Alternatives to TiddlyWiki

A non-linear personal notebook that runs as a single self-contained HTML file in a browser. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as TiddlyWiki.

  • TriliumNext Notes

    A hierarchical note app where one note can live in several places at once, with a server you can host.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    TriliumNext Notes is an open source hierarchical note app with a self-hosted sync server and note cloning, but it stores notes in a database rather than one portable file.

  • Zim

    A desktop wiki that keeps linked notes as plain text files in a folder structure.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    Zim is an open source desktop wiki for Windows and Linux that keeps linked pages as plain text files, using its own markup and lacking sync or mobile apps.

  • Obsidian

    A notes app that works on a folder of plain Markdown files on your own disk, with links between them.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Obsidian replaces the single HTML file with a folder of plain Markdown files, adding backlinks, graph view, mobile apps and a large plugin ecosystem, though it is not open source.

  • SilverBullet

    Keep linked Markdown notes in a self-hosted browser workspace.

    FreeOpen sourceSelf-hostedWeb

    SilverBullet keeps linked Markdown notes in a self-hosted browser workspace with queries and extensions, but requires running your own instance instead of opening a file.

  • Logseq

    An outliner that stores notes as plain Markdown files, built around a daily journal and linked blocks.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Logseq is an open source outliner that stores plain Markdown files with block-level links, a daily journal and desktop and mobile apps.

  • VimWiki

    A Vim plugin that turns linked plain-text files into a personal wiki with its own syntax.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    VimWiki turns linked plain-text files into a personal wiki inside Vim and can export it as a website, but it requires Vim familiarity.

  • CherryTree

    A hierarchical notebook with rich text and syntax highlighting, storing everything in one file or a folder you control.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    CherryTree is a GPL-3.0 hierarchical notebook for Windows and Linux storing everything in a single XML or SQLite file, with rich text and code highlighting.

  • SiYuan

    A block-based notes workspace with Markdown that renders as you type, and an option to self-host it.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSSelf-hosted

    SiYuan offers block references, two-way links and SQL queries with desktop, mobile and self-hosted options, though notes live in the app's own store.

Also worth comparing

These listings name TiddlyWiki as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Capacities

    Object-based note app that organizes ideas as typed, tagged objects.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    TiddlyWiki is free and open source and keeps a tagged, linked non-linear notebook in one portable HTML file, though it runs in a browser without native mobile apps.

  • Wiki.js

    Modern self-hosted wiki with Markdown editing and Git synchronisation.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    TiddlyWiki is a free personal wiki in a single HTML file, needing no server but lacking Wiki.js's authentication and page permissions.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.