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Foam VS Zim Wiki

Compare Foam VS Zim Wiki and see what are their differences

Foam logo Foam

Personal knowledge management and sharing on VSCode & GitHub

Zim Wiki logo Zim Wiki

Zim is a graphical text editor used to maintain a collection of wiki pages. Each page can contain links to other pages, simple formatting and images.
  • Foam Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-06-28
  • Zim Wiki Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-03

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.

Zim Wiki features and specs

  • Offline Accessibility
    Zim Wiki is a desktop application, which means all your data is stored locally on your computer. This allows you to access and edit your notes without needing an internet connection.
  • Simple Interface
    The interface of Zim Wiki is clean and simple, making it easy to use even for beginners. It also supports keyboard shortcuts for more efficient note-taking.
  • Rich Formatting Options
    Zim Wiki provides extensive formatting options, including rich text, images, links, and various forms of media. This makes it flexible for different types of note-taking.
  • Backlinking
    Zim Wiki supports backlinks, which allows you to easily create a network of interconnected notes, similar to a personal knowledge base or a personal wiki.
  • Cross-Platform
    Zim Wiki is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile option for users on different platforms.

Possible disadvantages of Zim Wiki

  • No Native Mobile App
    Zim Wiki does not have a dedicated mobile application, which limits accessibility on smartphones and tablets.
  • Limited Collaboration Features
    There are no built-in collaboration features, so it's not ideal for team projects or sharing notes in real-time.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functions are easy to use, the more advanced features can be challenging to learn and may require reading additional documentation.
  • Manual Syncing
    Unlike cloud-based note-taking applications, you need to manually handle file syncing if you want to use Zim Wiki across multiple devices.
  • No Cloud Backup
    Without built-in cloud storage options, users need to manually backup their notes to prevent data loss.

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 Zim Wiki

Overall verdict

  • Zim Wiki is generally considered a good tool for individuals looking for a simple, efficient way to organize notes and information locally. It offers a balance of simplicity and powerful features that can satisfy a wide range of users' needs, from students to professionals.

Why this product is good

  • Zim Wiki is a versatile desktop wiki application that allows users to effortlessly organize information using a notebook-like interface. Its simplicity and ability to integrate text, images, and other media make it a powerful tool for note-taking, project management, and personal information management. Users appreciate its offline capabilities, the ability to create hierarchical structures, and its support for plugins that extend its functionality. The application is also open-source, which attracts users who value transparency and customizability.

Recommended for

    Zim Wiki is recommended for students, writers, researchers, and professionals who want a straightforward yet powerful tool for organizing their notes and managing projects. It is particularly suited for those who prefer a local application that doesn't rely on cloud services and who appreciate the ability to work offline with an open-source solution.

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

Zim Wiki videos

Zim Wiki FavoriteFeatures from ProductiveLinux

More videos:

  • Review - Toma nota de todo con Zim Wiki

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Foam and Zim Wiki)
Note Taking
27 27%
73% 73
Knowledge Base
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100
Knowledge Management
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 Zim Wiki

Foam Reviews

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Zim Wiki Reviews

8 Free Note Taking Software For Windows โ€“ Evernote Alternatives
Zim is a graphical text editor used to maintain a collection of wiki pages. Each page can contain links to other pages, simple formatting and images. Pages are stored in a folder structure, like in an outliner, and can have attachments. Creating a new page is as easy as linking to a nonexistent page. All data is stored in plain text files with wiki formatting. Various...
Ask HN: Favorite note-taking software?
One problem is that some notes tend to become spread out and somewhat chaotic, especially when having to multitask under time pressure. Many notes taken have little if any value after some weeks or months so I don't pay much attention to strict discipline there. Zim is essentially a somewhat messy lab journal intended for myself.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zim Wiki should be more popular than Foam. It has been mentiond 124 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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Zim Wiki mentions (124)

  • Less is safer: how Obsidian reduces the risk of supply chain attacks
    An alternative for those who want a native application and/or even less supply-chain risk is Zim [1], which uses GTK and is packaged by the major Linux distributions. [1] https://zim-wiki.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 14 days ago
  • PKM apps need to get better at resurfacing information
    Lots of Obsidian talk here. As someone who started with the OG https://zim-wiki.org, I tried Obsidian and never found it compelling enough to switch. I did, however, with Logseq. On the surface they're deeply similar -- but Logseq's native handling of outlines -- including collapsing and and expanding on the fly (org-mode does this as well, but you know) is absolutely killer. It's the first one to kind of reliably... - Source: Hacker News / 27 days ago
  • The easiest way to build a website with Markdown
    Or, just use https://zim-wiki.org like I have for well over a decade. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Show HN: Turn Markdown into React/Svelte/Vue UI at runtime, zero build step
    Meanwhile, I'm over here going from https://zim-wiki.org -> HTML Plus a little rsync script. Hard for me to not look at this and find it all very silly. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Why and How I use "Org Mode" for my writing and more
    FWIW, I ended up doing a lot of org-mode-like things by starting with https://zim-wiki.org a VERY long time ago; I use it for notes, scheduling, publishing my own website, and even slides with the s5 thing. Somewhere in there, I gave org-mode 2 or so years and eventually gave it up entirely; it just really plays SO un-nicely with literally everything else. Anyone else looking for this sort of thing, I'd probably... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Foam and Zim Wiki, 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.

OneNote - Get the OneNote app for free on your tablet, phone, and computer, so you can capture your ideas and to-do lists in one place wherever you are. Or try OneNote with Office for free.

Logseq - Logseq is a local-first, non-linear, outliner notebook for organizing and sharing your personal knowledge base.

Evernote - Bring your life's work together in one digital workspace. Evernote is the place to collect inspirational ideas, write meaningful words, and move your important projects forward.

Roam Research - A note-taking tool for networked thought

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.