Anytype
Anytype
Local-first, open-source workspace with databases, docs, and tasks built on decentralized technology for privacy and ownership.
Key Features
- Local-first
- Open source
- Databases
- Relations and types
- Graph view
- Templates
- Offline-first
- End-to-end encryption
- No vendor lock-in
- Customizable
- Mobile apps
- Sync
- Backlinks
- Collections
- Sets
What is Anytype?
Anytype is a revolutionary local-first workspace that combines the flexibility of note-taking apps with the power of databases, all built on decentralized technology. Unlike traditional cloud-based productivity tools, Anytype stores your data locally on your device first, giving you complete ownership and control over your information. The app uses peer-to-peer synchronization technology to keep your data in sync across devices without relying on centralized servers.
At its core, Anytype is designed around the concept of objects, types, and relations—a flexible system that allows you to create custom databases, link information together, and build a personal knowledge graph. Whether you're managing projects, organizing research, tracking tasks, or building a second brain, Anytype provides the tools to structure your information exactly how you want it. The app supports rich text editing, embedded media, code blocks, and a variety of content types that can be interconnected through powerful relational features.
What sets Anytype apart is its commitment to privacy, open-source development, and user sovereignty. The application is built on the Any-Sync protocol, which ensures end-to-end encryption and gives users the option to self-host their data. Currently in open beta, Anytype is completely free to use, with the team working toward a sustainable business model that will include paid features while keeping core functionality accessible to everyone. The project represents a new paradigm in productivity software—one where users truly own their data and aren't locked into proprietary ecosystems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Local-first architecture ensures your data stays on your devices with complete privacy and ownership
- Open-source codebase allows for community contributions, transparency, and trust in the platform
- Powerful relational database features let you create custom types and connect information meaningfully
- Works fully offline with seamless synchronization when you reconnect to the internet
- End-to-end encryption protects your data from unauthorized access, even from Anytype itself
- No vendor lock-in thanks to markdown export and open data formats
- Graph view visualizes connections between your notes and helps discover relationships
- Available on all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Highly customizable with templates, custom types, and flexible workspace organization
- Fast and responsive interface with excellent performance even with large amounts of data
- Active development with regular updates and new features being added consistently
- Free during beta period with commitment to keeping core features accessible
- Self-hosting option available for users who want complete control over their infrastructure
- Strong community support with helpful documentation and engaged user base
Cons:
- Still in beta, which means occasional bugs and features that are still being refined
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler note-taking apps due to advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to established platforms like Notion
- No web version available, requiring desktop or mobile app installation
- Real-time collaboration features are not yet as robust as cloud-based competitors
- Smaller ecosystem of templates and community resources compared to mature platforms
- Future pricing model is uncertain, though core features are promised to remain free
- Migration from other tools can be complex due to the unique data structure and type system
Who It's For
Anytype is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals who want complete control over their data without sacrificing functionality. If you're concerned about cloud providers accessing your information, uncomfortable with subscription models that hold your data hostage, or simply believe in digital sovereignty, Anytype offers a compelling alternative. It's particularly well-suited for researchers, writers, and knowledge workers who need to build complex information systems while maintaining ownership of their intellectual property.
The app appeals to power users who appreciate customization and aren't afraid of a learning curve. If you enjoy building systems, creating custom workflows, and organizing information in sophisticated ways, Anytype's relational database features and flexible type system will feel like a playground. It's excellent for people building personal knowledge management systems, managing research projects, or anyone who has outgrown simple note-taking apps but wants more control than traditional database tools offer.
Developers, open-source enthusiasts, and early adopters will find Anytype particularly appealing. The transparent development process, active community, and commitment to open standards make it attractive to those who want to support ethical software development. However, if you need extensive team collaboration features, rely heavily on third-party integrations, or prefer the simplicity of basic note-taking apps, you might want to wait until Anytype matures further or consider more established alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anytype
What is Anytype?
Anytype is a revolutionary local-first workspace that combines the flexibility of note-taking apps with the power of databases, all built on decentralized technology. Unlike traditional cloud-based productivity tools, Anytype stores your data locally on your device first, giving you complete ownership and control over your information. The app uses peer-to-peer synchronization technology to keep your data in sync across devices without relying on centralized servers.
At its core, Anytype is designed around the concept of objects, types, and relations—a flexible system that allows you to create custom databases, link information together, and build a personal knowledge graph. Whether you're managing projects, organizing research, tracking tasks, or building a second brain, Anytype provides the tools to structure your information exactly how you want it. The app supports rich text editing, embedded media, code blocks, and a variety of content types that can be interconnected through powerful relational features.
What sets Anytype apart is its commitment to privacy, open-source development, and user sovereignty. The application is built on the Any-Sync protocol, which ensures end-to-end encryption and gives users the option to self-host their data. Currently in open beta, Anytype is completely free to use, with the team working toward a sustainable business model that will include paid features while keeping core functionality accessible to everyone. The project represents a new paradigm in productivity software—one where users truly own their data and aren't locked into proprietary ecosystems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Local-first architecture ensures your data stays on your devices with complete privacy and ownership
- Open-source codebase allows for community contributions, transparency, and trust in the platform
- Powerful relational database features let you create custom types and connect information meaningfully
- Works fully offline with seamless synchronization when you reconnect to the internet
- End-to-end encryption protects your data from unauthorized access, even from Anytype itself
- No vendor lock-in thanks to markdown export and open data formats
- Graph view visualizes connections between your notes and helps discover relationships
- Available on all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Highly customizable with templates, custom types, and flexible workspace organization
- Fast and responsive interface with excellent performance even with large amounts of data
- Active development with regular updates and new features being added consistently
- Free during beta period with commitment to keeping core features accessible
- Self-hosting option available for users who want complete control over their infrastructure
- Strong community support with helpful documentation and engaged user base
Cons:
- Still in beta, which means occasional bugs and features that are still being refined
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler note-taking apps due to advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to established platforms like Notion
- No web version available, requiring desktop or mobile app installation
- Real-time collaboration features are not yet as robust as cloud-based competitors
- Smaller ecosystem of templates and community resources compared to mature platforms
- Future pricing model is uncertain, though core features are promised to remain free
- Migration from other tools can be complex due to the unique data structure and type system
Who It's For
Anytype is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals who want complete control over their data without sacrificing functionality. If you're concerned about cloud providers accessing your information, uncomfortable with subscription models that hold your data hostage, or simply believe in digital sovereignty, Anytype offers a compelling alternative. It's particularly well-suited for researchers, writers, and knowledge workers who need to build complex information systems while maintaining ownership of their intellectual property.
The app appeals to power users who appreciate customization and aren't afraid of a learning curve. If you enjoy building systems, creating custom workflows, and organizing information in sophisticated ways, Anytype's relational database features and flexible type system will feel like a playground. It's excellent for people building personal knowledge management systems, managing research projects, or anyone who has outgrown simple note-taking apps but wants more control than traditional database tools offer.
Developers, open-source enthusiasts, and early adopters will find Anytype particularly appealing. The transparent development process, active community, and commitment to open standards make it attractive to those who want to support ethical software development. However, if you need extensive team collaboration features, rely heavily on third-party integrations, or prefer the simplicity of basic note-taking apps, you might want to wait until Anytype matures further or consider more established alternatives.