Notion is a powerful tool for organizing information and managing data. Many users run their entire digital lives through it, but issues like slow load times and limited offline functionality can be frustrating. Its block-based editor is one of the most sophisticated in the field, and the database capabilities are nearly unmatched, which is why many people rely on it for everything from work projects to personal organization.
One user's main Notion workspace has grown over the years and now takes longer to open. Pages with linked databases add pause, and Notion suggests splitting large pages to improve performance. Offline mode is also problematic for many users. For example, the user mentioned that their dashboard page, with several linked databases, takes a moment to load each time, which may seem trivial but becomes a significant annoyance when repeated hundreds of times a week. According to Notion's help center, performance degrades as databases expand with more rows, properties, and complex filters. There's even a cap at 250,000 rows before the system stops saving changes entirely. The recommended solutions include reducing the number of database features being used, which feels counterintuitive for someone paying for those features.
Self-hosting AppFlowy is straightforward
AppFlowy is an open-source tool that acts as a block-based editor and database system similar to Notion. What makes it unique is the ability to self-host it, so data resides on the user's own machine. This gives users more control over their data and eliminates the performance and offline limitations that Notion users often face. For those looking to maintain the Notion-like interface while avoiding the downsides, AppFlowy offers a viable alternative.
Setting up AppFlowy involves installing Docker Desktop, cloning a GitHub repository, and running a few commands. Within minutes, the system runs at localhost, allowing users to create and manage data locally. The setup is designed to be user-friendly, making the transition easy for those who may not have extensive technical skills. The process requires installing Docker Desktop, which manages the container setup in the background. After cloning the AppFlowy Cloud repository from GitHub, users create an environment file and launch Docker Compose with a single command. Within a few minutes, ten containers are pulled and started, running the system on the user's machine.
Unlike Notion, AppFlowy does not depend on remote servers for speed or data access. Pages open instantly, and there are no delays when loading large databases or complex views. This is because the data is stored locally, eliminating the need to wait for server requests to load content. The user reported not encountering any lag or delays when working with dense pages or large databases, making the experience significantly more efficient compared to their previous setup with Notion.
User experience and interface similarities
AppFlowy's interface is close enough to Notion that users can switch without a steep learning curve. Slash commands, block types, and drag-and-drop functionality all behave similarly. For those moving from Notion, the familiar layout and features allow for a smooth transition without the need to relearn the basics. This means that muscle memory, such as creating blocks, applying formatting, and navigating through pages, transfers easily to the AppFlowy environment.
Databases in AppFlowy offer grid, board, calendar, and document views. While not as feature-rich as Notion's, they handle the fundamentals well and work smoothly for large data sets. The user noted that databases in AppFlowy are a bit simpler compared to Notion's, but they function well for most common use cases. This includes sorting, filtering, and organizing data in different views, which are essential features for managing complex projects or information.
For personal use, AppFlowy requires no extra configuration like SMTP or custom certificates. However, for team setups, these features are needed for invites and login. The official documentation includes detailed instructions on setting up additional features for team environments. For example, users planning to invite others would need to configure SMTP for email handling. Additionally, enabling third-party login options and setting up SSL certificates is necessary if the system is to be accessed over the internet. For those using AppFlowy for personal needs, these extra configurations are unnecessary, but they are essential for scaling the tool to support multiple users or a collaborative environment.