# DocGraph vs Notion — DocGraph

> 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.

Source: https://docgraph.app/vs/notion/

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# DocGraph vs Notion

Updated October 2026

**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](https://docgraph.app/download), point it at a folder of notes, and see the [FAQ](https://docgraph.app/faq) or the [documentation](https://docs.docgraph.app) 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.