Colanode
An all-in-one, open-source, and self-hosted collaboration platform that puts you in control of your data.
Colanode is a local-first, open-source platform for seamless collaboration. It combines the flexibility of online teamwork with the privacy and security of self-hosted data. Whether you’re chatting with teammates, documenting projects, managing databases, or organizing files, Colanode provides an integrated experience that works both online and offline.
- Chat: Communicate in real-time through direct messages or group chats.
- Pages: Create and edit rich-content documents, wikis, and notes using a Notion-style editor.
- Databases: Structure and query your content using customizable fields and views.
- Files & Folders: Manage and share files through attachments or dedicated folders.
How It Works
At the core of Colanode is a powerful local-first architecture designed for speed, reliability, and privacy:
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Local Data Model:
Everything in Colanode is stored as a “node.” This includes messages, pages, databases, records, folders, files, users, and more. All nodes are initially saved in a local SQLite database within the desktop app. -
Transactions & Offline Support:
Changes—such as sending a message or updating a page—are recorded as transactions in the local database. Because all reads occur locally, the platform remains fast and fully functional even without an internet connection. -
Synchronization with a Central Server:
A background service automatically syncs all local transactions to a server using CRDT (Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types). This ensures that edits and updates made from multiple devices remain consistent. Only data to which a user has permission is synced to their device, ensuring privacy and reducing unnecessary data transfer. -
Local-First Collaboration:
With Colanode, you can connect to multiple servers from a single desktop client. Host the server anywhere you choose and maintain full control over your data. This flexible, decentralized approach empowers teams to securely collaborate across various environments.
Why Colanode?
- Open Source: Colanode’s code is fully open source, ensuring transparency and the ability to audit or customize the platform to your needs.
- Local-First & Offline-Ready: Don’t let internet outages slow you down. Work offline, and let Colanode handle synchronization behind the scenes when you’re back online.
- Scalable & Modular: Easily adapt Colanode for small teams or large organizations. Its modular architecture and extensible design allow it to grow with you.
- Privacy & Security: Self-hosting gives you ultimate control over your data. Keep your information private, secure, and governed by your own policies.
Getting started
The easiest way to try Colanode is to download the desktop app from the official website and sign in to one of Colanode’s provided cloud servers. Enjoy a generous free tier for personal use, and explore the platform’s features without any upfront commitment.
Tech Stack
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Desktop App:
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Server:
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Database & Storage:
- PostgreSQL for structured data
- Redis for caching and message queues
- S3-compatible storage (e.g., MinIO) for files