Free, open-source alternatives to GitBook
Documentation and knowledge base platform. 5 apps you can run yourself instead of GitBook, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
Wiki.jsBest match
Modern, lightweight and powerful wiki app using Git and Markdown.
BookStack
Organize and store information. Stores documentation in a book like fashion.
Outline
Extensible wiki for your team.
docmost Community Edition
Collaborative wiki and documentation software (alternative to Confluence, Notion).
Raneto
Knowledgebase platform that uses static Markdown files.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wiki.js | 29,033 | AGPL-3.0 | Node.js, Docker, Kubernetes | |
| BookStack | - | MIT | PHP, Docker | |
| Outline | 40,873 | BUSL-1.1 | Node.js, Docker | |
| docmost Community Edition | 21,956 | AGPL-3.0 | Docker, Node.js | |
| Raneto | 2,903 | MIT | Node.js |
Why replace GitBook?
GitBook works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to GitBook?
Wiki.js is the closest open-source replacement for GitBook in our list. BookStack and Outline are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to GitBook?
Yes. All 5 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.