How to Use Anytype: A Quick Start Guideline 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every Anytype feature:

• Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
• How to Use Personal and Work PKM — Organize your knowledge in private spaces
• How to Use Team Space — Collaborate with your team in real time
• How to Use Data Vault — Store and protect your files locally
• How to Use CRM (Basic Approach) — Track contacts and relationships
• How to Use Habit Tracker — Build daily routines that stick
• How to Use Graph-Based Structure — See how all your ideas connect
• How to Use Customizable Types — Create your own object types
• How to Use Sets & Bi-Directional Linking — Filter and connect objects automatically
• How to Use End-to-End Encryption — Keep your data private and secure

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used Anytype for over 12 months and tested every feature covered here. This how to use anytype tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

Anytype is one of the most powerful personal knowledge management tools available today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use every major feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

Anytype Tutorial

This complete Anytype tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

Anytype

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Getting Started with Anytype

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 3 minutes.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to anytype.io and click “Get Anytype.”

Download the app for your device (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android).

Open the app and select “Create a new vault.”

Anytype will generate a recovery phrase — save it somewhere safe.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see a 12-word recovery phrase on your screen.

Step 2: Set Up Your First Space

After creating your vault, Anytype opens your default Space.

Think of Spaces as separate areas for different parts of your life.

You might create one for “Personal” and one for “Work.”

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the sidebar with widgets on the left.

Step 3: Explore the Sidebar and Widgets

Click “Edit Widgets” at the bottom of your sidebar.

Add widgets for your most-used objects like Notes, Tasks, or Projects.

Pin your favorite Sets or Pages for quick access.

How to Use Anytype Personal and Work PKM

Personal and Work PKM lets you build a private knowledge base for every area of your life.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Personal and Work PKM in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Create a New Space

Click the Space icon in the top-left corner of your sidebar.

Select “Create Space” and give it a name like “Personal” or “Work.”

Step 2: Add Your First Objects

Press Cmd/Ctrl + N to create a new object.

Choose a Type like Note, Task, or Project from the list.

Start writing your content inside the block editor.

✓ Checkpoint: Your new object should appear in the sidebar under your Space.

Step 3: Organize with Relations

Click the “/” command to add relations like Status, Priority, or Tags.

Use relations to connect your notes, tasks, and projects together.

How to Use Anytype Team Space

Team Space lets you collaborate with others in shared, encrypted workspaces.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Team Space in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Create a Shared Space

Click your Space icon and select “Create Space.”

Toggle the sharing option to make it a Shared Space.

Step 2: Invite Team Members

Go to Space Settings and click “Invite.”

Share the invite link with your team members.

Set their roles as Editor or Viewer based on their needs.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see your team members listed in Space Settings.

Step 3: Collaborate on Objects

Create shared objects and start editing together in real time.

All changes sync across devices using peer-to-peer encryption.

How to Use Anytype Data Vault

Data Vault lets you store files and data locally on your device with full encryption.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Data Vault in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Your Vault Settings

Click the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the app.

Navigate to “Vault” or “Storage” in the settings menu.

Step 2: Add Files to Your Vault

Drag and drop files into any object, or use the “/” command to attach files.

Anytype stores everything locally on your device first.

✓ Checkpoint: Your files should appear attached to the object.

Step 3: Manage Storage and Sync

Check your storage usage in Settings to see how much space you’ve used.

Enable sync to back up your vault across multiple devices.

How to Use Anytype CRM (Basic Approach)

CRM (Basic Approach) lets you track contacts, companies, and relationships inside Anytype.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See CRM in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Create a Contact Type

Go to your Library and create a new Type called “Contact.”

Add relations like Name, Email, Phone, Company, and Status.

Step 2: Build Your Contact Database

Create a Set filtered by your “Contact” type.

Switch to Grid view to see all contacts in a table layout.

Add new contacts by clicking the “+” button in the Set.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see a table of contacts with all your custom fields.

Step 3: Link Contacts to Projects

Use relations to connect contacts to projects, meetings, or tasks.

These links will show up in the Graph View later.

How to Use Anytype Habit Tracker

Habit Tracker lets you build daily routines and track your progress over time.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Habit Tracker in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Create a Habit Type

Go to your Library and create a new Type called “Habit.”

Add relations like Name, Status (Done/Not Done), Date, and Streak.

Step 2: Set Up a Habit Tracking Set

Create a Set filtered by your “Habit” type.

Switch to Calendar or Grid view for a clear daily overview.

Add your habits like “Exercise,” “Read,” or “Meditate.”

✓ Checkpoint: You should see your habits listed with checkboxes or status fields.

Step 3: Track Daily Progress

Each day, mark your habits as Done or Not Done.

Use the Calendar view to spot streaks and patterns over time.

How to Use Anytype Graph-Based Structure

Graph-Based Structure lets you see how all your objects connect visually.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Graph-Based Structure in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Graph View

Click the Graph icon in your sidebar or use the command menu.

Anytype displays all your objects as connected nodes.

Step 2: Explore Your Connections

Click any node to see its details and linked objects.

Zoom in and out to find clusters of related ideas.

Use filters to show only certain Types or Relations in the graph.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see a visual map of all your connected objects.

Step 3: Add New Links from the Graph

Drag connections between nodes to create new links.

This helps you discover patterns you might have missed.

How to Use Anytype Customizable Types

Customizable Types lets you create your own object structures for any use case.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Customizable Types in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Type Library

Click “Library” in your sidebar to see all existing Types.

Anytype comes with built-in Types like Note, Task, Book, and more.

Step 2: Create a Custom Type

Click “New Type” and give it a descriptive name.

Add custom relations to define what data each object should hold.

Set a default template for your new Type.

✓ Checkpoint: Your new Type should appear in the Library and in the “New Object” menu.

Step 3: Apply Templates to Objects

Create a template with pre-filled fields and layout options.

Every new object of that Type will use the template automatically.

How to Use Anytype Sets & Bi-Directional Linking

Sets & Bi-Directional Linking lets you filter objects and create automatic two-way connections.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See Sets & Bi-Directional Linking in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Create a Set

Press Cmd/Ctrl + N and select “Set” as the object type.

Choose which Type of objects the Set should display.

Step 2: Filter and Sort Your Set

Add filters by Status, Date, Tags, or any relation.

Sort objects by name, date, or priority.

Switch between Grid, List, Gallery, or Calendar views.

✓ Checkpoint: Your Set should display only the objects that match your filters.

Step 3: Use Bi-Directional Links

Link any object to another using the “@” mention or relations.

Both objects will show the connection — that’s bi-directional linking.

How to Use Anytype End-to-End Encryption

End-to-End Encryption lets you keep all your data private and secure by default.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

See End-to-End Encryption in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Understand Your Recovery Phrase

Anytype encrypts everything with your 12-word recovery phrase.

This phrase is your master key — only you have it.

Step 2: Verify Encryption Status

Go to Settings and check the encryption section.

All data is encrypted on-device before it syncs anywhere.

Even Anytype’s servers cannot read your data.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see “End-to-End Encrypted” confirmed in your settings.

Step 3: Back Up Your Recovery Phrase

Write your recovery phrase on paper and store it somewhere secure.

If you lose this phrase, nobody can recover your data — not even Anytype.

Anytype Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing Anytype for over 12 months, here are my best tips.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Slash Commands: Type “/” inside any object to access blocks, relations, embeds, and media without touching the toolbar.
• Inline Sets: Embed a Set directly inside a page to create dashboards without leaving your current view.
• Sidebar Widget Customization: Click “Edit Widgets” to pin your most-used Sets, objects, and spaces for one-click access.
• Tab Support: Open multiple objects in tabs within the same window for faster multitasking.

Anytype Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Treating Anytype Like a File Folder

Mistake #2: Ignoring Relations

Mistake #3: Losing Your Recovery Phrase

Anytype Troubleshooting

Problem: Objects Not Syncing Between Devices

Cause: Your devices might not be on the same network or sync may be paused.

Fix: Check your internet connection on both devices. Go to Settings and confirm sync is enabled. Wait a few minutes for peer-to-peer sync to complete.

Problem: App Feels Slow or Laggy

Cause: Too many objects or large files in a single Space can slow things down.

Fix: Split large Spaces into smaller ones. Remove unused objects or files. Update Anytype to the latest version for performance fixes.

Problem: Cannot Recover Account After Reinstall

Cause: You don’t have your 12-word recovery phrase.

Fix: Without the recovery phrase, your data cannot be restored. Always back up your phrase on paper before reinstalling. If you still have access on another device, export your data first.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Anytype support or visit the community forum at community.anytype.io.

What is Anytype?

Anytype is a privacy-first personal knowledge management tool that stores your data locally on your device.

Think of it like a private digital brain that combines Notion‘s flexibility with Obsidian’s local-first privacy.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• Personal and Work PKM: Separate spaces for every area of your life with connected objects.
• Team Space: Encrypted shared workspaces for real-time collaboration.
• Data Vault: Local-first file storage with end-to-end encryption.
• CRM (Basic Approach): Track contacts, companies, and relationships.
• Habit Tracker: Build daily routines with visual progress tracking.
• Graph-Based Structure: See all your ideas and notes connected visually.
• Customizable Types: Create your own object structures and templates.
• Sets & Bi-Directional Linking: Dynamic filters and automatic two-way connections.
• End-to-End Encryption: Military-grade privacy with local-first data storage.

For a full review, see our Anytype review.

Anytype Pricing

Here’s what Anytype costs in 2026:

Free plan: Yes — includes 1 GB network space, 3 shared spaces, and 3 space members per shared space.

Money-back guarantee: Contact Anytype support for refund requests.

💰 Best Value: Free plan — it’s generous enough for most personal users. Upgrade to Plus if you need more network space.

Anytype vs Alternatives

How does Anytype compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Notion — most features and integrations for teams of any size.
• Best budget: Anytype — generous free plan with encryption included.
• Best for beginners: Craft — clean design with a gentle learning curve.
• Best for privacy: Anytype — local-first storage with end-to-end encryption.

🎯 Anytype Alternatives

Looking for Anytype alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 Notion: The most popular all-in-one workspace with databases, wikis, and deep integrations for teams.
• 🧠 Capacities: Object-based note-taking similar to Anytype but with a more visual, block-based design.
• 🎨 Craft: Beautifully designed documents with inline linking and both local and cloud options.
• ⚡ ClickUp: Full project management platform with built-in docs, tasks, and whiteboards.
• 💼 Coda: Flexible doc platform that blends documents, spreadsheets, and apps in one tool.
• 🌟 XTiles: Visual workspace with tile-based layout for brainstorming and project planning.
• 🔒 AFFiNE Pro: Open-source workspace combining docs, whiteboards, and databases with privacy focus.
• 📊 Obsidian: Markdown-based local-first note app with powerful plugins and graph visualization.
• 🏢 Asana: Enterprise-grade project management with task tracking, timelines, and team workflows.
• 🔧 Airtable: Spreadsheet-database hybrid perfect for structured data and custom workflows.
• ⭐ Monday: Visual project management with automations, dashboards, and team collaboration.
• 🎯 Launchnotes: Product communication tool for release notes, changelogs, and roadmap sharing.

For the full list, see our Anytype alternatives guide.

⚔️ Anytype Compared

Here’s how Anytype stacks up against each competitor:

• Anytype vs Notion: Anytype wins on privacy and offline access. Notion wins on integrations and team features.
• Anytype vs Capacities: Both use object-based models. Anytype is more private. Capacities has a friendlier interface.
• Anytype vs Craft: Craft is better for polished documents. Anytype offers deeper data connections and encryption.
• Anytype vs ClickUp: ClickUp is better for project management. Anytype is better for personal knowledge bases.
• Anytype vs Coda: Coda excels at building apps inside docs. Anytype focuses on private, connected knowledge.
• Anytype vs XTiles: XTiles is more visual and tile-based. Anytype has stronger data linking and encryption.
• Anytype vs AFFiNE Pro: Both are open-source and privacy-first. AFFiNE adds whiteboard support. Anytype has deeper types.
• Anytype vs Obsidian: Both store data locally. Obsidian uses markdown and plugins. Anytype uses objects and relations.
• Anytype vs Asana: Asana is built for team task management. Anytype is built for personal knowledge and privacy.
• Anytype vs Airtable: Airtable is a database-first tool for structured data. Anytype is a knowledge-first tool.
• Anytype vs Monday: Monday focuses on visual project tracking. Anytype focuses on connecting ideas privately.
• Anytype vs Launchnotes: Launchnotes is for product communication. Anytype is for personal and team knowledge.

Start Using Anytype Now

You learned how to use every major Anytype feature:

• ✅ Personal and Work PKM
• ✅ Team Space
• ✅ Data Vault
• ✅ CRM (Basic Approach)
• ✅ Habit Tracker
• ✅ Graph-Based Structure
• ✅ Customizable Types
• ✅ Sets & Bi-Directional Linking
• ✅ End-to-End Encryption

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with Personal and Work PKM.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anytype used for?

Anytype is used for personal knowledge management, note-taking, task tracking, and building connected databases. It stores all your data locally on your device with end-to-end encryption. You can use it to organize notes, projects, contacts, habits, and more in one private workspace.

Is Anytype better than Notion?

It depends on what you need. Anytype is better for privacy, offline access, and data ownership since everything stays on your device. Notion is better for team collaboration, integrations, and overall ease of use. If privacy is your top priority, Anytype is the stronger choice.

Is the Anytype app free?

Yes, Anytype has a generous free plan. It includes 1 GB of network space, 3 shared spaces, and support for 3 space members per shared space. You can sync across devices and use all core features at no cost. Paid plans start at $4/month for more storage.

Is Anytype safe to use?

Yes, Anytype is one of the safest note-taking apps available. It uses end-to-end encryption and stores data locally on your device. Your data syncs using peer-to-peer technology, and even Anytype’s own servers cannot read your content. The app is also open-source, so anyone can verify its security.

Will Anytype always be free?

Anytype plans to keep a free tier available. The free plan includes core features like local storage, device sync, and basic collaboration. Paid plans add more network storage space, more editors per shared space, and priority support. The pricing model is based on memberships that support the network.

Is there a web version of Anytype?

No, Anytype does not have a web version as of 2026. The app is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. This is by design — Anytype stores data locally on your device for maximum privacy. A web version would require cloud storage, which goes against Anytype’s local-first approach.

Can I self host Anytype?

Yes, Anytype supports self-hosting. Since the app is open-source, you can run your own sync node using the AnySync protocol. Self-hosters can manage their own storage limits and invited members. The Anytype team has indicated future membership discounts for self-hosted users.