Quick Start
This guide covers every AFFiNE Pro feature:
- Commencer — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use AI Notes — Write faster with AI-powered note-taking
- How to Use AI Drawing — Create visuals with AI assistance
- How to Use AI Planner — Organize tasks and projects with AI
- How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI — Generate and refine content instantly
- How to Use Presentation Maker — Build slides from your notes
- How to Use Edgeless Canvas — Brainstorm on an infinite whiteboard
- How to Use Pre-loaded Frames — Start projects with ready-made templates
- How to Use User Storage Management — Control your data and storage
- How to Use Database Collections — Track data with custom fields and views
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Dépannage | Tarification | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used AFFiNE Pro for over 6 months and tested every feature covered here. This how to use Affine Pro article comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
AFFiNE Pro is one of the most powerful open-source workspace tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
AFFiNE Pro Tutorial
This complete AFFiNE Pro tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
AFFiNE Pro
Write, draw, and plan in one privacy-focused workspace. AFFiNE Pro combines notes, whiteboards, and databases with built-in AI — all with a local-first approach. Try it free today.
Getting Started with AFFiNE Pro
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to app.affine.pro in your browser.
Click “Sign Up” or “Get Started Free.”
Sign up with your email, Google, or GitHub account.
✓ Checkpoint: Vérifiez votre boîte de réception for a confirmation email if you used email signup.
Step 2: Download or Access the App
You can use AFFiNE Pro directly in your browser at app.affine.pro.
Or download the desktop app for Windows, Mac, or Linux from the download page.
Log in with your new account.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main workspace with a sidebar on the left.
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup
Create your first workspace by clicking “New Workspace” in the sidebar.
Choose “AFFiNE Cloud” for automatic syncing across appareils.
AFFiNE loads prebuilt content to help you learn the interface.
Explore the sample pages to see how notes, whiteboards, and databases work.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI Notes
Notes sur l'IA lets you write and organize notes with AI-powered assistance.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Notes in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Page
Click the “+” button in your sidebar to create a new page.
Give your page a title at the top of the editor.
Step 2: Start Writing with Markdown
Type directly in the editor using Markdown shortcuts for fast formatting.
Use “/” to open the slash command menu for headings, lists, and blocks.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your formatted texte with headings and lists.
Step 3: Use AI to Generate Content
Highlight any text and click the AI icon to summarize, expand, or refine it.
You can also type a prompt to generate new content from scratch.
✅ Result: You’ve created an AI-enhanced note with formatted content.
💡 Conseil de pro : Use the “/” slash command to quickly insert code blocks, toggle lists, and callout boxes without touching your mouse.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI Drawing
AI Drawing lets you create diagrams and visuals with AI help on the canvas.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Drawing in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Switch to Edgeless Mode
Click the toggle at the top of your page to switch from Page mode to Edgeless mode.
This opens the infinite whiteboard canvas.
Step 2: Access the Drawing Tools
Select the pen, shape, or connector tools from the bottom toolbar.
Draw freely or create structured diagrams with snap-to-grid alignment.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your drawing elements on the infinite canvas.
Step 3: Use AI to Enhance Your Drawing
Select your drawn elements and use the AI tool to refine or generate new visuals.
AI can turn rough sketches into polished diagrams automatically.
✅ Result: You’ve created an AI-enhanced visual on the canvas.
💡 Conseil de pro : Use the grid alignment feature to keep your diagrams clean and professional without manual adjustments.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI Planner
AI Planner lets you organize tasks and projects with AI-driven scheduling.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Planner in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Planner View
Navigate to your workspace and select the Planner or Kanban view option.
You can also create a new database and switch to the Kanban board layout.
Step 2: Add Tasks and Set Properties
Click “Add Card” to create new tasks in your board columns.
Add custom fields like Due Date, Assignee, and Priority to each task.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see tasks organized in columns on your Kanban board.
Step 3: Let AI Organize Your Tasks
Use the AI assistant to suggest task priorities and deadlines.
Drag and drop cards between columns to update their status.
✅ Result: You’ve created an organized project board with AI-suggested priorities.
💡 Conseil de pro : Use the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) to structure your workspace for long-term project management.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro AI
AFFiNE Pro IA lets you generate content, refine writing, and summarize notes within any document.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AFFiNE Pro AI in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Activate the AI Assistant
Open any page and press the AI shortcut or click the AI icon in the toolbar.
A prompt box appears where you can type your request.
Step 2: Enter Your Prompt
Type what you want — generate a summary, rewrite a paragraph, or brainstorm des idées.
Select existing text first to give AI context for better results.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the AI-generated response appear in your document.
Step 3: Accept or Refine the Output
Click “Accept” to insert the AI text into your document.
Or click “Retry” to get a different version of the response.
✅ Result: You’ve used AI to generate or refine content directly in your workspace.
💡 Conseil de pro : Select a long document and interroger l'IA to “summarize this in 3 bullet points” to create quick overviews for team updates.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro Presentation Maker
Créateur de présentations lets you build slide decks directly from your notes and canvas.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Presentation Maker in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Switch to Edgeless Mode
Open a page and toggle to Edgeless mode from the top of the editor.
This gives you access to the canvas and frame tools.
Step 2: Create Frames for Each Slide
Click the Frame tool and draw a rectangle for your first slide.
Add text, shapes, images, and notes inside each frame.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see numbered frames on your canvas acting as individual slides.
Step 3: Present Your Slides
Click the “Present” button to enter full-screen presentation mode.
Navigate between frames using arrow keys or click controls.
✅ Result: You’ve built and presented a slide deck without leaving AFFiNE.
💡 Conseil de pro : Export individual frames as PNG images to share slides outside of AFFiNE for quick updates.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro Edgeless Canvas
Edgeless Canvas lets you brainstorm, sketch, and plan on an infinite whiteboard.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Edgeless Canvas in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Enter Edgeless Mode
Click the Edgeless toggle at the top of any page.
The infinite canvas opens with zoom and pan controls.
Step 2: Add Elements to the Canvas
Use the toolbar to add sticky notes, shapes, connectors, and text blocks.
Drag elements freely or use the grid for precise alignment.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see multiple connected elements on your infinite canvas.
Step 3: Group Elements with Frames
Draw a frame around related elements to group them together.
Frames can be exported as images or turned into presentation slides.
✅ Result: You’ve created an organized visual workspace with grouped content.
💡 Conseil de pro : Mix document blocks with drawings on the same canvas to keep your research notes right next to your visual plans.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro Pre-loaded Frames
Pre-loaded Frames lets you start projects with ready-made templates and layouts.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Pre-loaded Frames in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Template Gallery
In Edgeless mode, click the Frames icon in the toolbar.
Parcourir through the available pre-loaded frame templates.
Step 2: Select and Place a Frame Template
Click a template to add it to your canvas immédiatement.
Each template comes with placeholder text and structured layouts.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a structured frame template on your canvas ready to edit.
Step 3: Customize the Template
Replace placeholder text with your own content.
Add, remove, or rearrange elements within the frame to fit your project.
✅ Result: You’ve created a structured project page from a ready-made template.
💡 Conseil de pro : Create your own custom templates and share them with the AFFiNE community so others can use them too.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro User Storage Management
User Storage Management lets you control your données, backups, and storage across devices.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch User Storage Management in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
Click your profile icon and go to “Settings” then “Storage.”
You’ll see your current storage usage and plan limits.
Step 2: Manage Your Data
Review which workspaces and files use the most storage.
Delete unused files or export old projects to free up space.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a breakdown of your storage usage by workspace.
Step 3: Set Up Local Backups
Export your workspace data regularly as a backup.
With the local-first approach, your data stays on your device by default.
✅ Result: You’ve organized your storage and set up a backup routine.
💡 Conseil de pro : Export critical project data weekly so you always have a local copy even if you use cloud sync.
How to Use AFFiNE Pro Database Collections
Database Collections lets you track data with custom fields, views, and filters.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Database Collections in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Database
Type “/” in any page and select “Database” from the slash command menu.
Choose between Table view or Kanban board view.
Step 2: Add Custom Fields
Click the “+” column header to add fields like Due Date, Assignee, Priority, or Status.
Choose field types: text, number, date, select, or multi-select.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your database with custom columns and at least one entry.
Step 3: Switch Between Views
Toggle between Table, Kanban, and other views using the view switcher.
Each view shows the same data in a different layout for different workflows.
✅ Result: You’ve created a custom database with multiple views for tracking data.
💡 Conseil de pro : Use the Kanban view for task management and the Table view for detailed data entry — same database, different workflows.
AFFiNE Pro Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing AFFiNE Pro for over 6 months, here are my best tips.
Raccourcis clavier
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New Page | Ctrl/Cmd + N |
| Slash Commands | / |
| Toggle Edgeless Mode | Alt + S |
| Quick Search | Ctrl/Cmd + K |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Page-to-Canvas Switch: Toggle any page between document mode and whiteboard mode with one click to switch how you work.
- Embedded Documents on Canvas: Drag full document pages onto the Edgeless canvas so your notes sit right next to your visual plans.
- Frame-to-Presentation: Turn any set of frames into a full presentation without creating separate slides or exporting files.
AFFiNE Pro Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not Enabling Cloud Sync
❌ Wrong: Working only in local mode and losing access to files when switching devices.
✅ Right: Enable AFFiNE Cloud during workspace setup so your data syncs across all devices automatically.
Mistake #2: Using Only Page Mode
❌ Wrong: Staying in Page mode for everything and missing the visual planning power of Edgeless mode.
✅ Right: Switch to Edgeless mode for brainstorming, mind mapping, and visual planning tasks.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Templates
❌ Wrong: Building every project from a blank page and wasting time on layout and structure.
✅ Right: Use pre-loaded frames and community templates to start projects with a proven structure.
AFFiNE Pro Troubleshooting
Problem: Workspace Not Syncing Across Devices
Cause: Cloud sync may not be enabled for your workspace or your internet connection dropped.
Réparer: Go to Settings and check that AFFiNE Cloud is turned on. Log out and back in to force a sync refresh.
Problem: AI Features Not Responding
Cause: AI features require an active Pro subscription and a stable internet connection.
Réparer: Confirm your Pro plan is active in account settings. Refresh the page and try the AI command again.
Problem: Canvas Feels Slow or Laggy
Cause: Too many elements on a single canvas or large embedded images can slow down rendering.
Réparer: Split large canvases into separate pages. Compress images before uploading them to the workspace.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact AFFiNE support through their official website or community channels.
Qu'est-ce qu'AFFiNE Pro ?
AFFiNE Pro is an open-source, all-in-one workspace that combines notes, whiteboards, and databases with built-in AI.
Imaginez que Notion and Miro combined into one privacy-focused, local-first app.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- AI Notes: Write and organize notes with AI-powered content generation and Markdown support.
- AI Drawing: Create diagrams and visuals with AI assistance on the infinite canvas.
- AI Planner: Organize tasks using Kanban boards with AI-driven scheduling and priority suggestions.
- AFFiNE Pro AI: Generate, refine, and summarize content directly within any document.
- Presentation Maker: Build slide decks from canvas frames and present without leaving the app.
- Edgeless Canvas: Brainstorm on an infinite whiteboard with shapes, connectors, and embedded docs.
- Pre-loaded Frames: Start projects fast with ready-made templates and structured layouts.
- User Storage Management: Control your data, backups, and storage usage across devices.
- Database Collections: Track data with custom fields, multiple views, and filters.
For a full review, see our Avis sur AFFiNE Pro.
AFFiNE Pro Pricing
Here’s what AFFiNE Pro costs in 2026:
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Logiciel libre + Base | Libre pour toujours | Individual users and open-source fans who want core features at no cost |
| Pro | $6.75/month | Power users who need AI features, more storage, and cloud sync |
| Équipe | 10 $/siège/mois | Teams that need real-time collaboration and shared workspaces |
Essai gratuit : Yes — the FOSS + Basic plan is free forever with core features included.
Garantie de remboursement : Contact AFFiNE support for refund requests on paid plans.
Here’s the pricing breakdown:
💰 Best Value: Pro plan at $6.75/month — gives you full AI features, extra storage, and cloud sync at a lower price than most competitors.
AFFiNE Pro vs Alternatives
How does AFFiNE Pro compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
Watch this comparison:
| Outil | Idéal pour | Prix | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFFiNE Pro | Open-source all-in-one workspace | $6.75/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Notion | Team wikis and project management | $10/user/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| ClickUp | Full project management suite | $7/user/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Tout type | Privacy-focused local-first notes | $4/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Coda | Docs with built-in automation | $10/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Xtiles | Visual note-taking and boards | $8.25/mo | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Capacités | Object-based note-taking | 9,99 $/mois | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Artisanat | Beautiful documents and notes | $4.79/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Obsidienne | Markdown-first knowledge base | Free (Sync $4/mo) | ⭐ 4.5 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: AFFiNE Pro — best open-source, all-in-one workspace with notes, whiteboard, and AI
- Best budget: Anytype — privacy-focused and starts at just $4/month
- Best for beginners: Notion — most polished interface with huge template gallery
- Best for project management: ClickUp — full task tracking with Gantt charts and time tracking
🎯 AFFiNE Pro Alternatives
Looking for AFFiNE Pro alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Notion: The most popular all-in-one workspace with powerful databases, wikis, and a massive template library for teams of any size.
- 💼 ClickUp : A full project management platform with tasks, docs, goals, and time tracking built into one tool for growing teams.
- 🔒 Tout type : A privacy-first, local-first note-taking app with an object-based approach and end-to-end encryption for your data.
- ⚡ Coda: A flexible doc platform that blends documents with spreadsheets and automation packs to build custom workflows fast.
- 🎨 XTiles: A visual workspace that lets you organize notes, links, and media in a tile-based layout for creative thinkers.
- 🧠 Capacités : An object-based note-taking tool that connects your notes, tasks, and people like a personal knowledge graph.
- 🌟 Artisanat: A beautiful document editor with native apps for Apple devices that makes writing and sharing docs feel premium.
- 🔧 Obsidienne: A Markdown-first knowledge base with a plugin ecosystem that runs entirely on your local files for full data control.
For the full list, see our AFFiNE Pro alternatives guide.
⚔️ AFFiNE Pro Compared
Here’s how AFFiNE Pro stacks up against each competitor:
- AFFiNE Pro vs Notion: AFFiNE wins on privacy and open-source access. Notion wins on polish, templates, and team adoption.
- AFFiNE Pro vs ClickUp: ClickUp offers deeper project management tools. AFFiNE gives you a better whiteboard and local-first data control.
- AFFiNE Pro vs Anytype: Both are privacy-focused and local-first. AFFiNE adds a whiteboard canvas while Anytype focuses on object-based linking.
- AFFiNE Pro contre Coda: Coda excels at automation and connected docs. AFFiNE offers a true whiteboard experience Coda doesn’t have.
- AFFiNE Pro contre XTiles: XTiles is simpler for visual note boards. AFFiNE provides more power with AI, databases, and presentations built in.
- AFFiNE Pro vs Capacités: Capacities has a unique object-based system. AFFiNE offers more visual tools with Edgeless canvas and frames.
- AFFiNE Pro vs Craft: Craft has a more polished design on Apple devices. AFFiNE is cross-platform, open-source, and includes a whiteboard.
- AFFiNE Pro contre Obsidian: Obsidian has a massive plugin ecosystem. AFFiNE combines notes, whiteboards, and databases in one app without plugins.
Start Using AFFiNE Pro Now
You learned how to use every major AFFiNE Pro feature:
- ✅ 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 try it now.
Most people start with AI Notes.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Foire aux questions
How to get started with AFFiNE?
Go to app.affine.pro and sign up with your email, Google, or GitHub account. Create a new workspace and choose whether to enable cloud sync. AFFiNE loads sample content to help you learn the interface right away.
Is AFFiNE Pro open source?
Yes, AFFiNE is fully open source. The Community Edition is free to self-host under the MIT license. You can view the source code, contribute changes, and run it on your own servers with no restrictions.
Is AFFiNE end to end encrypted?
AFFiNE uses a local-first approach, which means your data is stored on your device first. Cloud-synced data is protected during transfer. For maximum privacy, you can self-host AFFiNE on your own servers with full control over encryption.
Is AFFiNE local first?
Yes, AFFiNE is built with a local-first architecture. Your data lives on your device by default and works offline. Cloud sync is optional and can be enabled when you need to access your workspace across multiple devices or collaborate with others.
How much does AFFiNE cloud cost?
AFFiNE offers a free FOSS + Basic plan that lasts forever with core features. The Pro plan costs $6.75/month and adds AI features, more storage, and cloud sync. The Team plan costs $10/seat/month for real-time collaboration and shared workspaces.
Does AFFiNE have a mobile app?
AFFiNE is available on desktop for Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can also access it through any browser at app.affine.pro. Mobile apps are in development, and you can check the AFFiNE website for the latest availability updates.
Can you self host AFFiNE?
Yes, AFFiNE can be self-hosted on your own servers. You can deploy it using Docker with the Community Edition, which is free under the MIT license. The official documentation provides step-by-step instructions for setting up self-hosted instances.
How do you use AFFiNE AI?
Open any page in AFFiNE Pro and click the AI icon or use the keyboard shortcut. Type a prompt to generate content, summarize notes, or refine your writing. You can also select existing text and ask AI to rewrite, expand, or translate it.
Is AFFiNE free for commercial use?
Yes, the AFFiNE Community Edition is free for commercial use under the MIT license. You can self-host it for your entreprise at no cost. The paid Pro and Team plans add cloud features and outils d'IA on top of the free open-source base.
How much does AFFiNE cost?
AFFiNE has three plans: FOSS + Basic is free forever, Pro costs $6.75/month with AI and extra storage, and Team costs $10/seat/month for collaboration features. The free plan includes core note-taking, whiteboard, and database features with no time limit.
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