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BlockNote
What it is
BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building web applications, including knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors, and internal tools. It provides an animated interface and block-based document structure, while developers can add block types, customize menus, or build a separate UI. The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its real-time collaboration uses Yjs. Listed Yjs providers include Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket, and y-webrtc; the collaboration documentation also lists y-indexeddb for offline storage. BlockNote imports and exports its own JSON format and HTML, while conversions to standard HTML and Markdown are marked lossy. The Community plan is free and includes blocks, UI components, drag-and-drop editing, and real-time collaboration. XL packages add AI integration, multi-column layouts, and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT, and email; closed-source use requires a commercial license. Business pricing is $195 a month, billed yearly. The pricing FAQ says documents and users remain on customer infrastructure and are not limited in number.
For and against
For
- Free Community plan includes real-time collaboration.
- Developers can create custom blocks and menus.
- Supports multiple Yjs collaboration providers.
- No stated limits on document or user counts.
Against
- Conversions to standard HTML and Markdown are marked lossy.
- Closed-source use of XL packages requires a commercial license.
- Business costs $195 a month, billed yearly.
The verdict
BlockNote provides a customizable editor with collaboration and a free Community plan. Consider its lossy standard HTML and Markdown conversions and the license requirement for closed-source XL packages.
Who it suits
It suits developers adding structured rich-text editing to web applications who want to customize the editor or integrate collaboration. Teams planning closed-source use of XL packages should account for the commercial license requirement.
Plans and prices
Community
All blocks & UI components · drag-and-drop editing · real-time collaboration · XL packages free for OSS under GPL-3.0
Read 3 Oct 2026 · blocknotejs.org
Business
Commercial license for XL packages · one application per license · standard support
Read 3 Oct 2026 · blocknotejs.org
Enterprise
Custom licensing · dedicated support · feature development · onboarding and integration guidance
Read 3 Oct 2026 · blocknotejs.org
On the record
- Collaboration
- Yjs providers listed for collaboration include Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket, and y-webrtc.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Developers can create custom block types, customize menus, or build their own UI from scratch.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Editor experience
- BlockNote provides a ready-made animated UI with minimal setup and a block-based document structure.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Formats
- The editor supports importing and exporting BlockNote JSON and HTML, while standard HTML and Markdown conversions are marked lossy.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its collaboration feature uses Yjs.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Limits
- The pricing FAQ says there are no limits on the number of documents or users, and that documents and users remain on the customer's own infrastructure.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The about page says BlockNote is developed by engineers led by Matthew Lipski, Nick Perez, and Yousef El-Dardiry.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The collaboration documentation lists y-indexeddb for offline storage.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Paid features
- XL packages include AI integration, multi-column layouts, and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT, and email; closed-source use requires a commercial license.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says personal data is handled in accordance with the GDPR and lists TLS or comparable secure connections and need-to-know employee access as safeguards.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building modern web applications.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Priority Support includes a 48-hour first-response time and direct access through GitHub, email, and a dedicated Slack channel.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The editor powers editing experiences for knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors, and internal tools.blocknotejs.org · read 3 Oct 2026
