Logseq
Outliner and knowledge graph app that stores everything as local plain-text files.
Quick facts
- Price model
- Open source
- Starting price
- Free
- Best for
- Daily notes · Outliner workflows · Graph-based thinking
- Replaces
- Roam Research, Workflowy premium, Notion for PKM
- Platforms
- MacWindowsLinuxiOSAndroid
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
Roam-style linking without a monthly research subscription. Your graph lives in local files.
Logseq uses bullet journals and bidirectional links to build a personal wiki. It's free and open source, stores data locally, and appeals to Roam/Obsidian users who prefer outliner-first thinking.
The catch
Jump to setup guide ↓Learning curve for outliner syntax; mobile app still maturing compared to desktop.
How to set up Logseq
Outliner + graph notes as local files. Roam-style thinking without a monthly research subscription.
- Time
- 25–40 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Verified
- 2026-06-22
Before you start
- Pick graph storage folder (Documents/Logseq)
- Decide sync: Syncthing or iCloud (conflicts possible, one editor at a time)
- 10 minutes to learn bullet/indent syntax
Install and create graph
Download Logseq. Create new graph in Documents/Logseq/Household. This folder is plain files, back it up.
Daily journal habit
Use today's journal page for capture. Bullet → indent for sub-thoughts. [[Link]] other pages with double brackets.
Link related ideas
Create pages for projects (Kitchen Reno, Subscriptions Audit). Link from journal bullets. Graph view shows connections.
Optional, sync
Syncthing the graph folder to second device (see Syncthing guide). Open same graph path on laptop.
Export safety
Settings → Export → Markdown or JSON monthly. Your graph outlives any app shutdown.
Troubleshooting
- Sync corrupted graph
- Restore from backup; avoid simultaneous edit on iCloud+desktop.
- Overwhelming graph
- Archive old journals to separate graph yearly.
- Want WYSIWYG notes
- Obsidian may fit better (see our Obsidian guide).
Keep it working
- Weekly review linked pages
- Plugins sparingly, disable unused
- Mobile for read-mostly; heavy editing on desktop
Official docs: docs.logseq.com/
Good fit for
- Researchers
- Students
- Obsidian users wanting outliner mode
Not ideal for
- Teams needing structured project management
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