Trilium

Overview

Trilium Notes was created in 2018 by Czech developer Adam P. and released under the AGPLv3 open-source license as a self-hosted hierarchical note application. It features an unlimited hierarchical tree, relation map visualization, script extensions, and end-to-end encrypted sync, with data fully controlled by the user — running locally, via Docker, or with multi-device synchronization. It is a knowledge management tool for users who value data privacy and customization, representing the "data autonomy plus high extensibility" open-source note approach within the productivity category.

Trilium organizes notes in an unlimited hierarchical tree, where each note can be edited as rich text or Markdown. Built-in attributes provide tags and structured metadata, while relation maps and link maps visualize the connection network between notes. Through the built-in Scripting API, users can write JavaScript for template customization, automation, and extension, and can achieve end-to-end encrypted multi-device sync via their own server.

Key Strengths

• Unlimited hierarchical tree: Notes nest and collapse infinitely in a tree structure, suiting large personal knowledge bases, with an attribute system for structured classification and search. See knowledge base setup guide.
• Relation map visualization: Built-in relation maps and link maps display note connections graphically, supporting knowledge discovery and review.
• Script-based extensibility: A built-in JavaScript engine and Scripting API enable custom templates, automation, and extensions with far more flexibility than typical note apps.
• Completely free with full data control: AGPLv3 open source with no subscription fees, self-hosted data, and end-to-end encrypted sync keep privacy and data ownership entirely with the user.
• Markdown support: Markdown syntax editing with import and export lowers migration cost and connects with workflows from document collaboration platform comparison.

Product Ecosystem

Hierarchical Notes

An unlimited hierarchical tree organizes notes with nesting, collapsing, rich text, and Markdown editing as the foundation of personal knowledge management.

Attributes

Add tags, types, and custom attributes to notes for structured metadata management, with attribute-based filtering and querying. See the structured approach in Notion project management guide.

Relation Maps and Link Maps

Relation maps show custom connections between notes as node-link diagrams, while link maps display the citation network for visual knowledge structuring.

Scripting API

A built-in JavaScript engine supports template customization, automation, and third-party data interaction — the core extension capability of Trilium.

Sync and Encryption

Multi-device sync runs through your own server with end-to-end encryption, keeping data private during transmission and storage.

Limitations

• Deployment and maintenance barrier: Self-hosting and server maintenance, whether local or via Docker, carries a higher barrier for non-technical users than hosted tools such as Obsidian and Notion. See enterprise knowledge base setup guide to lower the onboarding cost.
• No official cloud hosting: No official hosted service is offered, so team collaboration and sharing require self-built sync, with a weaker multi-user experience than collaborative note tools.
• Average mobile experience: The official mobile app is limited and the product focuses on desktop, so mobile recording while on the go is average.
• Limited ecosystem: The plugin and third-party ecosystem is smaller than Obsidian and Notion, and special needs may require writing custom scripts.

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management with high privacy needs (★★★★★): Fully self-hosted with end-to-end encryption, suiting technical researchers, developers, and academic writers. See knowledge base setup guide.
• Developers and technical users (★★★★★): Script extensions and Markdown support fit technical users, enabling customized automated knowledge workflows.
• Building large personal knowledge bases (★★★★★): The unlimited hierarchical tree and attribute system organize large volumes of notes, a top open-source choice in the productivity space.
• Scenarios requiring team collaboration （★★★☆☆）: With no official hosting, team sharing requires self-built sync; also evaluate Notion or Obsidian for collaboration.
• Users seeking a minimal experience （★★★☆☆）: Features and configuration are complex; users preferring out-of-the-box tools can compare document collaboration platform comparison.

Pricing

Note: Trilium is completely open source and free with no subscription fees; the only cost is the server or local device used for self-hosting, which can be a lightweight VPS or home device.

FAQ

• Is Trilium completely free? Yes. Trilium is released under the AGPLv3 open-source license with no subscription fees and free deployment and use; the only cost is the server or local device for self-hosting. See enterprise knowledge base setup guide for deployment ideas.

• How do I choose between Trilium and Obsidian? Trilium emphasizes unlimited hierarchical trees, script extensions, and relation maps, suiting structured and highly customizable needs, while Obsidian is based on local Markdown files with a richer plugin ecosystem and suits linked notes. See productivity tool comparison.

• How is data security ensured? Data is fully self-hosted by the user with end-to-end encrypted sync, keeping both transmission and storage encrypted with privacy under user control. See knowledge base setup guide for related security practices.

• Does Trilium support Markdown? Yes. Trilium supports Markdown syntax editing with import and export for easy migration between note tools, connecting to document collaboration platform workflows.

• How do I sync across multiple devices? Multi-device sync runs through your own server with end-to-end encryption; the server must be configured by you, and team collaboration can be built on top of it. See knowledge base setup guide for more ideas.