AppFlowy is an open-source workspace app that bundles notes, wikis, databases, and project management into a single tool, built as a self-hostable alternative to closed, cloud-only productivity apps. It was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Singapore.
The core promise of AppFlowy is data ownership: users can run the app entirely offline, sync only when they choose to, and self-host their own instance rather than depending on a third-party cloud, while an official AppFlowy Cloud option exists for teams that prefer managed hosting.
Key Features
AppFlowy offers customizable database views, rich-text blocks, and themes for organizing notes and projects, along with optional AI features that let users connect local or hosted language models for writing assistance, question answering, and table autofill inside their workspace.
Platforms
AppFlowy is available as native desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and a web-based client, with real-time sync across devices when connected.
Key Features
Self-hosting — Run AppFlowy on your own infrastructure with no vendor lock-in, or use the offline-first desktop app entirely without a server.
AI assistance — Connect local models (e.g. Mistral 7B, Llama 3) or hosted models for AI-assisted writing, answering questions, and autofilling tables.
Customizable databases — Build multiple views, custom properties, and layouts for organizing structured information alongside notes.
Offline-first sync — Work fully offline and sync data across devices when a connection is available.
Cross-platform apps — Native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, plus a browser-based version.
Open-source codebase — Actively developed on GitHub by a community of contributors, with a public roadmap and issue tracker.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Free and open source with no mandatory subscription
Full self-hosting option for organizations with data-residency or privacy requirements
Works offline by design, not as an afterthought
Active open-source community and public development roadmap
Cons
Younger product than established competitors like Notion, so some polish and integrations are still maturing
Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance effort
AI features depend on connecting external or local models rather than being built-in out of the box
Pricing
Free $0 monthly
Pro $10/user/month (annual, $12.5 monthly) monthly
AppFlowy AI MAX (add-on) $8/user/month monthly
Vault Workspace (add-on) $6/user/month annual
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AppFlowy free to use?
Yes. AppFlowy's core app is free and open source, and it can be self-hosted at no licensing cost.
Can AppFlowy work offline?
Yes, AppFlowy is designed to be offline-first, allowing full local use with sync happening only when a connection is available.
Does AppFlowy support AI features?
Yes, it supports connecting local or hosted AI models for writing assistance, Q&A, and table autofill within your workspace.
What platforms does AppFlowy run on?
AppFlowy has native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, plus a web client.