Heptabase
Verified working Jul 31, 2026
A visual note system for turning research sources into connected knowledge.
Heptabase is a knowledge-base app built around whiteboards, cards, linked notes, and source material. It combines research-oriented features such as PDF annotation, Zotero and Readwise integrations, daily journals, and an AI tutor that can help structure learning sessions around your materials.
Why it stands out
- Combines spatial whiteboards with linked-note knowledge management rather than treating notes as only pages or folders.
- Strong fit for academic workflows through PDF annotation, Zotero, Readwise, and source organization features.
- AI tutor is framed around structured learning sessions, not just one-off chat or summarization.
- Supports both capture and synthesis: web clips, highlights, journals, notes, discussions, and visual maps can live together.
Good to know
- The homepage emphasizes a 7-day trial, so long-term use appears to require a paid subscription.
- Its card-and-whiteboard model may require more intentional organization than simpler document-based note apps.
- The product is aimed mainly at learning and research workflows, not general team project management.
Under the radar: If you already use Zotero or Readwise, connect those early so your imported references and highlights become part of the same visual map instead of rebuilding your research library manually.
Photos
Students and researchers who need to connect readings, notes, PDFs, and learning plans in one visual workspace. Map a literature review across whiteboards instead of keeping notes in isolated documents. Annotate PDFs and connect highlights to broader concepts or project notes. Use AI-assisted sessions to turn a topic into a guided study path. Collect web clippings, journal entries, and reference-manager items into a personal knowledge base.
Visual whiteboards and card-based notes; block-based editor; bi-directional linking; PDF annotation; daily journals; Readwise and Zotero integrations; web clipper; AI tutor for structured learning sessions; source-aware AI assistance; Heptabase CLI/agent tooling mentioned for coding-agent workflows.
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