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Logseq

Privacy-first platform for knowledge management and collaboration

Knowledge Base & Wiki Platforms

Logseq is a local-first knowledge management platform supporting Markdown and Org-mode, featuring bidirectional linking, PDF annotation, task management, and visual whiteboard capabilities with extensible plugins.

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Overview

Overview

Logseq is a knowledge management and collaboration platform built around privacy, longevity, and user control. Designed for researchers, writers, students, and knowledge workers, it provides powerful tools for capturing, organizing, and connecting information while keeping your data under your control.

Core Capabilities

The platform supports multiple file formats including Markdown and Org-mode, enabling flexible note-taking with bidirectional linking and graph visualization. Its Whiteboard feature offers a spatial canvas for visual thinkers to organize ideas using shapes, drawings, connectors, and embedded media. Built-in PDF annotation and task management tools streamline research and productivity workflows.

Architecture & Extensibility

Logseq offers both file-based graphs (stored as plain text files) and database graphs (DB version, currently in beta). A growing ecosystem of plugins and themes enables customization for diverse workflows. The DB version introduces real-time collaboration (RTC) for multi-device sync and team collaboration, currently in alpha testing. Users can deploy Logseq as a desktop application or access it via web, with mobile apps available for the DB version.

Highlights

Bidirectional linking and graph visualization for connected note-taking
Visual Whiteboard canvas with shapes, drawings, and embedded media
PDF annotation and task management integrated into knowledge workflows
Plugin API and theme ecosystem for workflow customization

Pros

  • Privacy-first architecture with local-first data storage
  • Supports plain text formats (Markdown, Org-mode) ensuring longevity
  • Flexible organization with both outliner and spatial canvas modes
  • Active plugin ecosystem and community support

Considerations

  • Database version (DB graphs) in beta with potential data loss risk
  • File graphs may experience data corruption without regular backups
  • Real-time collaboration (RTC) still in alpha testing phase
  • Steeper learning curve compared to traditional note-taking apps

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Fit guide

Great for

  • Researchers and academics managing literature and annotations
  • Knowledge workers building interconnected personal knowledge bases
  • Visual thinkers who benefit from spatial canvas organization
  • Privacy-conscious users wanting local-first data control

Not ideal when

  • Users requiring production-ready real-time collaboration immediately
  • Teams needing enterprise-grade stability without beta risks
  • Beginners seeking simple linear note-taking without graph features
  • Users unwilling to maintain regular backups during beta phase

How teams use it

Academic Research Management

Annotate PDFs, link citations bidirectionally, and visualize connections between papers and concepts in a unified knowledge graph

Project Planning with Whiteboards

Map project components spatially, embed relevant notes and media, and connect tasks to knowledge base entries for holistic planning

Personal Knowledge Base

Build an interconnected second brain with daily journals, evergreen notes, and automatic backlinks that reveal emergent patterns

Team Knowledge Collaboration

Sync graphs across devices using RTC alpha, enabling distributed teams to co-create and maintain shared knowledge repositories

Tech snapshot

Clojure64%
TypeScript15%
CSS11%
JavaScript8%
Swift1%
HTML1%

Tags

org-modenote-takingclojuremarkdownknowledge-baseclojurescriptgitpkmlocal-firstgraphknowledge-graph

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between file graphs and DB graphs?

File graphs store notes as plain text Markdown or Org-mode files on your filesystem, while DB graphs (beta) use a SQLite database for improved performance and enable real-time collaboration features.

Is my data safe with the DB version in beta?

The DB version is in beta and data loss is possible. Automated backups or regular SQLite database backups are strongly recommended. Use a test graph with non-critical projects during beta.

Can I use Logseq offline?

Yes, Logseq is local-first and works fully offline. Your data is stored on your device, and sync features like RTC are optional for multi-device or collaboration scenarios.

How does the Whiteboard feature work?

Whiteboard provides a spatial canvas where you can arrange notes, shapes, drawings, website embeds, and connectors visually. It integrates with your knowledge base, letting you link canvas elements to existing notes.

What platforms does Logseq support?

Logseq offers desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, a web version, and mobile apps for iOS (with Android coming soon) for the DB version.

Project at a glance

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Forks
2,430
LicenseAGPL-3.0
Repo age5 years old
Last commit4 hours ago
Primary languageClojure

Last synced 43 minutes ago