Heptabase

Active

Country: Taiwan (TW)
Founded: 2022
Developer: Heptabase Inc. (Taiwan)
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Web

Indexes

Mind Mapping Note-Taking PKM/Second Brain

Overview

Heptabase is a visual note-taking software designed for students, researchers, and lifelong learners to learn and research complex topics by building a connected knowledge base using cards, whiteboards, and tags.¹³ It organizes notes, highlights, PDFs, and ideas into a knowledge network accessible via a browser-like interface, emphasizing understanding over mere note collection, with AI chat features for context-aware assistance.³

Key Features

Cards - Store knowledge, ideas, notes, and highlights from sources.
Whiteboards - Visualize and clarify knowledge structures and thinking flows.
Knowledge Network - Connect cards, whiteboards, and tags into a browsable network.
PDF Support - Read, highlight, and annotate PDFs directly in the app.
AI Chat & Actions - Interact with AI using personal knowledge context for editing and insights.
Mobile Access - Full access to cards, journals, and whiteboards on iOS and Android.
Global Search - Search across the entire knowledge base like a browser tool.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free Trial	Free	Limited access to core features during trial period.
Pro	Paid subscription (details on site)	Full access to all features, AI tools, unlimited storage, and mobile apps.

Platforms & Requirements

Heptabase runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and web browsers, with mobile apps providing full access to cards, journals, and whiteboards.²⁴ Minimum requirements align with standard app store specs; desktop versions offer complete functionality including PDF reader.⁵ Mobile has ongoing enhancements like PDF annotation and AI tutor.⁵

Integrations & Ecosystem

PDF import and annotation
AI chat with personal context
Mobile sync across devices
Export capabilities (not specified)
Web-based access
Highlight import from sources

Alternatives

App	Difference
Obsidian	Markdown-based with local files and plugins, less visual whiteboard focus.
Roam Research	Block-based bi-directional linking, web-only without native mobile apps.
Notion	Database-centric all-in-one workspace, more general-purpose than topic-focused visual learning.
Logseq	Open-source outliner with graph views, emphasizes privacy and local storage.

Reputation

Heptabase is perceived as a powerful visual note-taking tool for complex learning and research, praised for its whiteboard, card system, and PDF handling that aid deep understanding.²⁶ Users appreciate mobile full access and AI integration, though some note it's subscription-based without free tier beyond trial.⁵ Ongoing roadmap shows active development, but lacks widespread reviews indicating it's niche among PKM users.⁵⁸

Sources (8)