Document and diagram tools with open-source options and clearer data boundaries.
A local-first encrypted workspace for notes, databases and shared spaces with optional peer-to-peer synchronization and self-hosting.
An open-source collaborative workspace with documents, databases, boards, local data, cloud synchronization, and self-hosted deployment options.
An open-source suite for end-to-end encrypted collaborative documents, spreadsheets, forms, whiteboards and shared drives.
A free open-source diagram editor that can save files locally or to storage providers selected by the user.
An open-source virtual whiteboard for hand-drawn-style diagrams, with local editing and optional encrypted collaboration.
An open-source note and to-do application that stores data locally and can synchronize through user-selected services or Joplin Cloud.
A free open-source desktop office suite for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, formulas, and databases.
An open-source local-first outliner and knowledge base that works with user-controlled Markdown or Org-mode data.
An open-source self-hosted collaboration platform for files, communication, groupware, and extensible applications.
An open-source zero-knowledge notes application with end-to-end encrypted synchronization and optional self-hosting.
An office-suite family with desktop, mobile, hosted, and self-hosted document-editing and collaboration products.
An open-source self-hosted document-management system for scanning, OCR, classification, search and archival.
Privacy-focused browser PDF tool for merging, reordering and compressing PDFs locally on your device. Files stay on your device, no account is required, and exports have no waterma
A cross-platform notes application that encrypts notes and files on the user's device before synchronization.
An open-core PDF toolbox that can run as a desktop application or on a private self-hosted server.
Document work often mixes editing, storage, collaboration, and export. This collection highlights tools where source availability is open or source-available and the primary job is documents, notes, diagrams, or office files, allowing teams and individuals to inspect, self-host, or run software with clearer ownership of the stack.
Open source improves auditability and deployment choice; it does not guarantee that your files stay local. Many open document tools still sync to servers you or a host operate. Use this collection to shortlist inspectable tools, then compare processing, storage, and account requirements per product.
Membership is curated against the rules below. It is not an automatic filter and does not grant review or verification status.
Explore other curated privacy shortlists and inclusion criteria.
Tools that never upload your files
47 productsSoftware that can complete core workflows without uploading your files to a vendor server.
Private software for freelancers
43 productsPractical privacy-aware tools for client documents, media, and everyday independent work.
Local alternatives to popular AI products
6 productsTools that run models on hardware you control instead of requiring a cloud chat provider.
