AFFi NE
Next-gen knowledge base for planning, sorting and creating. Alternative to Notion and Miro.
Open the official app on affine.pro
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open affine.pro in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse productivity tools →What's next with AFFi NE?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is AFFi NE?
AFFiNE is an open-source web-based collaboration and productivity tool designed to facilitate real-time document creation, editing, and sharing. Built on a decentralized architecture, it enables multiple users to work simultaneously on the same document while maintaining version control and data integrity. The platform is particularly useful for teams and individuals needing to collaborate on projects without the overhead of traditional document management systems. AFFiNE's primary focus is on providing a, intuitive interface for managing text-based content, making it ideal for writers, researchers, and developers who require efficient document handling and version tracking. With its MIT license, AFFiNE is accessible to a wide audience, including open-source contributors and organizations looking for customizable collaboration solutions.
How it works
AFFiNE is developed using JavaScript, TypeScript, and React for the frontend, with Node.js and Express.js for the backend. It relies on WebSockets for real-time communication and uses MongoDB for data storage. The platform is compatible with modern web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, and does not require any additional plugins or software. Data flows from the client to the server through WebSocket connections, where changes are processed and broadcasted to all connected users. AFFiNE prioritizes user privacy by not storing sensitive data on its servers, instead allowing users to host their own instances for enhanced security.
How to use it
- 1Open the AFFi NE page
- 2Use the tool directly in your browser
- 3Results appear instantly — no waiting, no downloads
What it can do
- Utility
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/affine
- license: MIT — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Limited advanced formatting options -> May not be suitable for complex document types -> Use a dedicated word processor for such tasks.
- Dependence on internet connectivity -> Potential delays or disconnections -> Ensure stable network access.
- Minimal customization of UI/UX -> May not meet specific design needs -> Implement custom themes or extensions if possible.
- No built-in file storage -> Requires external storage solutions -> Integrate with cloud storage services.
- Limited real-time features for large documents -> May experience performance issues -> Optimize document size and structure.
Understanding the result
Next-gen knowledge base for planning, sorting and creating. Alternative to Notion and Miro.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by affine (MIT).
- Built with
- affine (https://github.com/affine)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Text
- Output
- Output
Built with https://github.com/affine. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- affine
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- /affine — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- MIT License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does AFFiNE handle real-time collaboration?
AFFiNE uses WebSockets to enable real-time collaboration. When a user makes a change to a document, the change is immediately sent to the server, which then broadcasts the update to all connected clients. This ensures that all users have a consistent view of the document in real-time, even when multiple edits are happening simultaneously. The system also maintains a history of all changes, allowing users to track and revert to previous versions if needed.
What technologies does AFFiNE use to enable its features?
AFFiNE is built using a combination of JavaScript, TypeScript, and React for the frontend, with Node.js and Express.js for the backend. It relies on WebSockets for real-time communication and uses MongoDB for data storage. The platform also integrates with various third-party services for enhanced functionality, such as GitHub for version control and Google Drive for file storage.
How can I export my documents from AFFiNE?
AFFiNE allows users to export their documents in multiple formats, including PDF, HTML, and Markdown. To export, navigate to the document's settings, select the desired format, and click 'Export.' This feature is particularly useful for sharing documents with collaborators who may prefer different file formats or for archiving purposes.
How does AFFiNE compare to alternatives like Notion or Google Docs?
AFFiNE differs from Notion and Google Docs in its focus on real-time collaboration and version control. While Notion offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for project management, AFFiNE is more specialized in document collaboration. Google Docs provides a broader range of features for document creation and editing but lacks the robust version control system that AFFiNE offers. Each tool has its strengths, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the user or team.
What should I do if I encounter an error while using AFFiNE?
If you encounter an error while using AFFiNE, first check your internet connection, as the tool requires a stable connection for real-time collaboration. If the issue persists, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. For more persistent issues, consult the AFFiNE documentation or reach out to the community forums for support.