Top 10 Open-Source Knowledge Base Software

In this guide, we’re going to tell you about the 10 of the top open-source knowledge base software that you can use in 2026 and beyond. We’ll talk about the main features of each tool, their pros and cons, and how accessible/open-source each tool is.

We’ll also provide a table at the very beginning that describes each tool briefly.

What Is Open-Source Knowledge Base Software?

Open-source knowledge base software is a documentation platform whose source code is publicly available, allowing you to self-host, customize, and maintain your knowledge base without being locked into a single vendor.

In practical terms, this means you can run the software on your own infrastructure, control how data is stored and backed up, and adapt the experience to your workflows. For many teams, the biggest advantage is ownership: you decide how knowledge is structured, who can access it, and how the system evolves over time.

That said, “open source” is not always one single thing. Different tools sit on different parts of the openness spectrum:

Fully open source: The full core product is available under an open license, and you can run it without paying for required features.

Open core: The foundation is open source, but advanced features (often SSO, governance, analytics, or support) are paid.

Source-available: You can host the code, but the license usually limits modification, redistribution, or usage rights. It looks open, but it does not meet strict open-source criteria.

Understanding this distinction matters because it directly impacts your long-term control and your total cost of ownership.

How to Choose the Right Open-Source Knowledge Base Software

The “best” tool depends on how your team actually uses knowledge. Before comparing features, start with the job your knowledge base needs to do.

1) Clarify your primary use case

Different tools shine in different contexts:

Team documentation (engineering, IT, ops): You’ll want structured pages, permissions, versioning, and reliable search.

Customer-facing help center: You’ll need clean navigation, feedback mechanisms, SEO-friendly pages, and strong search relevance.

Compliance-heavy documentation: Look for audit trails, records management, workflows, and governance controls.

Personal or offline knowledge: Portability and flexibility matter more than multi-user governance.

2) Decide how much structure you want

Some teams thrive with enforced organization. Others need free-form flexibility.

If content sprawl is your enemy, pick a tool with hierarchies, templates, or strong organization conventions.

If your content is messy by nature (research notes, evolving ideas), you may want tags, linking, and flexible models.

A knowledge base is only as good as its ability to stay organized after month six.

3) Evaluate search quality like it’s the product

Search is the real interface. If people can’t find answers fast, the tool fails.

Look for:

• Full-text search that works well at scale
• Filtering (tags, categories, spaces)
• Relevance tuning or indexing options

Support for attachments and file content (if needed)

4) Don’t ignore permissions and publishing workflows

Most teams need at least one of these:

• Private/internal spaces
• Role-based access control
• Draft → review → publish workflows
• Audit logs and revision history

If you’ll ever have regulated content, you want these built in—not bolted on later.

5) Confirm your authentication needs early

Many “open core” tools reserve SSO and enterprise auth for paid tiers.

Make sure you know whether you need:

• LDAP / Active Directory
• SAML
• OAuth (Google/GitHub)
• SCIM user provisioning (often enterprise-only)

This is where surprises happen.

6) Check maintainability and long-term stability

Open-source software is a partnership with the project.

Before committing, review:

• Release frequency and roadmap signals
• Community activity and issue response time
• Upgrade complexity
• Backup and migration simplicity
• Plugin ecosystem maturity

A simpler tool that stays stable for years often beats a powerful tool that becomes a maintenance burden.

7) Be honest about your admin capacity

Some platforms reward investment but require real administration.

If you don’t have a technical owner:

• prefer tools with easy deployment, strong defaults, and minimal tuning
  If you do:
• you can choose more flexible platforms that pay off over time

How We Chose These Tools (Our Methodology)

This list was built for teams who want real ownership, not just “self-hosted vibes.” Our goal was to include open-source knowledge base software that is actually usable in the real world, with clear tradeoffs and transparent openness.

Here’s how we evaluated each tool:

1) We started with openness and licensing reality

We classified each tool by how open it truly is:

• fully open source
• open core
• source-available

We also looked for clear boundaries between community and enterprise editions, because “open source” shouldn’t be a guessing game.

2) We prioritized tools that are proven and actively maintained

Open-source knowledge bases only work long-term if the project has momentum.

We favored tools with:

• established adoption or clear longevity
• consistent releases and active development
• a community or ecosystem that suggests the project won’t disappear quietly

3) We evaluated the core experience: writing + organizing + finding

A knowledge base isn’t just a storage system. It’s a working environment.

So we assessed:

• authoring experience (WYSIWYG vs Markdown vs structured forms)
• organization model (hierarchy, tagging, namespaces, templates)
• search quality and retrieval speed
• versioning, history, and collaboration features

4) We checked whether the tool scales beyond “a small wiki”

Many platforms feel fine with 50 pages and collapse at 5,000.

We considered:

• performance and scalability track record
• permission complexity
• content sprawl controls
• migration and backup practicality

5) We included multiple “types” of knowledge base tools on purpose

People search “open-source knowledge base software” for different reasons. Some want a help center. Others want a corporate wiki. Others need compliance systems.

So we included tools that cover:

• structured internal documentation
• large collaborative wikis
• FAQ-centric knowledge bases
• enterprise governance platforms
• lightweight/offline knowledge management

6) We avoided padding the list with clones

We didn’t include tools that are essentially the same product in a different skin, unless they had a clear standout strength. Each tool on this list earned its slot by offering something meaningfully different.

Overview of the Top 10 Open-Source Knowledge Base Software

Now, we will describe each tool in detail.

1. BookStack

Description

BookStack is an open-source knowledge base and wiki built around a fixed, intuitive structure. Content is organized into books, chapters, and pages, which makes navigation predictable and easy to understand.

The tool is designed to prevent documentation sprawl. By enforcing hierarchy from the start, BookStack keeps knowledge organized as it grows, even when multiple contributors are involved.

Main features

• Book, chapter, and page hierarchy
• WYSIWYG editor with optional Markdown
• Role-based access control
• Page revision history and audit logs
• Full-text search
• Image and file attachments

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

BookStack is fully open source and self-hosted. The complete source code is publicly available, and there is no proprietary hosted version required to use it. Users retain full control over their data, infrastructure, and customization. Community contributions are active and well-documented.

What we like about this tool

BookStack makes documentation approachable. The structure reduces cognitive load. Teams spend less time deciding how to organize content and more time writing it.

Who is this perfect for

BookStack is a strong fit for teams that want order without complexity.

• Internal team documentation
• Engineering and product wikis
• IT and operations manuals
• Small to mid-size organizations

How well does BookStack integrate with other tools

BookStack supports authentication via LDAP, SAML2, and OAuth providers such as Google and GitHub. A REST API enables custom integrations and automation. While native integrations are limited, BookStack works well as a central documentation layer alongside existing systems.

Final remarks

BookStack delivers clarity and structure in an open-source package. It is ideal for teams that want documentation to stay organized without relying on proprietary platforms.

2. OpenKM

Description

OpenKM is an open-source document and knowledge management system built for controlled, secure information storage. It is designed to manage documents, records, and structured knowledge in regulated or process-heavy environments.

The platform leans toward formal knowledge management rather than lightweight documentation. It emphasizes governance, traceability, and long-term retention over ease of casual authoring.

Main features

• Document management with metadata
• Version control and audit trails
• Full-text search and indexing
• Workflow automation
• Role-based permissions
• Records management and compliance tools

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

OpenKM offers a community edition that is open source and self-hosted. The source code is available, but advanced features, enterprise support, and some extensions are reserved for paid editions. This makes it partially open, with clear boundaries between community and commercial offerings.

What we like about this tool

OpenKM takes knowledge governance seriously. It handles versioning, compliance, and document control better than most wiki-style tools.

Who is this perfect for

OpenKM fits organizations with strict documentation requirements.

• Enterprises with compliance needs
• Legal, healthcare, and government teams
• Organizations managing formal records
• Teams replacing legacy document systems

How well does OpenKM integrate with other tools

OpenKM integrates with LDAP and Active Directory for authentication. APIs support custom integrations with ERP, CRM, and business systems. Workflow and automation features allow it to sit within larger enterprise processes, though setup requires technical effort.

Final remarks

OpenKM is built for control, not convenience. It works best when documentation is treated as a regulated asset rather than informal team knowledge.

3. Documize

Description

Documize is an open-source documentation platform designed to replace static documents with structured, living knowledge. It focuses on turning internal documents into searchable, reusable content.

The tool sits between a traditional wiki and a document management system. It favors controlled structure and templates while still allowing collaborative editing.

Main features

• Document templates and sections
• Markdown-based editor
• Version history and change tracking
• Full-text search
• Role-based permissions
• Inline comments and feedback

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

Documize offers an open-source community edition that can be self-hosted. The core platform is available publicly, while enterprise features such as advanced authentication and support are gated behind paid plans. Users retain control over their data when self-hosted.

What we like about this tool

Documize encourages better documentation habits. Templates and structure guide authors toward clarity without being overly rigid.

Who is this perfect for

Documize works well for teams that want structured internal documentation.

• Product and engineering teams
• Internal process documentation
• Technical and operational manuals
• Teams moving away from shared documents

How well does Documize integrate with other tools

Documize supports integrations through APIs and webhooks. Authentication options include standard identity providers in higher tiers. Native integrations are limited, but it works well alongside existing toolchains as a documentation layer.

Final remarks

Documize bridges the gap between documents and wikis. It is a good fit for teams that want structure without the complexity of full enterprise systems.

4. DokuWiki

Description

DokuWiki is a lightweight open-source wiki designed for documentation and knowledge sharing. It stores content in plain text files rather than a database, which makes it simple to deploy, back up, and maintain.

The platform is built with longevity and stability in mind. It favors reliability and readability over modern design, making it a dependable choice for long-term documentation.

Main features

• Plain text file storage
• Simple markup language
• Full-text search
• Access control lists
• Built-in version control
• Extensive plugin system

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

DokuWiki is fully open source and self-hosted. The entire codebase is publicly available, with no commercial edition required to access core functionality. Users have full control over deployment, customization, and data ownership. Community contributions and plugins are widely available.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its simplicity and durability. DokuWiki rarely breaks, requires minimal infrastructure, and continues to work reliably over time.

Who is this perfect for

DokuWiki fits teams that value stability over polish.

• Technical teams comfortable with markup
• IT and infrastructure documentation
• Long-term internal knowledge bases
• Organizations avoiding database dependencies

How well does DokuWiki integrate with other tools

DokuWiki integrates through plugins and authentication connectors such as LDAP and Active Directory. APIs and hooks allow for custom extensions. While native integrations are limited, its plugin ecosystem covers many common needs.

Final remarks

DokuWiki is built to last. It is a strong choice for teams that want a simple, dependable open-source wiki without unnecessary complexity.

5. phpMyFAQ

Image source:  PlotHost

Description

phpMyFAQ is an open-source knowledge base system focused on FAQ-style content. It is designed to publish concise answers to common questions rather than long-form documentation.

The tool provides clarity and retrieval speed. Content is optimized for search and quick consumption, making it suitable for customer-facing help and internal reference material.

Main features

• FAQ-based content structure
• Full-text search with relevance tuning
• Category and tagging system
• User feedback and ratings
• Multilingual support
• Built-in analytics

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

phpMyFAQ is fully open source and self-hosted. The source code is publicly available under an open license, and all core functionality is accessible without a paid plan. Users maintain full control over hosting, data, and customization.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its focus. phpMyFAQ does one thing well: delivering clear answers quickly without unnecessary features.

Who is this perfect for

phpMyFAQ works best when knowledge can be expressed as direct answers.

• Customer support FAQs
• Internal reference questions
• Help centers with short articles
• Teams prioritizing search over structure

How well does phpMyFAQ integrate with other tools

phpMyFAQ supports LDAP and Active Directory authentication. APIs and database access allow for custom integrations. Analytics tools can be connected externally, though native integrations are limited.

Final remarks

phpMyFAQ is a focused solution for FAQ-driven knowledge bases. It is best used when speed, clarity, and simplicity matter more than depth.

6. MediaWiki

Description

MediaWiki is a powerful open-source wiki platform built to support large, collaborative knowledge bases. It is best known as the software behind Wikipedia and thousands of other high-traffic documentation sites.

The platform is designed for scale and openness. It supports massive content libraries, deep linking, and continuous contribution from many users, but it assumes a level of technical comfort from administrators and editors.

Main features

• Page-based wiki system with namespaces
• Strong revision history and change tracking
• Discussion and talk pages
• Advanced linking and categorization
• Full-text search
• Large extension ecosystem

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

MediaWiki is fully open source and self-hosted. The entire codebase is publicly available, and there is no proprietary version required to use it. Users have complete control over hosting, data, and customization. Accessibility for contributors is high, but administration requires technical expertise.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its proven durability at scale. MediaWiki handles vast amounts of knowledge without breaking under long-term use.

Who is this perfect for

MediaWiki is ideal when knowledge needs to scale widely.

• Large public knowledge bases
• Communities and open documentation projects
• Organizations with many contributors
• Teams comfortable managing complex systems

How well does MediaWiki integrate with other tools

MediaWiki integrates through extensions, APIs, and authentication systems such as LDAP and SSO providers. It can connect to analytics tools, search engines, and external platforms, though most integrations require configuration and technical setup.

Final remarks

MediaWiki is built for openness and scale. It is not lightweight, but it remains one of the most capable open-source knowledge platforms available.

7. XWiki

Description

XWiki is an open-source enterprise wiki designed for structured knowledge, collaboration, and extensibility. It combines traditional wiki features with application-like capabilities, allowing teams to build custom knowledge solutions.

The platform is more than a simple wiki. It supports structured data, workflows, and custom applications on top of content, which makes it suitable for complex organizational needs.

Main features

• Advanced wiki with page hierarchies
• Structured data and forms
• Powerful permissions and access control
• Versioning and audit trails
• Custom applications built inside the wiki
• Extensive extension marketplace

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

XWiki is fully open source under a permissive license and can be self-hosted. The complete codebase is publicly available. Commercial support and hosted offerings exist, but core functionality is not restricted. Users retain control over data and customization.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its flexibility. XWiki can evolve from a simple wiki into a full knowledge application without switching platforms.

Who is this perfect for

XWiki fits organizations with advanced knowledge requirements.

• Enterprises with complex documentation needs
• Teams requiring structured data and workflows
• Organizations replacing legacy intranets
• Technical teams managing custom knowledge apps

How well does XWiki integrate with other tools

XWiki integrates with LDAP, Active Directory, SAML, and OAuth providers. REST APIs and scripting allow deep integration with external systems. Add-ons support connections to office suites, search tools, and collaboration platforms.

Final remarks

XWiki is a powerful open-source platform for teams that need more than basic documentation. It rewards investment with flexibility and scale.

8. TiddlyWiki

Image from Information Research

Description

TiddlyWiki is a nontraditional open-source wiki that runs as a single HTML file. All content, structure, and logic live inside that file, which can be opened locally in a browser or hosted on a server.

The tool is built around flexibility and personal control. Instead of rigid hierarchies, TiddlyWiki uses small units of content called tiddlers that can be tagged, linked, and recombined in many ways.

Main features

• Single-file wiki architecture
• Tiddler-based content model
• Powerful tagging and linking
• Built-in search and filters
• Customizable layouts and macros
• Offline-first usage

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

TiddlyWiki is fully open source, with its entire codebase publicly available. It can be used without servers, accounts, or paid services. Users have complete ownership of their data and how it is stored. Accessibility is high for individuals, though collaboration requires additional setup.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its freedom. TiddlyWiki gives users complete control over how knowledge is structured, stored, and connected.

Who is this perfect for

TiddlyWiki is best suited for individuals or very small teams.

• Personal knowledge management
• Research notes and thinking systems
• Offline documentation
• Power users who enjoy customization

How well does TiddlyWiki integrate with other tools

TiddlyWiki has limited native integrations. It can sync through file storage services and integrate via plugins, scripts, or server-based variants. Advanced integrations require technical configuration.

Final remarks

TiddlyWiki is unlike any other knowledge base tool. It is powerful, flexible, and personal, but it rewards experimentation more than standardization.

9. exo Platform

Description

eXo Platform is an open-source digital workplace platform that includes knowledge management as part of a broader collaboration suite. It combines wikis, documents, social feeds, and collaboration tools into a single system.

The platform is designed for organizations that want knowledge embedded into daily work. Documentation, discussions, and collaboration live side by side rather than in separate tools.

Main features

• Wiki and page-based knowledge spaces
• Document management and sharing
• Activity streams and social collaboration
• Advanced permissions and roles
• Full-text search across content
• Intranet and portal capabilities

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

eXo Platform offers an open-source community edition that can be self-hosted, with the core platform publicly available. Enterprise editions add support, hosting, and advanced features. The project maintains a clear split between open core functionality and commercial offerings.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its scope. eXo treats knowledge as part of a broader workplace, not an isolated system.

Who is this perfect for

eXo Platform fits organizations that want an all-in-one internal hub.

• Large enterprises and institutions
• Organizations building intranets
• Distributed teams needing collaboration and knowledge
• Companies replacing legacy portals

How well does eXo Platform integrate with other tools

eXo Platform integrates with LDAP, Active Directory, SAML, and OAuth providers. APIs and connectors support integration with CRM, ERP, and enterprise systems. Its architecture allows deep customization, though integrations require technical expertise.

Final remarks

eXo Platform is expansive and powerful. It works best when knowledge management is part of a larger digital workplace strategy rather than a standalone tool.

10. PHPKB

Image from Software Reviews

Description

PHPKB is a web-based knowledge base software focused on structured help documentation and FAQs. It is designed to publish searchable articles for customers, employees, or internal teams.

The platform follows a traditional help center model. Content is organized into categories and articles, with an emphasis on discoverability and controlled publishing rather than collaboration.

Main features

• Article and category-based knowledge base
• Full-text search
• Role-based access control
• Feedback and ratings
• Analytics and reporting
• Multilingual content support

Pros / Cons

How open source / accessible is this software exactly?

PHPKB is source-available but not fully open source. The software requires a paid license, and while the code can be self-hosted, users do not have full freedom to modify or redistribute it. Accessibility is higher than SaaS-only tools, but it does not meet strict open-source criteria.

What we like about this tool

What we love about this tool is its focus on traditional knowledge base needs. PHPKB delivers a familiar help center experience without forcing teams into broader platforms.

Who is this perfect for

PHPKB works well for teams that want a classic help desk-style knowledge base.

• Customer support documentation
• Internal employee help portals
• Organizations preferring self-hosted tools
• Teams needing controlled publishing workflows

How well does PHPKB integrate with other tools

PHPKB supports authentication integrations such as LDAP and Active Directory. It offers APIs for custom integrations and can be connected to analytics and support systems with configuration. Native integrations are limited.

Final remarks

PHPKB is practical and conventional. It suits teams that want a self-hosted help center with clear structure, even if full open-source flexibility is not required.

Wrapping Up

To wrap things up, open-source knowledge base software offers a wide range of options depending on how much control and structure you need. Some tools are built for strict documentation and governance, others for large-scale collaboration, and some for lightweight or personal knowledge management.

The common thread is ownership. These tools give you control over your data, hosting, and customization in ways proprietary platforms often do not.

If you want an easy starting point with minimal friction, BookStack is a strong choice. For large, collaborative or public-facing knowledge bases, MediaWiki and XWiki stand out. Teams focused on internal stability and long-term maintenance should look at DokuWiki, while individuals or power users may prefer TiddlyWiki. For organizations with compliance or process-heavy requirements, OpenKM and eXo Platform are better suited.