Direct answer
What is Heptabase?
Heptabase is a visual note-taking and knowledge base workspace combining infinite whiteboards, card notes, PDF annotations, and an AI tutor for learning.
Heptabase is an intelligent, visual workspace designed for deep research, study, and knowledge organization. It pairs an infinite whiteboard canvas with structured, block-based card notes and bi-directional linking, allowing users to map concepts spatially without losing atomic text structure. The platform integrates source handling directly into the workflow, supporting PDF annotation, optical character recognition (OCR), and YouTube transcript extraction alongside daily journals and a web clipper. Built-in integrations connect with external reference tools such as Readwise and Zotero, while the Heptabase CLI supports interaction with developer tools like Claude Code and Codex. Heptabase also includes conversational AI assistance and an AI Tutor feature. The AI Tutor plans structured, multi-part course syllabi and facilitates step-by-step interactive lessons directly within the app. The software runs across desktop and mobile operating systems with full offline access, real-time collaboration, and local indexing capable of searching over 10,000 notes in under a second.
Unifies spatial whiteboard mapping with atomic card notes, source-level PDF/video annotations, and an AI Tutor that designs structured learning curricula.
Product capabilities
Key features
Visual Whiteboards and Cards
Infinite canvas allowing users to organize concepts visually into cards, boards, and bi-directionally linked topics.
Heptabase AI Tutor
AI agent that generates customized syllabi, breaks complex topics into sequential lessons, and conducts interactive learning dialogues.
PDF and Media Annotation
Direct annotation and OCR parsing for PDF documents alongside YouTube transcript imports and note extraction.
Offline Access and Instant Search
Full offline availability for notes and files, paired with a search engine that queries over 10,000 notes in less than a second.
Heptabase CLI and Developer Agents
Command-line interface designed to work with external AI coding agents such as Claude Code and Codex.
Research Integrations
Sync capabilities with external knowledge sources including Readwise, Zotero, and a browser web clipper.
Practical fit
Who should use Heptabase?
Self-Directed Learning
Map out complex academic subjects using the AI Tutor to generate syllabi, create guided lessons, and track topic mastery.
Academic and Qualitative Research
Highlight PDFs, extract transcripts, and cluster research cards on spatial canvases to spot conceptual connections.
Daily Journaling and Note Capture
Record thoughts, voice notes, and journal entries across desktop or mobile with automatic bi-directional card linking.
Editorial assessment
Pros and limitations
Where it is strong
- Combines visual spatial canvases with structured card-based and block-based text editing
- Native support for PDF OCR parsing, highlighting, and YouTube transcripts
- Full offline access with fast local search across thousands of notes
- AI Tutor automatically structures curricula and guides learners through topics
- Cross-platform support on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android
Where to be careful
- No permanent free plan available after the 7-day trial period
- Access to GPT, Claude models, and the AI Tutor requires upgrading to the Premium tier
Commercial context
Heptabase pricing
At the review date in September 2026, Heptabase offers three plans billed annually (with a 25% discount): Pro at $8.99/month, Premium at $17.99/month, and Premium+ at $53.99/month. A 7-day trial is offered. Check the official pricing page for monthly rates and updates.
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $8.99 / month (billed annually, save 25%) | |
| Premium | $17.99 / month (billed annually, save 25%) | |
| Premium+ | $53.99 / month (billed annually, save 25%) |
Pricing, limits, taxes, model access, and regional availability can change. Verify the purchase-critical details on the official pricing page linked under Sources.
Transparent ranking
Why Heptabase scores 78.7
Each factor is scored on a 100-point scale, then combined using the public ToolsRank weights. Engagement and momentum stay at a neutral baseline until measured signals exist, so no tool can gain or lose position from numbers nobody recorded.
Compatibility
Languages, platforms, and integrations
Languages
- en
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
Integrations & surfaces
- Readwise
- Zotero
- Claude Code
- Codex
Community
Reviews and questions
No approved member reviews yet. Editorial factors above are the only rating on this page.
Reviews and questions come from Google-signed members and are checked by an editor before they appear.
Frequently asked
Heptabase FAQ
Does Heptabase offer a free plan?+
No. Heptabase offers a 7-day trial, after which users must subscribe to a paid tier (Pro, Premium, or Premium+).
What is the difference between the Pro and Premium plans?+
The Pro plan provides basic AI capabilities (restricted to Gemini models) and 100 AI credits per month. The Premium plan unlocks the AI Tutor, support for GPT and Claude models, unlimited PDF parsing with OCR, unlimited PDF uploads, and 1,800 monthly AI credits.
Can Heptabase be used offline?+
Yes. Heptabase offers offline access, allowing you to access, create, and search your notes and files without an active internet connection.
Which operating systems are supported?+
Heptabase provides native applications for macOS (both Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
