Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Coda

AppFlowy is a Notion-like workspace for organizing notes, documents, wikis, and project information in a block-based editor. It provides databases and views to structure work and is available as desktop and mobile apps with an optional cloud/collaboration stack.

Key Features

• Block-based editor for pages (text, headings, lists, embeds, and more)
• Databases with multiple views (e.g., table/board/calendar depending on view support)
• Wiki-style organization with pages, nesting, and linking
• Templates and reusable structures for faster page creation
• Cross-platform clients (Flutter-based) for desktop and mobile
• Optional AI capabilities (“AppFlowy AI”) for writing/help features (deployment varies)
• Local-first/offline-friendly usage modes depending on configuration

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management: notes, reading summaries, and research pages
• Team documentation/wiki: meeting notes, SOPs, and internal knowledge bases
• Lightweight project tracking using databases (tasks, kanban-style boards)

Limitations and Considerations

• Collaboration and some advanced features depend on the separate AppFlowy Cloud/Server components and their maturity
• Feature parity vs. Notion varies by platform and release; some views/integrations may be limited compared to commercial incumbents

AppFlowy is a strong fit for users wanting a modern, Notion-style workspace with an open development model and multi-platform apps. It covers core documentation and database workflows and can be expanded with optional backend services for syncing and collaboration as needed.

AFFiNE is an open-source, local-first workspace that combines a block-based document editor with whiteboards and knowledge-base style organization. It targets the “Notion + Miro” workflow, offering flexible pages, databases/collections, and collaborative editing while keeping offline use and local storage as first-class.

Key Features

• Block-based editor for pages and documents (rich text, blocks, embeds)
• Whiteboard/canvas for freeform brainstorming and diagrams
• Knowledge organization with pages, collections/databases, and backlinks-style navigation
• Local-first workflow with offline use; optional sync via AFFiNE Cloud or self-hosted server
• Real-time collaboration (multi-user) on supported deployments
• Import/export options for migrating content (varies by format/version)
• Cross-platform apps (desktop) and web app distribution

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management for notes, journaling, and structured research
• Team documentation/wiki with collaborative editing and shared spaces
• Whiteboarding for planning, brainstorming, and project discovery sessions

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced “Notion-like” database automations/integrations may be less mature than commercial incumbents.
• Feature parity and stability can vary between desktop, web, and server deployments as the project evolves.

AFFiNE is a strong fit for users who want an offline-capable workspace that blends documents and canvases, while still supporting collaboration when a sync server is used. It is especially compelling for teams seeking a unified notes+whiteboard toolchain without relying on proprietary SaaS defaults.

NocoDB is an open-source no-code platform that sits on top of existing relational databases and exposes them through a spreadsheet-like UI. It helps teams collaborate on data, build lightweight apps (grids, forms, kanban), and integrate workflows without replacing their underlying database.

Key Features

• Connects to existing SQL databases and works as an overlay (keeps data in your DB)
• Spreadsheet-like grid with sorting, filtering, grouping, and rich field types
• Multiple views: grid, form, kanban, calendar, and gallery (depending on configuration)
• Form builder for data entry and sharing
• Built-in REST APIs for tables and views; supports API tokens
• Automations and integrations (e.g., webhooks) for workflow triggers
• Collaboration features: roles/permissions, shared views, and team workspaces
• Import/export and data sync helpers for onboarding existing datasets

Use Cases

• Replace Airtable-style bases while keeping Postgres/MySQL as the source of truth
• Create internal tools (tracking, CRM-lite, inventory, ops dashboards) over existing tables
• Build forms and lightweight workflows for teams to enter and review structured data

NocoDB is a strong fit when you want an Airtable-like experience without moving data out of your relational database, while still retaining database control and programmability through APIs and integrations.

SiYuan is a local-first note-taking and personal knowledge management app designed around “blocks” (paragraph-level units) that can be referenced, embedded, and linked across documents. It supports Markdown editing, backlinks, and graph-style knowledge navigation, and can be run as a self-hosted service for web access and multi-device usage.

Key Features

• Block-based editor with block references, block embeds, and bi-directional links
• Markdown support with rich editing (tables, code blocks, math/LaTeX, etc.)
• Backlinks and knowledge graph views for navigating connected notes
• Full-text search across notebooks and documents
• Organize content with notebooks, folders, tags, and templates
• Web access via the built-in server for using SiYuan in a browser
• Data stored locally and designed for offline-first workflows

Use Cases

• Building a personal knowledge base (Zettelkasten/PKM) with backlinks and block references
• Maintaining project notes, meeting logs, and technical documentation as Markdown
• Creating a lightweight personal wiki with cross-page embeds and references

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced features and the overall UX can differ from mainstream SaaS note apps; evaluating the editor model (block-based) is recommended before migrating large note sets.

SiYuan is a strong fit for users who want a local-first knowledge system with granular block linking and Markdown-centric writing. It combines wiki-style navigation with an editor model optimized for reusing and connecting content across notes.

Trilium Notes is a personal knowledge base for organizing notes in a hierarchical tree while also supporting cross-linking between notes. It combines a fast web UI, rich editing (including code and Markdown), and powerful search to manage large, interlinked knowledge collections.

Key Features

• Tree-structured notebooks with cloning (same note in multiple places)
• Rich-text (WYSIWYG) editing plus code notes with syntax highlighting
• Markdown import/export and other bulk import/export options
• Bidirectional links and backlinks; note relations/attributes and tagging
• Full-text search with filtering to navigate large note collections
• Versioning/revision history for notes
• Web clipper for capturing content into notes
• Scripting/automation (JavaScript) and custom widgets for extending behavior

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management (Zettelkasten-style linking, research notes)
• Technical documentation and “second brain” for projects (snippets, runbooks)
• Journaling and structured life logs organized by a timeline/tree

Limitations and Considerations

• Collaboration features are limited compared with team-first tools (e.g., comments, real-time multi-user editing)
• The data model (tree + clones + attributes) can require a learning period for new users

Trilium is well-suited for users who want a fast, local-first feeling knowledge base with a strong hierarchy, links, and extensibility. It is commonly used as a private alternative to commercial note and knowledge apps while retaining advanced organization and automation capabilities.

WeKan is a web-based Kanban board application for managing tasks and workflows using boards, lists, and cards. It is commonly used as a self-managed alternative to Trello for teams that want data control and flexible workflow features.

Key Features

• Kanban boards with lists and draggable cards
• Swimlanes to organize work in parallel tracks (e.g., by team/member)
• WIP (Work In Progress) limits per list/swimlane
• Rich card details: descriptions, checklists, due dates, labels, attachments, comments, and activity history
• User and permission management for boards
• Search and filtering to find cards across boards
• Import/migration options (commonly used for Trello-style workflows)
• Notifications and @mentions (where supported by deployment/config)

Use Cases

• Team project management (product, engineering, operations) using Kanban
• Personal or small-team task tracking with lightweight boards
• Visualizing support/maintenance workflows (backlog → in progress → done)

Limitations and Considerations

• Primarily focused on Kanban; it is not a full suite for docs/roadmaps like Notion/Jira
• Feature availability can vary by deployment method and version; review the current release notes/docs for specifics

WeKan is a practical choice for organizations that want a straightforward, Trello-style Kanban experience with swimlanes and WIP limits. It fits well for day-to-day task management and visual workflow tracking across many types of teams.

Etherpad is a web-based, real-time collaborative text editor for teams to co-author notes and documents in the browser. It focuses on low-friction collaboration: share a pad link, edit together, and keep track of who changed what.

Key Features

• Real-time multi-user editing with per-author colors and attribution
• Built-in chat alongside the pad for in-context discussion
• Revisions and time-slider playback to review and restore past versions
• Import/export and copy/paste support (commonly including HTML/text and document formats via plugins)
• Extensible plugin system (authentication/authorization, import-export, UI, integrations)
• HTTP API for programmatic pad creation and content management
• Embeddable pads for integrating collaborative editing into other websites/apps
• Internationalization (multiple UI languages)

Use Cases

• Collaborative meeting notes and agendas with live editing
• Drafting and reviewing documents, specs, and checklists in small teams
• Embedding collaborative notes into internal tools, portals, or LMS pages

Limitations and Considerations

• Rich document formatting and office-suite features are limited compared to full collaborative office suites; advanced features often depend on plugins.

Etherpad is well-suited for lightweight, real-time co-editing where speed, simplicity, and extensibility matter. Its revision history, chat, and API make it a practical component for team workflows and integrations.

Grist is a spreadsheet-like database for building and sharing structured data apps. It combines familiar spreadsheet editing with relational tables, Python-style formulas, and multiple views (grids, charts, forms) to support lightweight workflows without writing a full application.

Key Features

• Spreadsheet UX backed by a relational data model (multiple tables with references)
• Python-like formulas for computed columns and data transformations
• Multiple views of the same data (tables, charts, and forms for data entry)
• Fine-grained access control (document/table/column-level permissions)
• Import/export for common formats (e.g., Excel/CSV) and data portability
• Audit/history features (change tracking and document revisions)
• Extensible “widgets”/custom views and an API for integrations and automation

Use Cases

• Replace Airtable-style team bases for ops tracking, inventories, and request intake
• Build internal tools (CRUD-style apps) from tables + forms + permission rules
• Maintain relational datasets (customers/projects) with computed fields and reports

Limitations and Considerations

• Complex, highly interactive apps may outgrow the spreadsheet-centric UI and require a dedicated app framework.

Grist is well-suited to teams that want the speed and approachability of spreadsheets with the structure and governance of a database. It works particularly well for operational data, lightweight internal tools, and collaboration where permissions and relational modeling matter.

TiddlyWiki is a non-linear personal wiki designed to be flexible, portable, and heavily customizable. It can run entirely in the browser as a single self-contained HTML file (easy to carry, backup, and open anywhere), or it can be hosted using Node.js for multi-page/server-based workflows.

Key Features

• Single-file wiki mode that stores the app and your content together in one HTML file
• Non-linear note model (“tiddlers”) with powerful linking, tagging, and organization
• Transclusion and “wikitext” templating to reuse and compose content across pages
• Built-in search, filtering, and dynamic lists powered by a rich filter language
• Extensible plugin architecture (themes, macros, widgets, custom renderers)
• Multiple saving/hosting options (classic file saving, Node.js server, and adapters)
• Import/export and inter-wiki sharing via core import tools and plugin ecosystem

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management (Zettelkasten-style notes, research notebooks)
• Lightweight documentation and project wikis (run locally or on a server)
• Building custom, form-like tools and dashboards using templates/widgets

Limitations and Considerations

• Collaboration is not a primary design focus in classic single-file mode; multi-user editing typically requires additional server/storage choices.
• The learning curve can be steep for advanced customization (filters, widgets, macros).

TiddlyWiki is a strong fit for users who want an offline-friendly knowledge base with deep customization and composable content. Its single-file mode makes it uniquely portable, while Node.js hosting enables more traditional server-backed deployments when needed.

Sandstorm is a self-hosted “personal cloud” platform that lets you install and run multiple web applications on your own server with strong isolation between apps and users. It provides an app-market style workflow, integrated identity/sharing, and a capability-based security model so apps can be safely shared and accessed.

Key Features

• One-command install and web-based admin for managing users, apps, backups, and updates
• App installation via Sandstorm “apps” (packaged as Cap’n Proto/SPK bundles) with an app market concept
• Per-app/per-user isolation (each document/workspace runs in its own sandbox) to limit data access between apps
• Capability-based security and sharing: share specific documents/apps using granular permissions and unguessable links
• Built-in identity and access management with multiple login providers (e.g., email/password and OAuth-based providers)
• Reverse-proxy style routing and HTTPS support (typically deployed behind a TLS terminator)
• Integrated email notifications and background tasks support for apps (app-dependent)
• Backup/restore tooling for app data (grain backups) and server migration support

Use Cases

• Host a private suite of collaboration apps (notes, wikis, chats, file tools) with consistent login and sharing
• Provide a secure multi-user environment for small teams to run web apps without giving them full server access
• Run “single-document” app instances (e.g., one shared pad/wiki doc) that can be shared by link with permissions

Limitations and Considerations

• Project activity has historically slowed compared to peak years; verify current maintenance status and security updates before production use.
• Sandstorm relies on its own packaging/runtime model; not all generic Docker/web apps can be installed without a Sandstorm-specific package.

Sandstorm is best suited for users who want an integrated, security-focused way to host multiple web apps with simple sharing and strong isolation. If you value per-document sandboxes and capability-based sharing over generic container hosting, it provides a distinctive approach to self-managed web apps.

Mathesar is an open source web application that turns a PostgreSQL database into an approachable, spreadsheet-like workspace for non-technical and technical users. It focuses on easy data entry, exploration, and sharing while keeping PostgreSQL as the source of truth.

Key Features

• Connects directly to PostgreSQL and works on existing schemas (no proprietary storage layer)
• Spreadsheet-style table browsing and editing with typed columns and validation
• Create and manage tables, columns, and relationships from the UI
• Filter, sort, group, and build saved “explorations” (query-like views) without writing SQL
• Rich data types support (e.g., numbers, text, dates/times, booleans; behavior depends on PostgreSQL types)
• Shareable/savable views for common reporting and operational workflows
• Role-based access control aligned to database permissions (designed to respect Postgres roles)

Use Cases

• Replace spreadsheets for teams that need multi-user editing backed by PostgreSQL
• Provide a friendly UI for business users to view and maintain operational data
• Quickly explore unfamiliar PostgreSQL databases (tables, relationships, and subsets)

Limitations and Considerations

• PostgreSQL-only (not intended as a generic multi-database GUI)
• Feature coverage depends on underlying PostgreSQL schema/types; advanced DB features may still require SQL/admin tools

Mathesar is best suited for organizations that want spreadsheet-like usability while keeping data in PostgreSQL. It bridges the gap between raw database tools and end-user-friendly data workflows, improving accessibility without replacing the database.

Colanode is an open-source collaborative workspace that brings team documentation, notes, and lightweight project organization into a single place. It is designed as a Notion-style knowledge hub that you can run on your own infrastructure and tailor to internal team workflows.

Key Features

• Workspace structure for organizing content (pages/collections-style organization)
• Collaborative editing for team documentation and shared notes
• Rich-text/Markdown-oriented writing experience with structured content blocks
• Search and navigation to quickly find workspace content
• User and workspace access management for team collaboration
• API-first / developer-friendly approach (project ships as a full web application)

Use Cases

• Internal team wiki for processes, runbooks, and onboarding documentation
• Project space for specs, meeting notes, and lightweight planning
• Central knowledge base to replace scattered documents across multiple tools

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature set and integrations may be narrower than mature hosted suites (e.g., automation/integration marketplace)
• Some enterprise controls (advanced compliance features) may be limited depending on your deployment needs

Colanode fits teams that want an all-in-one shared workspace without depending on proprietary SaaS. It is most suitable for documentation-centric collaboration with simple project organization in the same product.

Baserow is an open-source, web-based no-code database for creating and collaborating on structured data. It provides spreadsheet-like tables with multiple views, supports building data entry forms, and exposes your data through APIs for integrations and lightweight internal tools.

Key Features

• Airtable-style databases with workspaces, databases, tables, and field types
• Multiple views (e.g., grid and kanban) to organize and visualize records
• Form view for collecting data via shareable forms
• Role-based access and collaboration features for teams
• REST API and webhook support for integrations and automation
• Import/export capabilities (commonly including CSV) for data migration
• Extensible architecture designed for plugins/enterprise add-ons and scaling

Use Cases

• Build internal tools (inventory, CRM-lite, operations trackers) without custom code
• Replace spreadsheets with structured, permissioned team databases
• Collect and manage submissions (intake requests, surveys, applications) via forms

Limitations and Considerations

• Advanced analytics/dashboarding and complex relational reporting are more limited than dedicated BI tools
• Feature completeness can vary by view type and edition (community vs. paid offerings)

Baserow is a strong choice for teams that want an Airtable-like experience with control over deployment and data. Its combination of no-code UI, collaboration, and APIs makes it suitable for operational databases, simple apps, and integration-driven workflows.

OpnForm is an open-source web application for building and sharing online forms, collecting submissions, and managing responses. It aims to provide a modern alternative to hosted form tools with a clean builder, theming, and integrations.

Key Features

• Form builder with multiple field types and configurable form settings
• Shareable form pages and embeddable forms for websites
• Custom domains and branding options for published forms
• Spam protection features (e.g., CAPTCHA/anti-bot options depending on setup)
• File uploads on form submissions (storage depends on deployment configuration)
• Submission management with export options (e.g., CSV) and basic analytics
• Email notifications and webhook-based integrations for automations
• Team/workspace features and access control (plan/edition dependent)

Use Cases

• Collect leads and contact requests on a marketing or company website
• Run surveys, registrations, and internal data collection workflows
• Replace hosted form products while keeping data under your control

Limitations and Considerations

• Some features and collaboration capabilities may differ by edition/plan and deployment configuration.
• Advanced reporting and deep workflow automation may require external tools via webhooks/integrations.

OpnForm is a strong fit for individuals and teams that need a polished, customizable forms product with common integrations and ownership of form data. It provides core form-building and response-handling features while remaining extensible through webhooks and configuration.

Saltcorn is a no/low-code platform for building database-backed web applications. It provides a UI to define tables and relationships, generate forms and views, and add logic (workflows) and access control—aimed at quickly delivering internal tools and custom business apps.

Key Features

• Data modeling for tables, fields, and relationships with a built-in admin UI
• Auto-generated CRUD apps: forms, list views, detail pages, and dashboards
• Multiple view types (e.g., tables, cards, calendars, maps, charts) via core and plugin views
• Role-based access control (RBAC) and user authentication for securing pages and data
• Workflow/automation actions triggered by events (e.g., form submits) to implement business logic
• Plugin architecture for extending field types, views, authentication, and integrations
• SQL database support with a focus on PostgreSQL; can connect to existing schemas
• Import/export utilities and configurable page routing/navigation

Use Cases

• Build internal admin tools (inventory, CRM-lite, request/approval apps) on an existing database
• Rapidly prototype and deploy custom data collection apps with forms and dashboards
• Create lightweight portals with authenticated access to records and reports

Limitations and Considerations

• Advanced UI customization may require writing templates/plugins rather than only point-and-click configuration
• Feature depth depends on available plugins; some enterprise features (e.g., complex BI) may require external tools

Saltcorn is a good fit when you want Airtable/Retool-style speed while keeping data in your own SQL database and retaining the option to extend functionality in code. Its plugin system and RBAC make it practical for real-world internal applications beyond simple CRUD prototypes.