Notion is a cloud workspace built for teams; DocGraph is a private desktop app for one person's knowledge. In DocGraph your notes are plain files on your own computer, there is no account, and the AI runs locally for free. Notion keeps your pages on its servers and is stronger for real-time collaboration and sharing.
At a glance
| DocGraph | Notion | |
|---|---|---|
| Where notes live | Plain .html and .md files in a folder you own | On Notion's servers, in Notion's own format |
| Account | None | Required |
| Works offline | Fully, including AI chat with the built-in model | Limited; built around being online |
| AI | Built in, and runs on your Mac by default (no API key, no per-question cost). Cloud models only if you add them | Notion AI, a cloud service included in some paid plans |
| Databases | Tables, saved queries and properties over your local files | Databases with many views |
| Collaboration | Single user; share files or a Git remote yourself | Real-time multi-user editing and sharing |
| Price | Free | Free plan; paid plans for more features and teams |
| Platforms | macOS on Apple Silicon (beta). Intel, Windows and Linux later | Web, desktop and mobile |
Choose DocGraph if
- Your notes are private (contracts, journals, research) and should never leave your machine.
- You want to own plain files you can open with any other tool, years from now.
- You want AI over your notes without a subscription or sending them to a cloud.
Choose Notion if
- You work on documents with a team in real time.
- You need access from the browser and phone.
Try it
DocGraph is free. Download it for Mac, point it at a folder of notes, and see the FAQ or the documentation for details.
Notion details reflect its public information as of October 2026; check its own site for current features and pricing. Notion is a trademark of its owner; DocGraph is not affiliated with it.