# TiddlyWiki — Self-Contained Personal Wiki in a Single HTML File > A unique non-linear personal notebook and wiki that runs entirely in a single HTML file, requiring no server and enabling offline-first knowledge management. ## Install Save as a script file and run: # TiddlyWiki — Self-Contained Personal Wiki in a Single HTML File ## Quick Use ```bash # Node.js server mode npx tiddlywiki mywiki --init server npx tiddlywiki mywiki --listen # Or simply download the empty HTML file from tiddlywiki.com and open it in your browser ``` ## Introduction TiddlyWiki is a non-linear personal notebook that stores everything in a single HTML file. It has been actively developed since 2004 and provides a unique approach to knowledge management: every piece of content is a "tiddler" (a small unit) that can be linked, tagged, filtered, and composed into dynamic views — all without requiring a server or database. ## What TiddlyWiki Does - Stores an entire wiki in a single self-contained HTML file that runs in any browser - Organizes content as small reusable units called tiddlers, linked by titles and tags - Provides a powerful filter language for querying and composing tiddlers into dynamic lists - Supports offline-first usage — the file works without any internet connection - Extends through plugins, themes, and macros written in its own wikitext markup or JavaScript ## Architecture Overview TiddlyWiki is written entirely in JavaScript and runs client-side in the browser. The single HTML file contains the wiki engine, all content, and the UI framework. In Node.js server mode, each tiddler is stored as an individual `.tid` file on disk, enabling Git-based version control. The microkernel architecture loads functionality through a module system, making every feature — from the editor to the sidebar — a replaceable plugin. ## Self-Hosting & Configuration - Simplest mode: download the HTML file, open it in a browser, and save changes locally - Node.js mode: `npx tiddlywiki --init server` creates a wiki with file-per-tiddler storage - Host behind Nginx or Caddy for multi-user access with basic auth - Sync across devices via Dropbox, Syncthing, or Git - Customize with community plugins for task management, calendars, Kanban boards, and more ## Key Features - Zero-dependency: a single HTML file contains the entire application and data - Non-linear organization: tiddlers can be tagged, linked, transcluded, and filtered freely - Powerful filter syntax for dynamic views (e.g., show all tiddlers tagged "project" modified this week) - Macro and widget system for creating reusable templates and interactive elements - Extensive plugin ecosystem covering encryption, LaTeX, code highlighting, and data visualization ## Comparison with Similar Tools - **Obsidian** — Markdown vault with graph view; TiddlyWiki is a single HTML file with richer transclusion - **Notion** — cloud-hosted workspace; TiddlyWiki is offline-first with no account required - **Logseq** — outliner with block references; TiddlyWiki uses tiddler-level granularity and a filter language - **Wiki.js** — server-based wiki for teams; TiddlyWiki targets personal knowledge in a single file ## FAQ **Q: How do I save changes when using the single-file version?** A: Use browser-specific savers (TiddlyFox for Firefox, or the download-based saver in Chrome) or the Node.js server mode for automatic saving. **Q: Can multiple people edit a TiddlyWiki simultaneously?** A: The single-file version is designed for single-user use. For collaboration, use Node.js mode behind a web server or a hosted service like TiddlyHost. **Q: Is TiddlyWiki suitable for large knowledge bases?** A: Yes. TiddlyWikis with tens of thousands of tiddlers work well. Performance depends on browser memory, and lazy loading plugins can help with very large wikis. **Q: Can I export my data?** A: Yes. Export to static HTML, JSON, CSV, or individual tiddler files. The open format ensures no vendor lock-in. ## Sources - https://github.com/TiddlyWiki/TiddlyWiki5 - https://tiddlywiki.com/ --- Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/5592c012-431d-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79 Author: Script Depot