SilverBullet

Overview

SilverBullet is a Markdown knowledge system for notes, documentation, and shared wikis. It suits people who want portable files and the choice to keep them on their own computer or server. Its best case is linking personal knowledge with optional team collaboration; people who want a fully managed service without hosting decisions may prefer a simpler fit.

Key features

Each space is a folder of plain Markdown files that can be opened in other editors and moved between a computer, a personal server, or a hosting provider. That gives users direct control over their material and keeps it usable outside SilverBullet, though it also means they must decide where it lives.

The editor brings together live preview, tasks, templates, a daily journal, outlining, Vim mode, comments, and support for images, PDFs, audio, and video. Wiki links, linked mentions, transclusions, tags, and live queries help connect and retrieve material across a space. The object graph is experimental, so it is better treated as an extra than as the basis of a workflow.

Space Lua can add commands, widgets, and automations, while Space Style allows CSS customization. These features give technically inclined users room to shape a workspace around their process; shared libraries are still beta. GitHub is the listed integration.

The server supports accounts, shared spaces, comments, @-mentions with a Mention Inbox, and edits that appear to teammates as they happen. SilverBullet also works offline in modern desktop and mobile browsers, can be installed as a PWA, and syncs offline changes after reconnection. The maker says there are no trackers or telemetry, and the server encrypts the browser’s local copy on shared devices.

Pricing

SilverBullet offers free options for personal use and self-hosting, plus paid hosted and work-use plans. The free choices suit people willing to manage their own setup; the paid options reduce that burden or cover work use.

The free desktop plan is limited to personal use and education, while the free Server plan requires self-hosting. The paid plans cover hosted deployment or work use. No trial terms are given for these plans.

Platforms

SilverBullet supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and self-hosting. Browser access and PWA installation extend it to desktop and mobile use, while offline work helps when a connection drops; changes sync once service returns.

Who it's for

SilverBullet is a strong fit for people who want Markdown files they can keep and move, and who value links, queries, and customization alongside writing tools. It can serve personal notes, product documentation, family spaces, or a team wiki. Self-hosting makes the free multi-user option attractive to teams with the capacity to run a server. Those who want managed hosting can pay for PikaPods; work users can choose Desktop Pro.

It is less compelling for someone who wants every part of the experience fully managed, or who would rather avoid making storage and hosting choices. Users who need a mature shared library system should also account for its beta status.

Pros and cons

• Portable Markdown files: Spaces work in other editors and can be moved between local, self-hosted, and provider-hosted storage.
• Useful knowledge links: Wiki links, mentions, transclusions, tags, and live queries connect notes and help surface related content.
• Collaboration with offline support: Shared spaces, live teammate edits, comments, and mentions pair with offline work that syncs after reconnection.
• Choice comes with responsibility: Users choose where files live, and the free multi-user plan requires self-hosting.
• Some extensibility is unsettled: The object graph is experimental and shared libraries are beta.

Alternatives

Readers comparing note and knowledge tools can browse Personal Knowledge Management Software and Note-taking apps.

• Logseq is another free option with a free personal-use plan and support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its Sync Backer plan is a $5 a month recurring donation for beta sync access.
• Obsidian is worth considering for readers seeking a freemium option with a listed Sync Standard plan at $5 a month, billed annually, for one synced vault, 1 GB total storage, and a 5 MB maximum file size.
• SiYuan is another open-source choice; its download page describes most features as free, including for commercial use.
• Supernotes may suit readers who prefer card-based notes: Starter includes 100 cards, while Unlimited costs £6 a month, billed £72 annually.
• TheBrain offers a free app plan with unlimited thoughts, links, and brains, plus private sync up to 1,000 thoughts and 100 MB of synced attachments.
• TiddlyWiki is a free, open-source project for readers considering another self-hosted option.
• Capacities has a free Basic plan with 5 GB of media uploads total and 100 MB per month afterward.
• Neoma offers a free Personal plan across its listed platforms, with no account, limits, or expiry.

Verdict

Choose SilverBullet if you want linked Markdown notes that remain yours as ordinary files, with offline use and the option to collaborate. Its free personal and self-hosted plans make it especially appealing to people comfortable managing storage or a server. Look elsewhere if you want to avoid those choices or need mature shared libraries as a core part of your workflow.