BlockNote
BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building web applications such as knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors an…
What BlockNote is
BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building web applications such as knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors and internal tools. Its ready-made animated interface and block-based document structure are designed to make setup simpler, while developers can add custom block types, customize menus or build their own UI. The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its real-time collaboration uses Yjs, with providers including Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket and y-webrtc. Collaboration documentation lists y-indexeddb for offline storage. BlockNote imports and exports its own JSON format and HTML; conversions to standard HTML and Markdown are marked lossy. XL packages add AI integration, multi-column layouts and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT and email. Closed-source use of XL packages requires a commercial license. The free Community plan includes all blocks and UI components, drag-and-drop editing and real-time collaboration; XL packages are free for OSS under GPL-3.0. Business costs $195/mo, billed yearly.
Good
- Open-source editor with modular customization.
- Supports real-time collaboration through Yjs.
- Includes drag-and-drop editing on the Community plan.
- Supports image, video, audio and file blocks.
Watch out
- Standard HTML and Markdown conversions are lossy.
- Closed-source XL package use requires a commercial license.
- Business costs $195/mo, billed yearly.
Who it suits
It suits developers building web-based editors for knowledge bases, notes, documents or internal tools. It is especially relevant when self-hosting and customization matter.
Verdict
BlockNote offers a customizable editor foundation with collaboration and self-hosted document handling. Review format-conversion limits and the commercial-license requirement for closed-source XL use before adopting it.
Plans and prices
From BlockNote's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | All blocks & UI components · drag-and-drop editing · real-time collaboration · XL packages free for OSS under GPL-3.0 · Free |
| Business | $195 a month | Commercial license for XL packages · one application per license · standard support · $2,340 billed yearly; page also shows “$390/mo now -50%” |
| Enterprise | Priced on request | Custom licensing · dedicated support · feature development · onboarding and integration guidance · Custom |
The facts
Each one read from BlockNote's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Collaboration
- Yjs providers listed for collaboration include Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket, and y-webrtc.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Developers can create custom block types, customize menus, or build their own UI from scratch.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Editor experience
- BlockNote provides a ready-made animated UI with minimal setup and a block-based document structure.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Formats
- The editor supports importing and exporting BlockNote JSON and HTML, while standard HTML and Markdown conversions are marked lossy.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its collaboration feature uses Yjs.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Limits
- The pricing FAQ says there are no limits on the number of documents or users, and that documents and users remain on the customer's own infrastructure.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The collaboration documentation lists y-indexeddb for offline storage.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Paid features
- XL packages include AI integration, multi-column layouts, and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT, and email; closed-source use requires a commercial license.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says personal data is handled in accordance with the GDPR and lists TLS or comparable secure connections and need-to-know employee access as safeguards.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building modern web applications.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Priority Support includes a 48-hour first-response time and direct access through GitHub, email, and a dedicated Slack channel.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The editor powers editing experiences for knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors, and internal tools.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The about page says BlockNote is developed by engineers led by Matthew Lipski, Nick Perez, and Yousef El-Dardiry.checked 3 Oct 2026
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