Foam AlternativesNote-taking Tools and other similar apps like Foam

Foam is described as 'Personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, built on Visual Studio Code and GitHub' and is a Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Foam for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and Android apps. The best Foam alternative is Obsidian, which is free. Other great apps like Foam are Zettlr, Google Docs, Zim and CherryTree.

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Foam alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Team Collaboration Tools.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Foam.
Foam iconFoam
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Foam is a personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, built on Visual Studio Code and GitHub.

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More about Foam
Foam alternatives page was last updated Feb 15, 2024
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  1. Obsidian icon
    Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     949 likes
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    Privacy-oriented note-taking app for non-linear thinking, blending knowledge graph creation with wiki-style linking. Supports Markdown, end-to-end encryption, and plugins for customization. Offers distraction-free mode, tags, themes, syntax highlighting, and operates offline without tracking.

    92 Obsidian alternatives
    Obsidian screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1
    Obsidian screenshot 2
    +4
    Obsidian screenshot 3

    Top Obsidian Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Local Storage
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Graph view
    5.  Bidirectional links
    6.  Mind Mapping
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Knowledge Management
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Backlink
    Obsidian iconFoam Icon

    Obsidian VS Foam

    Is Obsidian a good alternative to Foam?
     

    • Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Foam.

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Foam.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryFoam is Free and Open Source
  2. Zettlr icon
    Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     217 likes
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    From idea to publication in one app: Zettlr accompanies you while writing your blog post, newspaper article, term paper, thesis, or entire book.

    159 Zettlr alternatives
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Zettlr Main Window (light mode)
    The Berlin Theme (dark mode)
    +5
    The Berlin Theme (light mode)

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Zettelkasten note method
    3.  File Tagging
    4.  Multiple export options
    5. Zotero icon  Zotero integration
    6.  Note organization
    7.  Link files
    8.  Built-in themes
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  Export to LaTeX
    12.  Syntax Highlighting
    Zettlr iconFoam Icon

    Zettlr VS Foam

    Is Zettlr a good alternative to Foam?
     

    • Zettlr is the most popular Open Source alternative to Foam.

    • Zettlr is Free and Open SourceFoam is also Free and Open Source
    • Zettlr is Privacy focusedFoam is not according to our users
  4. Google Docs icon
    Google Docs icon

    Google Docs

     949 likes
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    Powerful online word processor with real-time collaboration, document conversion from Word, extensive formatting options, revision history, and multilingual capabilities, all integrated within the Google Drive ecosystem, accessible through any internet-connected device.

    106 Google Docs alternatives
    Google Docs screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Google Docs screenshot 1
    Google Docs screenshot 2

    Top Google Docs Features

    1.  Real time collaboration
    2.  Team Collaboration
    3.  Cloud based
    4.  Collaborative writing
    5.  Online Sharing
    6.  High Availability
    7. Office Online icon  Office Online integration
    8.  File Versioning
    9.  Works Offline
    10. Google Calendar icon  Sync with Google Calendar
    11. IFTTT icon  IFTTT Integration
    12.  Dark Mode
    Google Docs iconFoam Icon

    Google Docs VS Foam

    Is Google Docs a good alternative to Foam?
     

    • Google Docs is the most popular Web-based alternative to Foam.

    • Google Docs is Free and ProprietaryFoam is Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zenkit icon

    Zenkit

    Zenkit is a hyper-flexible SaaS platform for managing projects, databases, and more. Use Kanban boards, tables, or custom views to organize tasks, track data, and collaborate with your team. Build a CRM, financial planner, or sim...

    https://www.zenkit.com
    Learn More
  6. Zim icon
    Zim icon

    Zim

     493 likes
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    Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...

    294 Zim alternatives
    Zim screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Graphviz graph using Diagram plugin
    Formatting options available
    +1
    Hiding all toolbars and statusbar for maximum screen space

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Plain text file
    3.  Wiki-like interface
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Cross-Platform
    6.  Note organization
    7.  WYSIWYG Support
    8.  Outliner
    9.  Text formatting
    10.  Portable
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Notebook
    Zim iconFoam Icon

    Zim VS Foam

    Is Zim a good alternative to Foam?
     
  7. CherryTree icon
    CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     310 likes
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    A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.

    69 CherryTree alternatives
    CherryTree screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    CherryTree screenshot 1
    CherryTree screenshot 2
    +3
    CherryTree screenshot 3

    Top CherryTree Features

    1.  Hierarchical Structure
    2.  Tree structure
    3.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    4.  Includes images in notes
    5.  Outliner
    6.  Tree view
    7.  Tree Style Tabs
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  Portable
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Ad-free
    CherryTree iconFoam Icon

    CherryTree VS Foam

    Is CherryTree a good alternative to Foam?
     
  8. TiddlyWiki icon
    TiddlyWiki icon

    TiddlyWiki

     292 likes
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    TiddlyWiki is a single html file with all the characteristics of a wiki - including all of the functionality (including editing, saving, tagging and searching) and the style sheet. Because its a single file, its very portable - you can email it, put it on a web server or share...

    157 TiddlyWiki alternatives
    TiddlyWiki screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Xfce
    • RemoteStorage

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Standalone
    2.  Cross page linking
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  Wiki
    5.  Portable
    6.  Wiki-like interface
    7.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  No Coding Required
    12.  WYSIWYG Support
    TiddlyWiki iconFoam Icon

    TiddlyWiki VS Foam

    Is TiddlyWiki a good alternative to Foam?
     

    • TiddlyWiki is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Foam.

    • TiddlyWiki is Free and Open SourceFoam is also Free and Open Source
    • TiddlyWiki is CustomizableFoam is not according to our users
  10. AFFiNE icon
    AFFiNE icon

    AFFiNE

     83 likes
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    There can be more than Notion / and Miro. Affine is a next-gen knowledge base that brings planning, sorting and creating all together.

    107 AFFiNE alternatives
    AFFiNE screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    AFFiNE screenshot 1
    AFFiNE screenshot 2
    +3
    Write your way to better productivity

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Goal Tracking
    4.  Kanban Board
    5.  Interactive Whiteboard
    6.  Real time collaboration
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Pomodoro Timer
    10.  Handwritten Notes
    11.  Subtasks
    12.  Hierarchical Structure
    AFFiNE iconFoam Icon

    AFFiNE VS Foam

    Is AFFiNE a good alternative to Foam?
     
  11. TagSpaces icon
    TagSpaces icon

    TagSpaces

     227 likes
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    TagSpaces is privacy aware, cross-platform file browser with note-taking capabilities. It helps you organize your files and folders with tags and colors.

    97 TagSpaces alternatives
    Cross-platform file tagging

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Presenting folders as Kanban boards
    Automatic thumbnail generation
    +5
    File Browsing with instant preview for many file types

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  File Tagging
    2.  File Search
    3.  File Organizer
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Kanban Board
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Built-in viewer
    8.  WYSIWYG Support
    9.  No registration required
    10.  Web Clipper
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Portable
    TagSpaces iconFoam Icon

    TagSpaces VS Foam

    Is TagSpaces a good alternative to Foam?
     
  12. Workflowy icon
    Workflowy icon

    Workflowy

     305 likes
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    Manage your thoughts and projects with infinite levels of indentation, easy syncing with mobile apps, and features like hoisting and inline notes. Suitable for personal use, task management, and seamless team collaboration.

    318 Workflowy alternatives
    Workflowy screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Workflowy screenshot 1
    Workflowy screenshot 2
    +1
    Workflowy screenshot 3

    Top Workflowy Features

    1.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    2.  Tagging
    3.  Nested lists
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Kanban Board
    6.  Import/Export OPML Feeds
    7.  Real time collaboration
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Subtasks
    10.  WYSIWYG Support
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Full-Text Search
    Workflowy iconFoam Icon

    Workflowy VS Foam

    Is Workflowy a good alternative to Foam?
     
  13. Trilium Notes icon
    Trilium Notes icon

    Trilium Notes

     90 likes
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    Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application.

    345 Trilium Notes alternatives
    Trilium Notes screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Google Chrome
    • Cloudron
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Trilium Notes screenshot 1
    Trilium Notes screenshot 2
    +6
    Trilium Notes screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Knowledge base
    2.  Tree of notes
    3.  Note organization
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Encrypted Notes
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  End-to-End Encryption
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Web Clipper
    12.  Support for scripting
    Discontinued

    Trilium transitions into maintenance mode and don't plan adding any new major functionality. You can take a look at this community fork: https://github.com/TriliumNext

    Trilium Notes iconFoam Icon

    Trilium Notes VS Foam

    Is Trilium Notes a good alternative to Foam?
     
  14. Cryptee icon
    Cryptee icon

    Cryptee

     91 likes
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    Cryptee is a safety and privacy focused, encrypted and cross-platform personal data storage service. You can write personal documents, notes, journals, store photos (including raw photos from DSLR cameras) and all sorts of other files.

    43 Cryptee alternatives
    Cryptee screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Cryptee screenshot 1
    Cryptee screenshot 2
    +9
    Cryptee screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Notes
    3.  Rich text editing
    4.  Encrypted Photo Storage
    5.  Cloud Hosting
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  File Storage
    11.  WYSIWYG Support
    12.  Evernote import
    Cryptee iconFoam Icon

    Cryptee VS Foam

    Is Cryptee a good alternative to Foam?
     

    • Cryptee is the most popular SaaS alternative to Foam.

    • Cryptee is Freemium and Open SourceFoam is Free and Open Source
    • Cryptee is Privacy focused and LightweightFoam is not according to our users
  15. Reor icon
    Reor icon

    Reor

     26 likes
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    Reor is an AI-powered desktop note-taking app: it automatically links related ideas, answers questions on your notes and provides semantic search. Everything is stored locally and you can edit your notes with an Obsidian-like markdown editor.

    74 Reor alternatives
    Reor screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux

    Reor Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  No registration required
    5.  AI-Powered
    6.  Note organization
    7.  Semantic Search
    Reor iconFoam Icon

    Reor VS Foam

    Is Reor a good alternative to Foam?
     
12 of 238 Foam alternatives