Anytype is a personal knowledge base and desktop client that combines local-first storage, peer-to-peer synchronization, and end-to-end encryption for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The tool addresses the need for a privacy-preserving digital workspace where users retain full control over their data. It works by storing information offline first on the user's device, optionally syncing across devices through peer-to-peer connections rather than centralized servers, and encrypting all data with zero-knowledge encryption. Users can create pages, tasks, wikis, journals, and custom applications while defining their own data model through composable blocks including text, databases, kanban boards, and calendars.
Adoption suits individuals and teams prioritizing data privacy and offline accessibility. The project is built with Electron and TypeScript, making it accessible for developers familiar with web technologies. It offers extensibility through a gRPC API and supports AI agents for automation. The codebase is open under the Any Source Available License, allowing inspection and modification. Those building from source on ARM systems need to ensure a C++ compiler and Python setuptools are available, and Linux builds require the protobuf compiler with well-known proto files for gRPC binding generation.
Development shows active maintenance with clear documentation for building from source and contributing. The project provides multiple development workflows including a Nix-based dependency installation option and supports both Electron-based and browser-based development modes with hot-reload capabilities. Build configuration includes environment flags for skipping macOS and Windows code signing when needed and for controlling Sentry sourcemap uploads. The codebase maintains separation between generated middleware and source code through git-ignored directories, with documented scripts for updating protobuf bindings and managing dependencies.
