2 Open Source Alternatives to Documentation

A list of 2 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Documentation.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated3 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Documentation open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Bookstack logo

Bookstack

16,186
2,018

BookStack is a free, open source documentation platform built with PHP and Laravel that simplifies creating and managing wiki content. It offers an intuitive interface, enabling both technical and non-technical users to easily organize information in a structured book-chapter-page format.

Bookstack screenshot

Key Features

  • Free & Open Source under the MIT license
  • Intuitive WYSIWYG editor and optional Markdown support
  • Structured content organization (Books, Chapters, Pages)
  • Integrated search with direct paragraph linking
  • Built-in diagrams.net for quick diagram creation
  • Configurable interface with dark/light modes
  • Multi-lingual support and versatile authentication options

BookStack allows users to build and maintain documentation with ease. It features a simple WYSIWYG editor, an optional Markdown mode, and an organized structure that breaks content into books, chapters, and pages. The platform is fully searchable and configurable, with built-in diagrams.net integration, multi-lingual support, and robust authentication options including MFA, all while running efficiently on minimal resources.

#2
Wiki.js logo

Wiki.js

25,810
2,852

Wiki.js is a modern, secure, and feature-rich wiki application built on Node.js. It offers a beautiful and intuitive interface for creating and managing documentation while maintaining the flexibility and extensibility demanded by today's developers.

Wiki.js screenshot

Key Features

  • Open source and AGPL-v3 licensed
  • Cross-platform compatibility with various database options
  • Modular design with optional feature toggling
  • Multiple authentication methods including 2FA
  • Customizable themes with light and dark modes
  • Integration with over 50 external services

Built on the fast and efficient Node.js engine, Wiki.js supports multiple platforms and databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, and SQLite. Its modular design includes customizable themes, advanced authentication options (local, social, and enterprise), and a variety of editors such as Markdown, WYSIWYG, and plain HTML. Wiki.js is designed to scale from small projects to large enterprises and integrates seamlessly with over 50 third-party services.

About Documentation

The Philosophy Documentation Center (PDC) based in Charlottesville, VA, offers a comprehensive range of products and services in the humanities and social sciences. Their E-Collection provides access to over 200 scholarly journals, book series, conference proceedings, and other publications. With complete coverage of most titles, users can access all issues and volumes. The content is available in PDF or HTML formats and is fully searchable. The collection is continuously updated with new titles and back issue collections each year. PDC's E-Collection features peer-reviewed publications with free page previews and full-text search capabilities. Unique content is available, with most titles exclusively accessible through PDC. The collection also includes CrossRef DOIs, OpenURL linking, and CrossMark version identification. It offers features such as online first pre-publication access and COUNTER-compliant usage statistics. Institutions and individuals can choose from various access options, including IP authentication and personal selection. Special bundle options are available, including access to PhilPapers, the premier research index in philosophy. PDC also hosts Open Access journals and provides Free Access to archival collections. For technical support, Makrolog Content Management assists, ensuring a seamless user experience.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
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Documentation

Publishing Solutions and Online Resources for Advanced Learning · Our Publications Include · Journals and Series · Books & Reference Works · Special Collections.

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