Software Alternatives & Startups

Deckboard VS Foam

Compare Deckboard VS Foam and see what are their differences

Deckboard

Deckboard helps you create macros for Windows PC and launch them on your phone.

Foam

Personal knowledge management and sharing on VSCode & GitHub

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Foam should be more popular than Deckboard. It has been mentioned 49 times since March 2021.

social mentions
7 vs 49
Office & Productivity popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
39 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Deckboard
Foam
Website deckboard.app foambubble.github.io
Pricing —
Open source
Company — Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Deckboard 5 features
Foam 6 features
  • Customizable Interface
    Deckboard allows users to set up a highly customizable interface, enabling shortcuts and commands tailored to individual workflow needs.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The app supports Windows and Android, providing cross-platform functionality that can cater to a wider range of users.
  • Intuitive Design
    Deckboard offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate design, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Affordable
    Compared to other similar tools, Deckboard is relatively affordable, offering good value for its features.
  • Plugin Support
    The app supports plugins, allowing for extended functionality and integration with other applications or services.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to Windows and Android
    Currently, Deckboard is limited to Windows and Android platforms, excluding users on macOS and iOS.
  • Requires Setup Time
    Initial setup can be time-consuming as users need to create and organize their preferred shortcuts for optimal use.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its intuitive design, new users may experience a learning curve in understanding and utilizing the app's full potential.
  • Dependency on Network Connection
    Deckboard relies on a stable network connection between devices, which could be a limitation in environments with poor connectivity.
  • Open Source
    Foam is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use and allows for community-driven development and contributions. Users can modify the source code to fit their specific needs.
  • Markdown Support
    Foam uses Markdown, a lightweight and easy-to-read syntax, making it simple to create and manage notes. This also allows for easy integration with other Markdown-based tools and platforms.
  • Integration with Visual Studio Code
    Foam is designed to work seamlessly with Visual Studio Code (VS Code). This provides users with a powerful and familiar text editor environment, complete with extensions and customization options.
  • Graph View
    Foam includes a graph visualization feature that helps users see and navigate the relationships between their notes, making it easier to understand and manage complex information.
  • Bidirectional Links
    Foam supports bidirectional links, allowing users to create connections between notes in both directions. This enhances the note-taking experience by enabling a more interconnected and dynamic information structure.
  • Community and Documentation
    Foam has a growing community of users and contributors, as well as comprehensive documentation. This support network helps users troubleshoot issues, share tips, and improve their knowledge of the tool.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to VS Code
    Foam relies on Visual Studio Code as its primary environment. Users who prefer different text editors or platforms might find this limitation restrictive and less convenient.
  • Learning Curve
    Although Foam leverages Markdown, users may still face a learning curve, especially if they are not familiar with VS Code or the specific features and extensions required to maximize Foam's capabilities.
  • Performance with Large Datasets
    Foam can struggle with performance issues when handling large datasets or a high number of notes. This can lead to slow response times and inefficient workflows.
  • Limited Mobile Support
    Foam is primarily designed for desktop use within VS Code, which means that mobile support is limited. Users looking for a seamless cross-platform experience might find this aspect lacking.
  • Customization Complexity
    While Foam offers a high degree of customization, setting up and configuring the tool to meet personal preferences and workflows can be complex and time-consuming for some users.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Deckboard
Foam

No analysis of Deckboard yet.

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Foam is a good tool for those seeking an open-source environment for note-taking and knowledge management, particularly if they appreciate an approach based on markdown files and integration within a powerful text editor like Visual Studio Code. Its flexibility and user-driven customization make it suitable for users who enjoy tweaking and optimizing their workspace according to their workflow.

Why this product is good

  • Foam is a personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, offering an open-source solution built on top of Visual Studio Code. It provides users with capabilities to create and interlink notes using markdown files, offering flexibility and customization suited to personal preferences. Foam supports features like backlinking, graph visualization of notes, and integration with VS Code extensions, making it a robust tool for managing interconnected information effectively.

Recommended for

  • Individuals preferring markdown-based note-taking systems
  • Developers familiar with Visual Studio Code
  • Users who appreciate open-source software and community-driven projects
  • People interested in managing complex, interconnected knowledge bases

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Deckboard 3 videos + Add
Foam 3 videos + Add

Getting Started In Streaming Deckboard Setup Guide #livestream #streamdeck #deckboard

More videos

  • - Deckboard tutorial
  • - THE BEST FREE STREAM DECK ALTERNATIVES ►► Touch Portal and Deckboard Review

These panels DESTROYED my STUDIO....REVERB? - ArrowZoom Foam Review

More videos

  • - Arrowzoom Foam Review
  • - Ryobi Foam Blaster VS. Amazon Foam Cannon | Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Deckboard
Foam
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Deckboard and Foam. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Deckboard 5.0 · 1 review
Foam no reviews yet
  • Really helpful
    SaaSHub review
    · Nov 2024

    The OBS support really works! Just like stream deck

We have no reviews of Foam yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Deckboard 7 mentions
Foam 49 mentions
  • Use Surface Pro 4 as Input Switcher
    I've looked at OBS Remote and macrodeck.org, deckboard.app, but these are all for changing scenes on the same device. I'd like something similar to a Crestron switch panel, but on my Surface Pro 4 instead. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Is making the switch from SLOBS to OBS a good idea?
    Also, if you do not have an Elgato Stream Deck, it has way more compatibility with Deckboard and MacroDeck (apps that let you use your phone as a Stream Deck). Source: over 3 years ago
  • Does anyone know of a macro Pad that works with concepts on android?
    Https://deckboard.app/ I've been meaning to try this software. It turns your phone into a macro board. But you have to install client software to get it to run. I'm wondering if the Linux version of the client would work on a Samsung... Source: over 3 years ago

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  • AI Coding Tip 020 - Create a Second Brain
    Choose a local Markdown tool like Obsidian, Logseq, Foam, or Tolaria to store all your knowledge as plain .md files you own and control. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Migrating from DokuWiki to Obsidian
    I've been using foam instead of obsidian for my personal knowledge base. It works rather well. And it's completely free and ultimately just markdown. While I might wish it was djot, I don't wish hard enough to make that so myself... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • I Use Obsidian
    I gave up on Obsidian and just use Foam (https://foambubble.github.io/foam/) and/or vimwiki. I just can’t get into overwrought, arbitrarily designed organization schemes or proprietary apps (Foam-managed content is just plain Markdown,... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago

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Alternatives to Deckboard and Foam

When comparing Deckboard and Foam, you can also consider the following products.