How to Use Affine Pro: A Quick Start Guideline in 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every AFFiNE Pro feature:

• Getting Started — Create your account and set up your first workspace
• How to Use AI Notes — turn rough thoughts into structured note taking pages
• How to Use AI Drawing — sketch diagrams on the whiteboard without design skills
• How to Use AI Planner — build project plans and task boards from one short prompt
• How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI — write, refine and summarize content inside any doc
• How to Use Presentation Maker — turn an outline into slides in a single click
• How to Use Edgeless Canvas — map ideas on an infinite canvas that never runs out of room
• How to Use Pre-loaded Frames — group canvas elements and export them as PNGs
• How to Use User Storage Management — track disk usage and storage limits across your account
• How to Use Database Collections — add custom fields like Due Date, Assignee and Priority

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I have run AFFiNE Pro as my daily note taking app for eight months, on both desktop and mobile.

Every screenshot here comes from my own account, not from the vendor demo reel.

I also follow the affine community on GitHub and Reddit, so this article reflects real feature requests and shipped improvements.

The team is still adding user guide videos, but the app is simple enough to learn by clicking around.

If you searched for how to use affine pro, you likely want one place to write, draw and plan.

That is exactly what this all in one workspace does.

AFFiNE is local first and privacy focused, so your data sits on your own device before it ever touches the cloud.

It is also one of the more feature rich open source projects in the notes category.

Most people only ever open page mode and stop there.

This How to Use Affine Pro guide walks through all the features, step by step.

AFFiNE Pro Tutorial

This AFFiNE Pro tutorial moves from a blank account to advanced canvas work, one short step at a time.

AFFiNE Pro

Docs, whiteboard and databases in one hyper fused platform. AFFiNE Pro keeps your notes local first, syncs when you want it to, and stays open source. Start free, upgrade only when you need cloud storage.

TRY AFFINE PRO NOW →

READ FULL REVIEW →

AFFINE PRO ALTERNATIVES →

Getting Started with AFFiNE Pro

Setup takes about three minutes and you only do it once.

Here is how the first session went for me:

Now let us walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Open app.affine.pro in your browser to try AFFiNE online first.

Click Sign up, then enter your email and a password.

You can also download the desktop or mobile app built for your platform from the Download page.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for the confirmation email.

Step 2: Create Your First Workspace

Click the workspace name in the top left corner.

Choose Create workspace, then decide whether to enable AFFiNE Cloud.

Cloud sync keeps every device current, while local mode keeps files on disk only.

✓ Checkpoint: The new workspace loads with sample pages already inside.

Step 3: Explore the Preloaded Content

AFFiNE preloads a short tour so new users see the core functionality immediately.

Read those starter pages before continuing, then delete them or keep them as a template.

If something breaks, the docs and support links sit under the Help menu.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI Notes

AI Notes lets you turn messy meeting notes into clean, structured pages.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Open a New Doc

Press the plus icon in the sidebar to create a blank doc.

Type or paste your rough notes straight into the page.

Step 2: Trigger AFFiNE AI

Select the text, then choose Ask AI from the toolbar.

Pick Make it real or Summarize depending on what you need.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your raw notes now sit beside a tidy summary.

Step 3: Save the Result

Insert the output below your original text.

Markdown shortcuts still work, so headings and lists format as you write.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI Drawing

AI Drawing lets you sketch shapes and diagrams on the whiteboard without design skills.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Switch to Edgeless Mode

Click the mode toggle at the top of any page.

The doc opens on an infinite canvas.

Step 2: Describe the Drawing

Select the pen tool, then draw a rough shape or write a prompt.

AFFiNE AI cleans the stroke into a usable diagram.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your rough sketch becomes a clean diagram on the canvas.

Step 3: Refine and Connect

Drag the connector handles to link two elements together.

The grid snaps everything into alignment for you.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI Planner

AI Planner lets you build project plans and task boards from one short prompt.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Open the Planner Prompt

Create a new doc and type your project goal in one line.

Keep it specific, such as launch plan for a student club site.

Step 2: Generate the Plan

Choose Ask AI, then select Create a plan.

AFFiNE returns milestones, owners and rough dates.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: A draft plan appears with dated milestones you can edit.

Step 3: Convert to Tasks

Turn the list into a Kanban board with the view switcher.

Drag and drop cards between columns to update statuses.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI

AFFiNE Pro AI lets you write, refine and summarize content without leaving the doc.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Highlight Your Text

Select any paragraph inside a page.

The floating toolbar appears above the selection.

Step 2: Choose an AI Action

Pick Improve writing, Translate, Explain or Summary.

Affine ai edits in place rather than opening a side panel.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The rewritten text sits directly in your doc.

Step 3: Accept or Discard

Click Replace to keep the edit.

Click Cancel if the tone drifts away from your voice.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro Presentation Maker

Presentation Maker lets you turn an outline into slides in a single click.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Draft Your Outline

Write each slide title as a heading in page mode.

Add one supporting line under every heading.

Step 2: Start Presentation Mode

Switch to edgeless mode, then click the present icon.

AFFiNE will assemble the frames into an ordered deck.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your outline now plays as a full screen presentation.

Step 3: Polish the Deck

Reorder frames in the sidebar until the story flows.

Export the deck as a PDF or share a live link.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro Edgeless Canvas

Edgeless Canvas lets you map ideas on an infinite canvas that never runs out of room.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Enter the Canvas

Toggle edgeless mode from the top bar.

Scroll to pan and pinch to zoom.

Step 2: Add Blocks and Notes

Drag existing docs onto the canvas as linked blocks.

Add sticky notes for brainstorming sessions.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Docs and sticky notes share one workspace view.

Step 3: Group Your Thinking

Select related items and press G to group them.

Rename each group so the layout stays readable.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro Pre-loaded Frames

Pre-loaded Frames lets you group canvas elements and export them as PNGs.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Pick a Frame Preset

Open the frame tool in edgeless mode.

Choose a preset size such as 16:9 or square.

Step 2: Drop Elements Inside

Drag shapes, text and images into the frame border.

Anything inside moves with the frame after that.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The frame outline highlights every element it now contains.

Step 3: Export the Frame

Right click the frame and choose Export as PNG.

Frames can also convert straight into a presentation.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro User Storage Manager

User Storage Management lets you track disk usage and storage limits across your account.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click your avatar, then choose Settings.

Select the Storage tab.

Step 2: Review Usage

Check how much space each workspace consumes.

Large image and video uploads are usually the culprit.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: A usage bar shows exactly where your storage went.

Step 3: Clean Up or Upgrade

Delete unused attachments from the trash to reclaim space.

Upgrade to Pro if you need the larger cloud allowance.

How to Use AFFiNE Pro Database Collections

Database Collections lets you add custom fields like Due Date, Assignee and Priority.

Here is how to use it, step by step.

Step 1: Insert a Database

Type slash then table inside any doc.

Name the collection after the project it tracks.

Step 2: Add Custom Fields

Click the plus icon in the header row.

Add Due Date, Assignee, Priority or whatever details your team tracks.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your table shows every custom field you added.

Step 3: Switch Views

Toggle between table and Kanban views from the header.

Filter by assignee to see only your own tasks.

AFFiNE Pro Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After eight months of daily use, these are the habits that saved me the most time.

You can also customize the theme, font and sidebar layout from Settings.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are the benefits that show up once those shortcuts become muscle memory:

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Self host AFFiNE: the Community Edition is free under the MIT license, and Docker gets you a feature rich build on your own hardware.
• Ambassador program: engage with the affine community, contribute a template, and you can refer your work to other members.
• Feature requests: post them on GitHub, where maintainers actually respond and ship improvements.
• Handwriting input: switch from typing to a stylus mid page, which students use for lecture notes.

AFFiNE Pro Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Treating It Like Notion Only

Mistake #2: Skipping the Local First Setup

Mistake #3: Overloading a Single Canvas

AFFiNE Pro Troubleshooting

Problem: Changes Do Not Sync Between Devices

Cause: The workspace was created in local mode, so it never had a cloud connection.

Fix: Open workspace settings and enable AFFiNE Cloud, then wait for the first upload to finish.

Problem: AI Actions Return an Error

Cause: Free accounts have a monthly AI credit cap.

Fix: Check your usage in Settings, then upgrade or wait for the reset date.

Problem: The App Feels Slow on a Large Canvas

Cause: Hundreds of images on one board strain the renderer.

Fix: Move older material into a second doc and clear cached data from Settings.

📌 Note: If none of these help, refer to the official docs or contact AFFiNE support directly.

What is AFFiNE Pro?

AFFiNE Pro is an open source, all in one workspace that merges docs, whiteboard and databases into a hyper fused platform.

Think of it as Notion and Miro sharing one file format.

The interface stays simple and intuitive, which is rare for something this powerful.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• AI Notes: turn rough thoughts into structured note taking pages
• AI Drawing: sketch diagrams on the whiteboard without design skills
• AI Planner: build project plans and task boards from one short prompt
• AFFiNE Pro AI: write, refine and summarize content inside any doc
• Presentation Maker: turn an outline into slides in a single click
• Edgeless Canvas: map ideas on an infinite canvas that never runs out of room
• Pre-loaded Frames: group canvas elements and export them as PNGs
• User Storage Management: track disk usage and storage limits across your account
• Database Collections: add custom fields like Due Date, Assignee and Priority

The team behind it treats knowledge management as an operating system, not a folder of pages.

In practice that lifts productivity without boxing in your creativity.

For a full review, see our AFFiNE Pro review.

AFFiNE Pro Pricing

Here is what AFFiNE Pro costs in 2026:

Free trial: The FOSS and Basic tier is free forever, so no trial clock applies.

Money-back guarantee: Not advertised. Cancel monthly billing before the next cycle instead.

💰 Best Value: Pro at $6.75/month — it unlocks cloud sync and heavier AI use for less than most rivals charge.

AFFiNE Pro vs Alternatives

How does AFFiNE Pro compare against the rest of the field?

Watch this comparison:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: AFFiNE Pro — docs, canvas and databases without context switching.
• Best budget: Obsidian — free, fast and stored as plain files.
• Best for beginners: Notion — the gentlest learning curve of the group.
• Best for brainstorming: AFFiNE Pro — the edgeless canvas beats every doc first rival here.

🎯 AFFiNE Pro Alternatives

Looking for AFFiNE Pro alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 Notion: The default all in one workspace, with deeper templates and integrations but no real drawing surface.
• 💰 ClickUp: Better for tasks and sprints, weaker for long form writing and free form canvas work.
• 🔒 Anytype: Another local first, privacy focused option that keeps everything encrypted on your device.
• 🎨 Coda: Turns docs into small apps with formulas and buttons, though the canvas is limited.
• ⚡ XTiles: Tile based pages that feel closer to a moodboard than a document editor.
• 🧠 Capacities: Object based note taking that links people, notes and projects automatically.
• 🌟 Craft: Beautiful typography and fast sync for Apple users who mostly write.
• 🔧 Obsidian: Plain Markdown on disk, endlessly customizable through community plugins.

For the full list, see our AFFiNE Pro alternatives guide.

⚔️ AFFiNE Pro Compared

Here is how AFFiNE Pro stacks up against each competitor:

• AFFiNE Pro vs Notion: Notion wins on integrations. AFFiNE wins on price, offline access and the built in whiteboard.
• AFFiNE Pro vs ClickUp: ClickUp wins for heavy project tracking. AFFiNE wins for writing and visual thinking.
• AFFiNE Pro vs Anytype: Both are local first. AFFiNE wins on canvas depth and presentation output.
• AFFiNE Pro vs Coda: Coda wins on formulas. AFFiNE wins on brainstorming and open source licensing.
• AFFiNE Pro vs XTiles: XTiles wins on quick layouts. AFFiNE wins on databases and AI writing.
• AFFiNE Pro vs Capacities: Capacities wins on automatic linking. AFFiNE wins on drawing and self hosting.
• AFFiNE Pro vs Craft: Craft wins on polish. AFFiNE wins on cross platform support and cost.
• AFFiNE Pro vs Obsidian: Obsidian wins on plugins and file ownership. AFFiNE wins on collaboration.

Start Using AFFiNE Pro Now

You now know how to use every major AFFiNE Pro tool:

• ✅ AI Notes
• ✅ AI Drawing
• ✅ AI Planner
• ✅ AFFiNE Pro AI
• ✅ Presentation Maker
• ✅ Edgeless Canvas
• ✅ Pre-loaded Frames
• ✅ User Storage Management
• ✅ Database Collections

Next step: Pick one feature and see what you can achieve today.

Most people start with AI Notes, because it takes under five minutes.

Share the workspace link once it looks right, and see how your team reacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get started with AFFiNE?

Open app.affine.pro, sign up with your email, then create a workspace. Preloaded pages show the basics. Download the desktop or mobile app later if you prefer offline work.

Is AFFiNE Pro open source?

Yes. The Community Edition is released under the MIT license, so you can read the code on GitHub, contribute changes, or self host AFFiNE on your own hardware.

Is AFFiNE end to end encrypted?

AFFiNE does not advertise full end to end encryption on cloud workspaces. Keeping a workspace local means the data never leaves your device, which is the safer route.

Is AFFiNE local first?

Yes. Documents save to your device first and sync only when you enable AFFiNE Cloud. That local first design is why privacy focused users pick it.

How much does AFFiNE cost?

FOSS and Basic are free forever. Pro costs $6.75 per month and Team costs $10 per seat per month. Self hosting the Community Edition stays free.