Foam
Open-source knowledge management in Visual Studio Code
At a glance
- Editor scoreNot yet scored
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers using Markdown and Git workflows
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Offline accessYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Wikilinks, backlinks, graphs, embeds, and block anchors connect ideas.
- Local Markdown workspaces support offline access and Git-based workflows.
- Publishes notes to static sites through a broad developer ecosystem.
Where it doesn't
- No hosted mobile app; mobile access relies on third-party workflows.
- Its Visual Studio Code foundation is less suited to general-purpose note-taking.
- The free model offers no paid tier with additional capabilities.
Our verdict on Foam
Foam is a free, open-source personal knowledge management and note-taking system built around Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and local Markdown files. It suits developers, technical writers, researchers, and other individuals who prefer files they can edit, version, connect, and publish rather than a hosted workspace. Wikilinks with autocomplete, backlinks, graph visualization, tags, daily notes, templates, note embedding, and block anchors provide a structured way to build a personal knowledge base.
The strongest fit comes from Foam’s developer-oriented ecosystem. Visual Studio Code is central, while GitHub, GitHub Pages, GitLab Pages, Vercel, Netlify, Azure DevOps Wiki, Gatsby, GitJournal, and VS Code Live Share are listed integrations. Foam CLI supports workspace management, and notes can be published to static sites. That combination makes the product suitable for documentation, research repositories, technical notes, and knowledge that should remain close to source control. Offline access, local workspaces, note sharing, and real-time collaboration are also listed capabilities.
Foam’s scope is deliberately focused: connected Markdown knowledge management inside a developer tool. Its free model keeps the product straightforward, with no plan choices to compare, while the open-source foundation favors extensibility and file ownership. The trade-off is that its Visual Studio Code-centered workflow may feel specialized for people seeking a broader note-taking environment, and it does not provide a hosted mobile app. Choose Foam if Markdown, Git workflows, backlinks, and publishing matter most. Consider another note-taking app if you want a hosted mobile experience or a less technical workspace.
Foam pricing
Foam fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Supported platforms | windows, macos, linux |
| Note sharing | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Integrations | Visual Studio Code, GitHub, GitHub Pages, GitLab Pages, Vercel, Netlify, Azure DevOps Wiki, Gatsby, GitJournal, VS Code Live Share |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Visual Studio Code, GitHub, GitHub Pages, GitLab Pages, Vercel, Netlify … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | docs.foam.md |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Foam integrations
Foam lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Visual Studio Code
- GitHub
- GitHub Pages
- GitLab Pages
- Vercel
- Netlify
- Azure DevOps Wiki
- Gatsby
- GitJournal
- VS Code Live Share
Alternatives to Foam
- Microsoft OneNoteA broad, collaborative note system with strong Microsoft integration and a capable free option.9.0
- NotionA flexible workspace for teams that want notes and knowledge bases alongside databases and collaboration.9.0
- EvernoteA broad note-taking workspace for organizing information, tasks, calendars, and documents.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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