SiYuan

With SiYuan, you order notes, refer to loose text blocks and connect documents in your own knowledge base.

Developer B3log

Version 3.8.6 · Freemium · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to SiYuan?Compare Obsidian, Joplin.Compare alternatives

SiYuan treats a note like a collection of blocks. You can refer not only to an entire document, but also to one paragraph, list or other part. For example, if you link study notes to a project, you don't have to retype the same explanation over and over again.

The editor combines Markdown input with direct formatting. You also use tables, mathematical formulas, diagrams and references to PDF notes. This makes SiYuan useful for extensive personal reference work, but requires more furnishing than a simple notepad. Start with a few notebooks and expand your structure as soon as you notice what information you often seek back.

Your documents are in a workbook in its own .sy format, along with attachments and other parts. For use outside SiYuan, you can export to Markdown. Most functions are free of charge; for certain additional services a paid membership is required. So check out which synchronization form suits your devices and budget.

Which software suits you?

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Differences between SiYuan and Obsidian, Joplin
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
SiYuanYou are viewing this app With SiYuan, you order notes, refer to loose text blocks and connect documents in your own knowledge base. Windows, macOS, LinuxFreemium
ObsidianView this alternative You want to save connected notes as ordinary Markdown files. Windows, macOS, LinuxFreemium
JoplinView this alternative You're looking for notebooks with synchronization and another way of organizing. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source; additional paid services

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You make many interconnected notes for study, research or own projects. SiYuan is especially useful if you want to reuse specific text blocks and your notes are more extensive than a list of loose memories.

Getting started

Download the desktop release for your operating system and choose a fixed workbook at the first start. First make a small trial note and check how exporting works before importing your entire archive.

Privacy

You can keep your knowledge base locally. Enable synchronization, plug-ins or AI services, then changes which data can reach other systems. Check the settings of those parts before processing confidential notes.

Good to know

Custom storage format requires attention when switching Not all additional features are free The extended block structure takes learning time

Please note

The internal documents are not just Markdown files. Also save exports if you want to read your notes outside SiYuan. Do not let multiple programs change the same workbook at the same time.

Advantages

  • References to text block level Local Workbook with Export Options Notes, tables and formulas in one environment

Things to consider

  • Own storage format requires attention when switching Not all additional features are free The extended block structure takes learning time

Download SiYuan

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Version history

3.8.6

You get more detailed mind maps, better database calendars and insight into the storage use of your workspace.

  • Mind maps get their own block types, summary brackets and more control for folding and editing nodes.
  • Database calendars support ISO week numbers, weekly navigation and schedule of items without date. Database views can use conditional colors.
  • You can save and restore window layouts. Startup, synchronize and editing long documents have been improved.
3.8.4

You get improvements for editing, databases, synchronization and recovery of notes.

  • You get improvements for editing, databases, synchronization and recovery of notes.
  • Problems with repeated merge of identical files and stuck database indexing have been resolved during synchronization.
  • You can secure documents in your own part of the document panel. The management of snapshots and exports has also improved.
Report a new version

Is there a newer version of SiYuan? Send the version number and a link to the official announcement. Our editors will check it. No login is required.

Our verdict

SiYuan especially adds something when you want to connect notes without copying the same information. The block references are a clear reason to choose it above a simple note program. On the other hand, you become dependent on your own document structure and have to handle synchronization carefully. Therefore periodically make an export of important notes and check that it is readable. For short shopping lists, the programme is more extensive than necessary; for a growing knowledge base that structure can be valuable.

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