The Best PKM App Features

Everything you need for personal knowledge management. Free, open-source, and local-first. The best Obsidian and Notion alternative for privacy-focused users.

Privacy First
Data stays on your device
Open Source
MIT Licensed
Cross Platform
macOS, Windows, Linux
100% Free
No paywalls ever

Personal Knowledge Management Features

Built for note-taking, second brain, and zettelkasten workflows. Everything you need to capture, connect, and grow your knowledge.

Rich Markdown Editor

Full markdown support with live preview, syntax highlighting, tables, code blocks, math equations (KaTeX), and smart paste. Write naturally without leaving your keyboard.

Live previewMath equationsCode syntax highlightingTables & lists

Wiki Links & Backlinks

Connect your ideas with [[wiki links]]. See all backlinks to any note instantly. Build a network of interconnected knowledge like a personal Wikipedia.

[[wiki links]]Automatic backlinksLink autocompleteUnlinked mentions

Graph View (2D & 3D)

Visualize connections between your notes in interactive 2D and 3D graph views. Discover hidden patterns and navigate your knowledge base spatially.

Interactive 2D graph3D visualizationFilter by tagsZoom & pan

Infinite Canvas

Unlimited whiteboard for visual thinking. Sketch ideas, create diagrams, arrange notes spatially. Perfect for brainstorming and visual learners.

Unlimited spaceDraw & sketchEmbed notesExport to image

Template System

90+ template features including variables, conditionals, loops, date operations, and JavaScript sandbox. Create daily notes, meeting templates, and more.

90+ featuresVariables & filtersDate operationsJavaScript sandbox

Plugin Marketplace

Extend Lokus with community plugins. Add new features, integrations, and workflows. Build your own plugins with our developer SDK.

Community pluginsEasy installationDeveloper SDKSafe sandbox

Custom Themes

Personalize your workspace with custom themes. Live theme editor with real-time preview. Create and share themes with the community.

Live editorCustom colorsFont optionsShare themes

100% Offline

Works completely offline. No internet required for any feature. Your notes are always available, even on a plane or in a cabin.

No internet neededLocal storageAlways availableNo sync required

Lokus vs Other PKM Apps

How Lokus compares to Obsidian, Notion, and Roam Research. The best free alternative for personal knowledge management.

FeatureLokusObsidianNotionRoam
Free & Open SourcePartialNoNo
Local-First StorageYesNoNo
Infinite CanvasPluginNoNo
Graph ViewYesNoYes
Wiki LinksYesPartialYes
Offline SupportYesLimitedNo
Template System90+ featuresPluginYesLimited
Custom ThemesYesNoNo
PriceFree ForeverFree / $50+Free / $8+/mo$15/mo

Perfect for Every Knowledge Worker

📚

Students & Researchers

Take notes, connect concepts, build a second brain for your studies. Perfect for zettelkasten and academic research.

💼

Professionals

Document projects, manage knowledge bases, create wikis. Templates and plugins for every workflow.

✍️

Writers & Creators

Draft articles, outline books, connect ideas visually with infinite canvas. Distraction-free writing environment.

Ready to Build Your Second Brain?

Download Lokus for free. No sign-up required. Your notes, your device, your privacy.

Download Lokus Free