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Foam VS Logseq

Compare Foam VS Logseq and see what are their differences

Foam logo Foam

Personal knowledge management and sharing on VSCode & GitHub

Logseq logo Logseq

Logseq is a local-first, non-linear, outliner notebook for organizing and sharing your personal knowledge base.
  • Foam Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-06-28
  • Logseq Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-10-15

Foam features and specs

  • 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 of Foam

  • 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.

Logseq features and specs

  • Bidirectional Linking
    Logseq allows users to easily create bidirectional links between notes, enhancing organization and navigation through related information.
  • Graph View
    The graph view provides a visual representation of how notes are interconnected, helping users see the bigger picture of their knowledge network.
  • Markdown Support
    Logseq supports Markdown, making it easy to format notes and write in a widely-used plain text format.
  • Local Storage
    Notes are stored locally, giving users full control over their data and enhancing privacy and security.
  • Customizable Workflows
    Users can customize their workflows with plugins and templates to suit their specific needs and preferences.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, Logseq invites community contributions and ensures more transparency in development and issue resolution.
  • Task Management
    Logseq integrates task management features, such as to-do lists and scheduling, directly within notes, improving productivity.

Possible disadvantages of Logseq

  • Learning Curve
    New users may find Logseq's extensive features and unique workflow approach challenging to learn without dedicated time and effort.
  • Sync Complexity
    While storing notes locally is a pro for privacy, it requires additional tools or manual methods to sync notes across multiple devices.
  • Mobile App Limitations
    The mobile version of Logseq is still in development, meaning it may lack some features and fluidity found in the desktop version.
  • Resource Intensive
    Logseq can consume considerable system resources, particularly when dealing with large datasets or extensive use of graph view.
  • Community Dependency
    As an open-source project, certain features may rely on community contributions, which could lead to inconsistent updates or support.
  • Customization Complexity
    While high customization is a benefit, it can become overwhelming and complex to manage for users who prefer a more straightforward tool.

Analysis of Foam

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

Analysis of Logseq

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Logseq is generally considered a good tool, particularly for individuals seeking a robust, free-form method of organizing notes and knowledge that goes beyond traditional hierarchical models.

Why this product is good

  • Logseq is a versatile tool for managing notes and knowledge using a graph-based interface similar to networked thought processing. It offers features like linked references, back-linking, and support for Markdown and org-mode, making it a valuable tool for those who value interconnected note-taking. Its open-source nature ensures constant community-driven improvements and transparency, encouraging a strong user community.

Recommended for

  • Students and researchers who manage a large volume of interconnected notes.
  • Professionals who require a flexible and dynamic knowledge management system.
  • Writers and content creators looking for a tool to visualize ideas and concepts.
  • Tech enthusiasts and developers who appreciate open-source software.

Foam videos

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

More videos:

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

Logseq videos

Logseq - A Roam Research Alternative for Notes / PKM / To Do / Journal

More videos:

  • Review - How I use Logseq Daily - A Roam Research Alternative for Notes / PKM / To Do / Journal
  • Review - Logseq Update Video - A Roam Research Alternative for Notes / PKM / To Do / Journal

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Foam and Logseq)
Note Taking
20 20%
80% 80
Knowledge Base
31 31%
69% 69
Knowledge Management
14 14%
86% 86
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Foam and Logseq

Foam Reviews

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Logseq Reviews

The 5 Best Open Source Miro Alternatives in 2024
Logseq is a powerful and advanced tool for thought that has been gaining attention among note-taking enthusiasts and productivity seekers. In this article, we will provide an overview of Logseq, explore what users can do with the tool, and highlight its strengths and weaknesses compared to Miro, another popular tool in the note-taking and organization space.
Source: affine.pro
Supercharge Your Productivity: Three Recommended Tools for Thought
Outliners (think Workflowy, Roam, Logseq) rely on blocks and indentation for primary connections, and references to other blocks or pages for richer links. Theyโ€™re optimized for capturing quick thinking.
Source: medium.com
Logseq vs Roam Research vs Obsidian: which one should you choose?
Refined user interface: Logseq offers a refined user interface that is easy to understand and pleasing to the eyes. On the other hand, Obsidian looks like a jumble of various UI elements which are hard to figure out and look daunting. Logseq wins this round for me, hands down. โ€“ The only reason to choose Obsidianโ€™s user interface over Logseqโ€™s is that the former is far more...
Source: medium.com
Best 5 Obsidian Alternatives
Logseq is an open-source outliner application that makes it easy to write, organize and share your thoughts and to-do lists thanks to the ability to create and edit plain-text Markdown and Org-mode files. This means that your data is locally stored and yours forever and that it can be edited with any tools supporting those formats.
Obsidian vs. Roam vs. LogSeq: Which PKM App is Right For You?
While LogSeq and Roam function very similarly, LogSeq isnโ€™t quite as refined. Thereโ€™s a lot of thought that went into Roamโ€™s simple interface, and while we appreciate that LogSeq is trying to push things forward in specific areas (like the addition of a Journals page), it doesnโ€™t feel quite as smooth.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Logseq should be more popular than Foam. It has been mentiond 295 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Foam mentions (48)

  • 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 https://foambubble.github.io/foam/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • I Use Obsidian
    I gave up on Obsidian and just use Foam (https://foambubble.github.io/foam/) and/or vimwiki. I just canโ€™t get into overwrought, arbitrarily designed organization schemes or proprietary apps (Foam-managed content is just plain Markdown, so I can easily do without itโ€”it provides the absolute bare minimum for easy linking of notes without proprietary markup). - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Use a Work Journal to Recover Focus Faster and Clarify Your Thoughts
    If you're interested in an open-source, free equivalent, check out VSCodium (open-source version of VSCode), and FOAM (VSCode plugin - https://foambubble.github.io/foam/). In a new project, create a `docs/` folder, and start with `docs/notes.md`. When you want to branch out to other files & links, you can type [[MyTopic]] and FOAM will automatically create MyTopic.md, and will allow you to click on the link and... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Vscode setup with Foam and Logseq for Digital Note Taking
    Source: (1) A personal knowledge management and sharing system for VSCode - Foam. https://foambubble.github.io/foam/. (2) A personal knowledge management and sharing system for VSCode. https://github.com/foambubble/foam. (3) Loam - Visual Studio Marketplace. https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ciceroisback.loam. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Request: VSCode extension that allows users to edit .cavas files
    Foam[0], memo[1], Markdown Memo[2], md-graph[3] file/directory display plugin [4] ----- misc related links: https://forum.obsidian.md/t/obsidian-vscode-editor-elevate-your-code-editing-experience-in-obsidian/69057/2 https://forum.obsidian.md/t/vs-code-plugin-the-best-of-both-worlds/6358 https://jukkaniiranen.com/2022/01/canvas-app-source-code-editing-with-vs-code-in-your-browser/... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
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Logseq mentions (295)

  • A live catalog of Logseq plugins, by @rudifa
    Logseq is a personal knowledge management and note-taking application. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Obsidian, Notion, Logseq?! The note-taking stack that doesnโ€™t suck for devs
    Logseq (Markdown outliner + journal): https://logseq.com. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Obsidian Bases
    What do you think of Logseq or SiYuan? Logseq[1] is also markdown based but also has a block approach. [1]: https://logseq.com/ [2]: https://github.com/siyuan-note/siyuan SiYuan[2] is more similar to Notion, but self-hostable. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Show HN: Ephe โ€“ A Minimalist Open-Source Markdown Paper for Today
    I have been using Logseq [1] for this. It displays all days in a list view that you can scroll down, which I prefer. [1]: https://logseq.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Ditching Obsidian and building my own
    I don't understand the negative concerns mentioned by the author. It's quite easy to sync notes to your mobile device using a free method, or using a cloud service you might already be paying for [4]. The great thing about Obsidian is that the notes itself are just markdown files, so you can use them in any other program. This protects you as a user in case Obsidian enters a enshittification phase. A good... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

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

Obsidian.md - A second brain, for you, forever. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.

Roam Research - A note-taking tool for networked thought

Notion - All-in-one workspace. One tool for your whole team. Write, plan, and get organized.

TiddlyWiki - a non-linear personal web notebook

Joplin - Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.

Nuclino - Nuclino works like a collective brain, helping teams bring all their knowledge, docs, and projects together in one place. It's a modern, simple, and blazingly fast way to collaborate.