toeverything/AFFiNE

AFFiNE — a next-gen knowledge base alternative to Notion + Miro. Block-based docs + infinite-canvas whiteboard in one workspace.

What it is

A TypeScript + Rust workspace that combines Notion-style block docs with Miro/FigJam-style infinite canvas in a single app. Self-hostable; commercial cloud also available. Sometimes positioned as the "what if Notion + Miro were one thing" answer. AGPL-3.0 licensed for the core.

Key features

• Block-based docs (Notion-style).
• Infinite-canvas whiteboard (Miro/FigJam-style).
• Both surfaces share the same data primitives — drop a doc into the canvas as a node.
• Real-time collaboration via Yjs CRDT.
• Self-host or use AFFiNE Cloud.
• AGPL-3.0 licensed.

Tech stack

• TypeScript primary.
• Rust for some core components.
• Yjs for collaboration.

When to reach for it

• You want both doc + canvas in one workspace.
• You're a privacy-sensitive user wanting Notion alternative with self-host.

When not to reach for it

• You're allergic to AGPL.
• You want vendor-stable polished commercial — Notion has more polish + ecosystem.

Maturity signal

Actively maintained.

Alternatives

• Notion — managed commercial.
• Obsidian + Excalidraw plugin — Markdown notes + canvas.
• Logseq — block-based local-first.

Tags

typescript, rust, knowledge-base, note-taking, whiteboard, self-hosted, agpl, collaboration, notion-alternative