Tolaria — Markdown Knowledge Base Desktop App

Introduction

Tolaria is an open-source desktop application built for managing markdown knowledge bases. It provides fast full-text search, bidirectional linking between notes, and a local-first architecture that keeps all data on your machine. Designed for developers and writers who prefer plain markdown files over proprietary formats.

What Tolaria Does

• Indexes and searches across thousands of markdown files instantly
• Creates and visualizes bidirectional links between documents
• Renders markdown with syntax highlighting and LaTeX support
• Supports multiple vaults and workspaces in a single app
• Stores everything as plain markdown files on your local filesystem

Architecture Overview

Tolaria is built with TypeScript using Electron for cross-platform desktop support. It uses a local SQLite database to index markdown content for fast searching while keeping the source files as plain text. The rendering pipeline supports CommonMark with extensions for wiki-links, math blocks, and embedded diagrams.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Download pre-built binaries from the GitHub releases page
• Point Tolaria at any folder of markdown files to create a vault
• Configure keyboard shortcuts and editor preferences in the settings panel
• Back up your data by simply copying the markdown folder
• Sync across devices using any file sync tool since files are plain text

Key Features

• Instant full-text search powered by a local index
• Graph view showing connections between documents
• Side-by-side editing and preview modes
• Tag-based organization with hierarchical support
• Plugin system for extending editor functionality

Comparison with Similar Tools

• Obsidian — Proprietary core with a plugin ecosystem; Tolaria is fully open-source
• Logseq — Outline-based approach with block references; Tolaria uses a traditional document model
• Joplin — Focuses on note sync and encryption; Tolaria prioritizes local-first plain files
• SiYuan — Rich block editing; Tolaria keeps files as clean markdown

FAQ

Q: Does Tolaria sync notes across devices? A: Tolaria is local-first. Use any file sync tool like Syncthing or Dropbox to sync your markdown folder.

Q: Can I use existing markdown files? A: Yes. Point Tolaria at any folder and it indexes everything automatically.

Q: What platforms are supported? A: macOS, Windows, and Linux via Electron-based desktop builds.

Q: Is there a mobile version? A: Currently desktop-only. Mobile support is on the roadmap.

Sources

• https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria
• https://tolaria.app