# Logseq
Logseq is a free, open-source outliner and knowledge management tool created by [[Tienson Qin]] that combines features of [[Roam Research]] with local-first, privacy-focused storage. Like Roam, it supports bidirectional links, block references, and daily journals, but stores all data in plain-text Markdown or Org-mode files on the user's device. This makes it attractive to users who want the networked note-taking experience without cloud dependency or subscription fees.
Launched as open-source in 2020, Logseq has built a strong community around privacy, data ownership, and extensibility. Its outliner-based interface treats every line as a block that can be linked, embedded, or queried. The tool supports advanced queries, task management, flashcards (via the spaced repetition plugin), and a graph view. Logseq appeals to developers, researchers, and PKM enthusiasts who value open formats and the ability to sync their own way (Git, Syncthing, cloud storage).
## Key Features
| Feature | Description |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Local-first** | Files stored on your device |
| **[[Open source]]** | [[Affero General Public License (AGPL)]] |
| **[[Bidirectional links]]** | [[links]] with automatic backlinks |
| **[[Block references]]** | Link to specific bullets |
| **Daily journals** | Date-based notes |
| **Graph view** | Visualize connections |
| **Queries** | Advanced search and filtering |
| **[[Markdown]]/Org-mode** | Plain text storage formats |
## Logseq vs Roam
| Aspect | Logseq | Roam |
|--------|--------|------|
| **Storage** | Local files | Cloud |
| **Price** | Free | $15/month |
| **Open source** | Yes | No |
| **File format** | Markdown/Org | Proprietary |
| **Sync** | DIY (Git, etc.) | Built-in |
| **Offline** | Full support | Limited |
| **Mobile** | Apps available | Web-based |
## Architecture
```
Logseq Data Flow:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Your Device │
│ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ │
│ │ Markdown/Org │───▶│ Logseq App │ │
│ │ Files (.md) │ │ (Electron) │ │
│ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │
│ │ │ │
│ ▼ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ │
│ │ Git / Syncthing │ │ Graph Database │ │
│ │ / Cloud Sync │ │ (in-memory) │ │
│ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
## Core Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| **Outliner** | Everything is a bullet/block |
| **Journals** | Daily pages for capture |
| **Pages** | Named notes, auto-created from links |
| **Blocks** | Individual bullets, linkable |
| **Queries** | Datalog-based searches |
| **Namespaces** | Hierarchical page organization |
## Use Cases
| Use Case | How Logseq Helps |
|----------|------------------|
| **Daily journaling** | Journal pages for each day |
| **Research** | Connect sources with links |
| **Task management** | TODO/DONE states, queries |
| **Flashcards** | Spaced repetition plugin |
| **Team knowledge** | Git-based collaboration |
## Community & Ecosystem
| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| **Plugins** | Community marketplace |
| **Themes** | Customizable appearance |
| **Templates** | Reusable page structures |
| **Integrations** | Readwise, Zotero, etc. |
| **Community** | Active Discord, forums |
## References
- https://logseq.com
- https://github.com/logseq/logseq
## Related
- [[Roam Research]]
- [[Obsidian]]
- [[Tolaria]]
- [[Personal Knowledge Management (PKM)]]
- [[Zettelkasten method]]
- [[Markdown]]
- [[Tools for Thought (TfTs)]]
- [[Bidirectional Links]]
- [[Block references]]