Logseq

A local-first outliner built around daily journals, backlinks and block references, with notes stored as plain Markdown or Org-mode files.

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Source code: github.com/logseq/logseq. Flink is not affiliated with the Logseq project.

What it is

Logseq opens on today's journal page. You write in bullet points, and every bullet is a block that can be indented, collapsed, tagged or referenced from anywhere else. Typing a page name in double square brackets creates a link, and every page automatically shows which other pages link back to it. Over time this builds a web of connected notes without you having to decide on folders up front.

Because Logseq is local-first, your notes are ordinary text files in a folder on your computer. You can back them up, put them under version control or edit them with another editor. The app also includes queries, task management with simple workflow states, PDF highlighting, whiteboards and a plugin system.

Key features

Tasks and queries

Any block can become a task by starting it with a keyword such as TODO or DOING, and tasks can carry scheduled dates and deadlines. Queries collect blocks from across your whole graph, for example every open task tagged with a project, and show them live on any page.

PDF reading and flashcards

You can open PDFs inside Logseq, highlight passages and turn highlights into blocks that link back to the exact spot in the document. Blocks tagged as cards become flashcards with built-in spaced repetition, which makes Logseq popular with students.

Whiteboards

Whiteboards provide an infinite canvas where you can place existing pages and blocks next to shapes and drawings. They are useful for mapping out a project or visualising how ideas connect.

Plugins and themes

A built-in marketplace offers community plugins and themes. Plugins add features such as calendar views, extra task workflows and integrations with reference managers, while themes adjust fonts, colours and layout. Because plugins come from third parties, install only the ones you trust.

Getting started

On first launch, choose a folder where Logseq will keep your graph. Start writing in today's journal, create links with double square brackets and add tags with a hash sign. To use the same graph on several devices, sync the folder with a tool such as Git, Syncthing or a cloud drive, or use the optional paid sync service.

Who it is for

Logseq suits people who think in outlines and like to capture everything in a daily log, then connect ideas later. Researchers, students and writers often use it to keep reading notes and link them to projects.

Pros and cons

Alternatives

For a more traditional notebook layout, try Joplin. For a tree-based personal wiki with scripting, see Trilium Notes.