Logseq

1. What is Logseq?

Positioning: A privacy-first, open-source knowledge base and outliner platform, designed to help users organize thoughts, take notes, and manage tasks using local plain-text files (Markdown and Org-mode). It emphasizes bi-directional linking and block-based editing, allowing for non-linear knowledge discovery.

Functional Panorama: Logseq covers a comprehensive set of modules including a Daily Journal for chronological entries, a powerful Graph View for visualizing connections between notes, and a robust Query engine for dynamic content retrieval. It also features advanced PDF annotation, Markdown/Org-mode support, a versatile Block-based Editor, and an extensive Plugin ecosystem that supports various integrations and extended functionalities like the Whiteboard feature for visual brainstorming.

2. Logseq’s Use Cases

• Students & Researchers can use Logseq’s bi-directional linking and PDF annotation to manage research papers, connect concepts, and prepare for exams by building a linked knowledge graph.
• Developers & Technical Writers can leverage the local-first Markdown support and code block features for documentation, project notes, and personal knowledge management, easily integrating with version control systems.
• Knowledge Workers & Thinkers can utilize the Daily Journal and outliner for personal journaling, task management, and developing complex ideas by incrementally building and connecting blocks of information.
• Project Managers can track tasks, meeting notes, and project progress using Logseq’s block-based task management features and custom queries to get an overview of ongoing work.

3. Logseq’s Key Features

• Bi-directional Linking & Graph View: Allows users to link notes and blocks, creating a non-linear knowledge graph for easy navigation and discovery.
• Local-first & Plain Text Storage: All data is stored locally as Markdown or Org-mode files, ensuring data ownership, privacy, and future-proofing.
• Block-based Outliner: Provides a flexible environment for capturing thoughts at a granular level, with easy reordering, nesting, and referencing of individual blocks.
• PDF Annotation: Enables direct highlighting and note-taking within PDF documents, with annotations automatically linked to notes.
• Whiteboard Feature: Introduced in late 2023, this feature provides a free-form canvas for visual thinking, brainstorming, and arranging blocks, PDFs, and images spatially.
• Enhanced Mobile Sync & Widgets: Recent updates have significantly improved the mobile experience across iOS and Android, including more reliable cloud sync and customizable home screen widgets for quick access.
• Advanced Query Language: Users can create powerful queries to dynamically pull information from their graph, useful for task management, content aggregation, and custom dashboards.

4. How to Use Logseq?

Official Workflow:

1. Download and install Logseq from the official website or app store.
2. Create a new “graph” by selecting a local folder on your computer/device. This folder will store all your notes as plain-text files.
3. Start journaling directly in the default “Daily Journal” page, where each day creates a new page.
4. To create a new page, simply type [[Page Name]] within any block, then click on the link to open or create the page.
5. Reference specific blocks from other pages by typing ((block-ID)) or selecting “Copy block ref” from a block’s context menu.

Pro Tips:

6. Leverage queries by typing /query or {{query }} to dynamically pull tasks ({{query (TODO NOW LATER)}}) or specific topics from across your graph.
7. Explore the Plugin Marketplace (via the “…” menu in the top right) to extend functionality.
8. For rapid note-taking, use shortcuts like Ctrl/Cmd + Enter to complete a block and move to the next, or Tab/Shift + Tab to indent/outdent blocks, structuring your thoughts quickly.
9. Utilize the Whiteboard for visual brainstorming sessions; drag and drop existing blocks onto the canvas to spatially organize your ideas.

5. Logseq’s Pricing & Access

• Official Policy: Logseq is an open-source project and is entirely free to download and use without any feature limitations. There are no paid tiers or subscription models for the core application.
• Web Dynamics: While the core application is free, the Logseq community often supports development through GitHub Sponsors or Open Collective. Some third-party plugins or services built around Logseq might have their own pricing, but they are external to the main application.
• Tier Differences: Not applicable to Logseq itself, as it offers a single, fully-featured open-source experience for all users across all supported platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).

6. Logseq’s Comprehensive Advantages

• Privacy & Data Ownership: Unlike many cloud-based note-taking tools, Logseq stores all data locally in plain-text files, giving users complete control and ownership over their information, a critical advantage over competitors like Notion or Roam Research.
• Extensibility via Plugins: Logseq boasts a vibrant community and a robust plugin API, allowing for extensive customization and integration with other tools, offering more flexibility than highly opinionated SaaS platforms.
• Versatile Outlining & Bi-directional Linking: The combination of a powerful block-based outliner and seamless bi-directional linking allows for highly granular knowledge management and non-linear thinking, offering a fluid experience that competes effectively with specialized tools like Obsidian or Roam Research.
• Active Community & Open Source Development: Its open-source nature fosters rapid development and a highly responsive community, ensuring continuous improvements and robust support, with new features like the Whiteboard being a direct result of community needs and contributions.
• Multi-platform Availability: Logseq provides native desktop clients (Windows, Mac, Linux) and mobile applications (iOS, Android), ensuring a consistent experience across devices, although seamless cross-device sync often relies on third-party cloud services like Syncthing or iCloud.