AFFiNE

Overview

AFFiNE brings documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI into a single local-first workspace. Its desktop app keeps documents and whiteboards on the device, where they can be read and edited offline without an account. Users can choose where desktop files live and optionally sync a workspace through AFFiNE Cloud.

The product serves individual creators and small teams, as well as enterprise teams that need self-hosting or custom deployment. AFFiNE was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Singapore. Its editor, desktop app, and most of its codebase are MIT-licensed; the backend uses the AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license. For more tools in this category, see our Document Collaboration Software list.

Key features

One workspace for different kinds of work

AFFiNE combines documents, whiteboards, and databases rather than focusing on documents alone. The desktop app includes the full Edgeless whiteboard and local file control. The iOS and Android apps are more focused: they support capturing and reviewing notes, while the desktop app provides the fuller whiteboard and local-file experience.

AI writing and creation tools

AFFiNE AI can draft and summarize content, adjust tone, generate mind maps, and create presentations. It currently runs through AFFiNE Cloud and requires users to sign in. Each AFFiNE Cloud user receives 10 free AI trial experiences. Starting with version 0.27, users can bring their own API key.

Workspace access through MCP

A built-in MCP server lets compatible clients such as Claude and Cursor search a workspace and read its documents. MCP credentials are limited to one workspace, can be revoked, and default to read-only access.

Local files and offline access

Desktop documents and whiteboards are stored on the device and remain available for reading and editing offline, even without an account. AFFiNE describes the desktop app as local-first, with optional syncing to AFFiNE Cloud. Cloud storage, file-size limits, and version history vary by plan.

Pricing

AFFiNE uses a freemium model, with a free plan and a free trial. The free cloud tier is limited to 3 members per workspace, 10 GB of storage, 10 MB maximum file size, 7 days of version history, and up to 3 login devices.

Platforms

AFFiNE is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and as an extension. Self-hosting is also available. Mobile apps focus on capturing and reviewing notes; the desktop app includes the full Edgeless whiteboard and local file control.

Who it's for

AFFiNE suits individual creators and small teams looking to keep documents, whiteboards, and databases in one workspace. Offline desktop access and control over local files may matter to people who want work stored on their device, with cloud sync as an option. Enterprise teams can consider it when they need self-hosting or custom deployment; the Enterprise plan is aimed at 100+ seats. The Team plan supports unlimited team members at 10+ seats, with multiple admin roles and priority customer support.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Desktop documents and whiteboards can be read and edited offline without an account.
• Users can choose local storage and optionally sync workspaces to AFFiNE Cloud.
• AI can help draft, summarize, adjust tone, make mind maps, and create presentations.
• MCP access defaults to read-only and can be scoped to one workspace and revoked.
• Self-hosted and custom deployment options are available for enterprise teams.

Cons

• The mobile apps focus on note capture and review rather than the full desktop experience.
• AFFiNE AI currently requires AFFiNE Cloud and sign-in, unless using the bring-your-own-API-key option starting with version 0.27.
• The free cloud tier has limited storage, file size, workspace membership, login devices, and version history.

Alternatives

Readers comparing workspace and document collaboration options can also consider Lark, Notion, Nuclino, ONLYOFFICE Docs, WPS Docs, Collabora Online, Confluence, and Craft.

Verdict

AFFiNE brings several work formats together while giving desktop users offline access and control over local files. Its AI tools and MCP server add ways to create content and access workspace documents, though AI currently depends on AFFiNE Cloud or a supported API-key setup. The free cloud tier has defined limits, while paid plans expand storage, file sizes, membership, and support. Teams needing self-hosting or custom deployment have an Enterprise option, with custom pricing.