AFFiNE
All-in-one workspace for docs, whiteboards, and databases — with real-time collaboration.
Overview
AFFiNE is a unified workspace that combines three surfaces in one: a rich document editor, an infinite whiteboard canvas, and a structured database. Use it to write technical specs, sketch system designs, and organize project data — all in the same tool, synced in real time across your team.
Key Features
- Docs & Wiki — Rich text editor with blocks, embeds, code, and nested pages
- Whiteboard — Infinite canvas for diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and freehand drawing
- Database Views — Table, kanban, and list views for structured data and project tracking
- Real-time Collaboration — Multiple users editing the same page simultaneously
- Edgeless Mode — Toggle any page between document and whiteboard view
- Linked Pages — Reference and embed other pages inline for a connected knowledge base
Getting Started
- From the Hub, click AFFiNE to launch
- Your workspace opens with your pages and documents
- Click + New Page to create a document or whiteboard
- Choose Page for document mode or Edgeless for canvas mode
- Start writing, drawing, or adding structured data
Page Mode
Page mode is a block-based document editor:
- Type
/to insert blocks: headings, code, image, quote, divider, embed - Drag and rearrange blocks freely
[[to link to another page in your workspace- Inline code, math equations, and callout blocks supported
Edgeless (Whiteboard) Mode
Switch any page to Edgeless for a canvas view:
- Draw shapes, connect them with arrows
- Add sticky notes, images, and embedded pages
- Freehand sketch with the pen tool
- Pan and zoom with trackpad or keyboard shortcuts
- Embed a whiteboard section back into a document page
Database Mode
Create structured data tables inside any page:
- Table view — spreadsheet-style rows and columns
- Kanban view — card-based workflow boards
- List view — lightweight task lists
- Supports text, number, date, select, multi-select, and link fields
Collaboration
AFFiNE is built for real-time collaboration:
- See teammates’ cursors and edits live
- Leave comments on any block
- Page history for reviewing past versions
- Share specific pages or your full workspace
When to Use AFFiNE
| Task | Tool |
|---|---|
| Technical specs and design docs | AFFiNE |
| System architecture diagrams | AFFiNE (Edgeless) |
| Project tracking boards | AFFiNE (Database/Kanban) |
| Real-time collaborative editing | AFFiNE or Etherpad |
| Quick collaborative text editing | Etherpad |
| Code-heavy documentation | AI IDE or AI Notebook Lab |