I replaced Notion, Miro, and Trello with one open-source app that surprised me

Published Nov 1, 2026, 5:01 PM EST Parth, a seasoned tech writer, wields the keyboard (or pen) with finesse to unravel the intricacies of both Windows and Mac operating systems. He has covered evergreen content on mobile devices and computers for multiple publications over the last six years. You can find his work on AndroidPolice, GuidingTech and TechWiser. Whether it’s demystifying system updates, deciphering error codes, or exploring hidden features, Parth’s prose guides readers through the binary maze. When not immersed in tech jargon, you’ll find him sipping chai, pondering the next software review, and occasionally indulging in a friendly debate about mechanical keyboards. I have always liked the idea of having a single workspace for everything, but somehow, my productivity setup ended up across multiple apps. I relied on Notion to organize information and manage databases, Miro to brainstorm ideas on an infinite canvas, and Trello to keep my projects moving. I wanted something that combined the best of all three, and that’s when I came across AFFiNE, an open-source productivity platform with a unique approach to managing information. What is AFFiNE, and why did I try it? One workspace with three different personalities I have always been fascinated by all-in-one productivity apps, especially those that promise to simplify my workflow without forcing me to sacrifice essential features. I tried Capacities, Obsidian, Anytype, Roam Research, and more, but AFFiNE immediately caught my attention. It’s an open-source, local-first productivity platform that combines note-taking, project management, databases, and visual brainstorming into a single workspace. You can think of it as a combination of Notion, Miro, and Trello, with the added flexibility of self-hosting. It also offers a unique approach to managing information. AFFiNE offers a block-based document editor, an infinite canvas called Edgeless Mode, and databases with multiple views, including Kanban boards. As someone who regularly works with article drafts, research notes, project timelines, and brainstorming sessions, I was intrigued by the possibilities. AFFiNE's support for offline work and greater control over my data was another compelling reason to give it a shot. AFFiNE replaced Notion for my everyday work Documents and databases under one roof The first thing I wanted to test was whether AFFiNE could replace Notion for my everyday note-taking and information management. After all, Notion has been my go-to workspace for organizing research, maintaining project documentation, and managing content ideas. Thankfully, AFFiNE felt familiar right from the start. It comes with a block-based editor where I can insert headings, bullet points, checklists, images, code blocks, and other elements. I appreciate the Markdown shortcuts and slash commands, which make formatting documents quick and effortless. I can also rearrange blocks using drag-and-drop instead of constantly cutting and pasting content. For example, I created a dedicated workspace for my writing projects, with separate pages for article ideas, research notes, and ongoing assignments. AFFiNE’s linked pages and backlinks help me connect related information, while Collections make it easier to organize documents without creating endless folders. The database functionality was another pleasant surprise. I can create structured tables to organize my article pipeline, assign properties, and keep relevant information in one place. AFFiNE may not match Notion’s advanced database capabilities or templates ecosystem, but for writing, research, and everyday knowledge management, it covers most of what I actually use. I no longer need Miro for brainstorming Let me introduce you to the Edgeless Mode Miro has always been one of my favorite tools for brainstorming because sometimes a traditional document simply isn’t enough to organize my thoughts. I like spreading ideas across an infinite canvas, connecting related concepts, and visualizing the bigger picture before starting a project. To my surprise, AFFiNE manages to deliver a similar experience through its Edgeless Mode. It is very well implemented and has a neat UI with tons of elements to choose from. I can add shapes, text, images, connectors, and freehand drawings. I can freely arrange these elements, group related ideas, and create visual workflows without worrying about running out of space. For example, when I am brainstorming ideas for an upcoming article, I start by placing the main topic at the center of my canvas. I then create branches for potential sections, research points, screenshots, and other details. What sets AFFiNE apart is how closely its whiteboard integrates with the document editor. I can switch between Page Mode and Edgeless Mode to approach the same content from different perspectives. Trello was the easiest app to replace Kanban boards keep my projects moving Of the three apps I wanted to replace, Trello was probably the easiest one to let go of. I mainly need a visual way to organize projects, track deadlines, and see what’s currently on my plate. AFFiNE handles them without breaking a sweat. Its built-in database functionality supports Kanban and table views, which means I can manage projects in whichever format makes the most sense. For instance, I can create an editorial workflow with five columns: Ideas, Research, Writing, Editing, and Published. Each article gets its own card, and I can simply drag it between columns as the work progresses. It naturally fits into the rest of AFFiNE. My research notes, article drafts, and brainstorming sessions remain in the same document. One app to replace them all I didn’t expect a single open-source app to replace three of the most established productivity tools, but AFFiNE surprised me. It may not match every advanced feature of Notion, Miro, or Trello, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker for my everyday needs. The local-first approach and self-hosting flexibility make the package even more appealing. If you are tired of juggling multiple productivity apps and want to simplify your setup, AFFiNE deserves a spot on your shortlist. AFFiNE AFFiNE is an open-source knowledge management tool out there.