Logseq

Logseq is an open-source, local-first block outliner for journals, notes, tasks and linked knowledge. The original file-graph version stores Markdown/Org files; the newer database-graph version uses a database and has different queries, tags, plugins and services. Hosted Sync and Publish are paid services with version-specific access; optional self-hosting is separate. Local editing is distinct from hosted-service pricing.

✨ Key Features

• Database MCP integration — The database-version desktop app can expose the current graph to compatible AI apps through an optional local MCP server. Enable the server and configure token authentication; this is separate from ordinary deterministic links and queries.
• Block-based outliner — Write nested bullets and collapse or expand them to structure thoughts, plans, and meeting notes.
• Journals and daily notes — Capture tasks, observations, and ideas in a date-based workflow that can be revisited later.
• Pages and links — Create pages, aliases, and links between blocks to build an interconnected personal knowledge base.
• Linked references and graph view — Follow backlinks and visualize relationships to rediscover context across notes.
• Version-specific queries — File graphs support their query workflow; DB graphs add database-oriented tags, properties, queries and table views. Syntax and features are not interchangeable.
• Block and page references — Reuse a specific block or embed a page so the same source can appear in several contexts.
• File-graph PDF/media workflows — The original file version supports PDF annotations and embedded media; check DB support separately.
• File-graph Whiteboards — Arrange ideas on the original version’s canvas; this is not a promise of identical DB functionality.
• Tasks and templates — Track tasks with commands and use templates to standardize recurring notes or workflows.
• Flashcards and learning tools — Turn notes into flashcards for spaced review and knowledge retention.
• File-graph storage — The original version uses local Markdown/Org files. DB graphs can import Markdown, but are not stored as the same editable Markdown-file graph.
• Version-specific plugins — DB compatibility must be checked in the plugin marketplace; a file-version plugin is not automatically DB compatible.

💳 Pricing

• Local app — Free open-source local editing; storage and functionality differ between file and DB graphs.
• File-graph Sync beta — The dated August 31, 2024 official guide describes access for active $5/month Backers or $15/month Sponsors. This is beta-support access, not a launched Pro plan or a current universal Sync price.
• DB Sync / Publish — Current official DB documentation marks hosted Sync as paid and invite-only, with real-time collaboration. Publish is paid and requires a Sync account. Both can be self-hosted; no fixed hosted price is stated in that document.
• Version boundary — The older file Sync guide does not promise collaboration; DB Sync explicitly supports it. Apply the terms for the selected graph and service.

⚖️ Alternatives Compared

🎯 Use Cases

• Daily journaling — Capture events, reflections, and follow-up tasks in a durable journal stream.
• Meeting notes — Record decisions and action items, then link them to people, projects, or topics.
• Project planning — Outline work, query open tasks, and connect notes to a project graph.
• Research notes — Link papers, concepts, and observations while following backlinks across a topic.
• Writing and outlining — Brain-dump ideas into nested blocks and reuse references while drafting.
• Learning and memorization — Build flashcards from notes and review facts over time.
• Visual thinking (file graphs) — Place existing blocks and new ideas on a whiteboard to explore relationships.
• Personal knowledge management (file graphs) — Keep portable Markdown files that can be inspected or opened in other tools.
• Plugin-based workflows — Add community extensions or themes for specialized capture, review, and publishing needs.

Logseq features can differ between the Markdown and database versions, desktop and mobile apps, and beta services. Confirm the current platform support, sync behavior, backups, collaboration status, and data-retention terms before using it for shared or sensitive information.