Loam vs Logseq
Both apps are open source and keep notes as local files. Logseq is built around outlines of bullets and a daily journal. Loam keeps ordinary Markdown notes, and extends them with plugins and a command line. Pick Logseq if you think in outlines or need Windows, Linux or mobile. Pick Loam if you think in documents and use a Mac.
Last updated November 3, 2026
Loam vs Logseq at a glance
Published capabilities, checked on official sites in November 2026.
| Dimension | Loam | Logseq |
|---|---|---|
| Where notes live | Plain Markdown files in a folder you choose, called a vault | Local Markdown or Org files, written as outlines |
| Writing model | Regular Markdown notes, with an optional daily note | Every note is an outline of bullets; the journal comes first |
| Source | Open source | Open source |
| Platforms | macOS 26 or later, on Apple silicon | Mac, Windows, Linux and mobile |
| Plugins | Every feature is a plugin. Install from the catalog or a Git URL; an agent can write one | A plugin and theme marketplace |
| Command line and agents | Yes: the loam command runs every action of the app | Through community tools |
| Whiteboards and drawings | JSON Canvas boards and Excalidraw drawings | Built-in whiteboards |
| Price | Free | Free |
Sources: Logseq ↗ · Logseq docs ↗
Outliner or documents
In Logseq every note is an outline: each line is a block you can nest, reference and embed on its own. That suits people who think in nested lists and capture in a daily journal.
In Loam a note is a regular Markdown document with headings, paragraphs and lists. The daily note is optional, and structure comes from folders, links, tags and frontmatter properties.
Queries and views
Logseq has its own query language, which is powerful once you learn it. Loam shows your notes as a table, a kanban board or a gallery with Collections, driven by a .base file that reads the notes' properties, and finds tasks across the vault with Tasks.
Native app and agents
Loam is a native Mac app with a small core, and the loam command line runs every action, so an AI agent can work on the vault from a terminal. See Agents.
Logseq runs on more platforms, which matters if you also need Windows, Linux or a phone.
Which one to pick
Choose Loam if
- You think in documents more than in nested bullets
- You want a native Mac app and a command line for agents
Choose Logseq if
- You think in outlines and daily journals
- You need Windows, Linux or mobile apps
Switching from Logseq to Loam
- Your Logseq graph is a folder of Markdown files. Open a copy of it as a vault in Loam, as described in Your first vault.
- Outline bullets stay as nested Markdown lists. Check a few pages before you move everything.
- Loam reads standard Markdown links, so check that your page references still resolve. See Import notes for what Loam does with other apps' exports.
Loam vs Logseq: questions
Is Loam an alternative to Logseq?
If you want regular Markdown notes instead of outlines, yes. Loam is a native Mac app with plugins and a command line. It does not have Logseq's block references and outliner.
Can I open my Logseq graph in Loam?
A Logseq graph is a folder of Markdown files, so Loam can open a copy of it. Bullets become nested lists. Check your links, because only standard Markdown links feed backlinks and renames in Loam.
Are Loam and Logseq both open source?
Yes. Both are open source and keep your notes as local files.
Does Loam work on Windows or Linux?
No. Loam runs on macOS 26 or later, on Apple silicon. Logseq runs on Mac, Windows, Linux and mobile.