BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building web applications. It is intended for editing experiences in knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors and internal tools. A ready-made animated interface and block-based document structure provide a starting point, while developers can add custom block types, customize menus or build their own UI. The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its real-time collaboration uses Yjs. Listed providers include Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket and y-webrtc; documentation also lists y-indexeddb for offline storage. BlockNote imports and exports its JSON format and HTML, while conversions to standard HTML and Markdown are marked lossy. XL packages add AI integration, multi-column layouts and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT and email. Closed-source use of XL packages requires a commercial license. The Community plan is free and includes all blocks and UI components, drag-and-drop editing and real-time collaboration; XL packages are free for OSS under GPL-3.0. Business is $195.00 per month, billed yearly.
Who it is for
BlockNote suits developers building web-based editors for knowledge bases, notes, documents or internal tools who want a block-based foundation they can customize.
What is good
- Open-source editor with a ready-made UI
- Supports custom block types and menus
- Real-time collaboration uses Yjs
- No limits listed for documents or users
- Free Community plan includes real-time collaboration
What to know first
- Standard HTML and Markdown conversions are lossy
- Closed-source XL use requires a commercial license
- Business plan is billed yearly
Verdict
BlockNote offers a customizable editor foundation with collaboration and offline-storage options. Developers should account for lossy standard-format conversions and the commercial license requirement for closed-source XL use.
BlockNote plans and pricing
All plansCompared on rich text editor software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- $195/mo
- Deployment
- self_hosted
- Framework support
- React, Next.js, vanilla JavaScript, Mantine, Shadcn, Ariakit
- Structured content
- Yes
- Real-time collaboration
- Yes
- Table editing
- Yes
- Media handling
- Images, video, audio, and file blocks with configurable file uploads
