My favorite Notion alternative isn't Obsidian, it's something I can actually self-host
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AFFiNE is presented as a self-hosted Notion alternative that combines documents, visual whiteboards, and databases in one workspace. Deployed via Docker on a home server, it offers data ownership without sacrificing usability. Key highlights include an integrated whiteboard for visual planning alongside traditional documents, a clean PKM interface that scales without feeling cluttered, and AI integration via API keys for self-hosted instances — enabling summarization, rewriting, and idea generation directly within the workspace.
Table of contents
What is AFFiNE?The document and whiteboard combination changed how I workFeels like a polished personal knowledge management (PKM) systemA better thinking partnerQuestions this post answers
How do I self-host AFFiNE on my own server?
AFFiNE can be self-hosted using Docker on a home server, and the official documentation walks through the setup process. Desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux are also available for those who prefer not to self-host. A self-hosted instance can be running in just a few minutes, with notes and projects stored on hardware you control and accessible remotely. Developers running their own productivity stack track tools like AFFiNE on daily.dev.
How does AI work in a self-hosted AFFiNE instance?
Self-hosted AFFiNE instances support AI by adding your own AI provider API keys in the settings. Once enabled, you can ask questions, summarize pages, rewrite sections, and generate ideas directly within the workspace without switching to an external chatbot. Common uses include turning rough notes into outlines, shortening paragraphs, extracting key points from research, and brainstorming headlines. Those building self-hosted knowledge workflows find relevant tool updates on daily.dev.