNE AI work in local workspaces?
AFFiNE AI can be used in a local workspace after logging in to an AFFiNE Cloud account. The AI page says it works inside both Page Mode and Edgeless Mode.
Can AFFiNE be used as a team knowledge base?
AFFiNE is built as a workspace that combines docs, whiteboards, databases, and AI, so teams can use it for internal knowledge bases, project plans, and visual idea mapping without switching tools.
What can AFFiNE AI do today?
The AI page says AFFiNE AI can help with writing, summarizing, brainstorming, mind-maps, and presentations. It also notes that AI with database/workspace support will be available soon.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Knowledge base software
- Platform
- Web app with desktop app; iOS and Android apps are mentioned
- Deployment
- Cloud-hosted or self-hosted
- Primary users
- Individuals, teams, and creators
- Source domain
- affine.pro
- Pricing
- Free plan available; paid Pro, Team, AI, and self-hosted options