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BookStack vs SideNotes

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

BookStack icon
BookStack
SideNotes icon
SideNotes

BookStack vs SideNotes: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

BookStack: BookStack is an open source knowledge management platform to help build and organize wikis for internal or public use. It allows you to collaboratively write and structure documents to organize knowledge, notes or documentation.

SideNotes: SideNotes is a digital notebook and annotation tool for the Mac. It allows users to take notes and annotate documents, PDFs, and images. Key features include cross-platform sync, website annotation, handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, and secure encryption.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature BookStack SideNotes
Sugggest Score
Category Education & Reference Office & Productivity
Pricing Free

Product Overview

BookStack
BookStack

Description: BookStack is an open source knowledge management platform to help build and organize wikis for internal or public use. It allows you to collaboratively write and structure documents to organize knowledge, notes or documentation.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

SideNotes
SideNotes

Description: SideNotes is a digital notebook and annotation tool for the Mac. It allows users to take notes and annotate documents, PDFs, and images. Key features include cross-platform sync, website annotation, handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, and secure encryption.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

BookStack
BookStack Features
  • Wiki/documentation system
  • Role-based access control
  • Activity logs
  • Markdown editor
  • LaTeX math support
  • Code syntax highlighting
  • File attachments
  • Comments
  • Notifications
  • Search
  • Import/export
  • Themes
SideNotes
SideNotes Features
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Website annotation
  • Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
  • Secure encryption

Pros & Cons Analysis

BookStack
BookStack
Pros
  • Open source
  • Self-hosted
  • Customizable
  • Good documentation
  • Active development
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Limited integrations
  • Lacks some advanced features of paid options
  • Can require technical expertise to self-host
SideNotes
SideNotes
Pros
  • Syncs notes across devices
  • Annotate web pages and PDFs
  • Natural handwriting with Apple Pencil
  • Notes are securely encrypted
Cons
  • No Windows version
  • Limited formatting options
  • Requires subscription for full features
  • No collaboration features

Pricing Comparison

BookStack
BookStack
  • Free
SideNotes
SideNotes
  • Not listed

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