Free Zettelkasten Templates for Building Your Second Brain (2026 Edition)

Stop letting your best ideas slip away. Transform scattered notes into a powerful network of knowledge.

The AFFiNE Zettelkasten Template Collection allows you to implement the renowned "Slip Box" method digitally. Unlike rigid note-taking apps, AFFiNE combines bi-directional linking with a visual whiteboard, making it the ultimate tool for connecting thoughts, researching complex topics, and sparking creativity.

Don't just store information; synthesize it. Select a template below to start building your personal knowledge engine.

Why Use an AFFiNE Template for Zettelkasten?

Implementing Zettelkasten from scratch is hard. Our templates handle the structure so you can focus on the thinking.

• Atomic Design: Pre-configured blocks designed for "Atomic Notes"—one idea per card, easy to link and reuse.

• Automatic Linking: Forget manual cross-referencing. Our templates leverage AFFiNE’s bi-directional links to automatically map relationships between your ideas.

• Visual Knowledge Graph: Switch to Edgeless Mode to see your Zettelkasten as a visual web. Drag, drop, and cluster notes to find hidden connections you missed in text view.

• Local-First Privacy: Your "Second Brain" is private. AFFiNE stores data locally, ensuring your lifetime of knowledge belongs to you, not the cloud.

Explore Templates by Use Case

🧠 The "Second Brain" Starter Kit

Best for: Beginners & Personal Knowledge Management (PKM).

A clean, simple setup to get you started with the basics of Fleeting Notes and Permanent Notes without overwhelming complexity.

🎓 Academic Research System

Best for: PhD Students, Researchers, and Writers.

Tailored for handling heavy citations. Includes sections for Literature Notes, Reference Management, and a "Synthesis Board" to outline papers based on your notes.

💡 Creative Insight Generator

Best for: Content Creators & Designers.

A visual-heavy template that utilizes the Whiteboard to cluster ideas. Perfect for brainstorming articles, videos, or design concepts using the Zettelkasten method.

How to Use These Templates (The Workflow)

The Zettelkasten method is a process, not just a layout. Here is how to use our templates effectively:

1. Capture (Fleeting Notes): Use the "Inbox" section of the template to quickly jot down raw thoughts or quotes. Don't worry about structure yet.

2. Process (Literature Notes): Review your inbox. Rewrite the ideas in your own words. This is the key to understanding.

3. Connect (Permanent Notes): Move the refined note to your main database. Use @ to link it to at least one existing note. Ask yourself: "How does this relate to what I already know?"

4. Visualize: Switch to Edgeless Mode to see how your new note fits into your wider knowledge graph.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the Zettelkasten Method?

Originating from sociologist Niklas Luhmann (who published 70+ books using it), it is a method of storing notes in a way that emphasizes connections over hierarchy. Instead of putting notes in folders, you link them together like a web, mimicking how the human brain works.

Q2: Why is AFFiNE better than Obsidian or Notion for this?

• Vs Notion: Notion is hierarchical and rigid. AFFiNE allows for fluid, bi-directional linking and offline access.

• Vs Obsidian: AFFiNE offers a native Whiteboard (Edgeless Mode) integrated with your docs. You can visually arrange your Zettels on an infinite canvas, which is crucial for seeing the "big picture."

Q3: Are these templates free?

Yes! All Zettelkasten templates in this collection are free to duplicate into your AFFiNE workspace.

Ready to upgrade your thinking? Select a template below and start connecting your ideas.