Heptabase vs. Scrintal
If you are a visual thinker, there are now two new visual knowledge management apps that can come to your rescue: Scrintal and Heptabase.
Even though the two products look similar from the outside, they offer quite different user experiences when you start working on them.
I wanted to highlight some of the main differences between Heptabase and Scrintal to help you in your decision-making process.
Heptabase vs. Scrintal
If you are a visual thinker, there are now two new visual knowledge management apps that can come to your rescue: Scrintal and Heptabase.
Even though the two products look similar from the outside, they offer quite different user experiences when you start working on them.
I wanted to highlight some of the main differences between Heptabase and Scrintal to help you in your decision-making process.
Heptabase vs. Scrintal
If you are a visual thinker, there are now two new visual knowledge management apps that can come to your rescue: Scrintal and Heptabase.
Even though the two products look similar from the outside, they offer quite different user experiences when you start working on them.
I wanted to highlight some of the main differences between Heptabase and Scrintal to help you in your decision-making process.
Heptabase vs. Scrintal
If you are a visual thinker, there are now two new visual knowledge management apps that can come to your rescue: Scrintal and Heptabase.
Even though the two products look similar from the outside, they offer quite different user experiences when you start working on them.
I wanted to highlight some of the main differences between Heptabase and Scrintal to help you in your decision-making process.
Heptabase vs. Scrintal
If you are a visual thinker, there are now two new visual knowledge management apps that can come to your rescue: Scrintal and Heptabase.
Even though the two products look similar from the outside, they offer quite different user experiences when you start working on them.
I wanted to highlight some of the main differences between Heptabase and Scrintal to help you in your decision-making process.
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10 Second Summary
Here's a quick overview of why and for whom Scrintal is the best Heptabase alternative in 2025.
What are the advantages of Scrintal compared to Heptabase? Scrintal offers cloud storage, real-time collaboration, easy of use on tablets, and ready-to-use templates showcasing different workflows for students, researchers, and dedicated note-takers. These features allow for both individual and team use cases.
Do Heptabase and Scrintal both have an offline mode? Yes, both tools support offline use. However, Scrintal combines live collaboration with offline capabilities, giving users the flexibility to work both online and offline without losing access to essential features.
⏰
10 Second Summary
Here's a quick overview of why and for whom Scrintal is the best Heptabase alternative in 2025.
What are the advantages of Scrintal compared to Heptabase? Scrintal offers cloud storage, real-time collaboration, easy of use on tablets, and ready-to-use templates showcasing different workflows for students, researchers, and dedicated note-takers. These features allow for both individual and team use cases.
Do Heptabase and Scrintal both have an offline mode? Yes, both tools support offline use. However, Scrintal combines live collaboration with offline capabilities, giving users the flexibility to work both online and offline without losing access to essential features.
⏰
10 Second Summary
Here's a quick overview of why and for whom Scrintal is the best Heptabase alternative in 2025.
What are the advantages of Scrintal compared to Heptabase? Scrintal offers cloud storage, real-time collaboration, easy of use on tablets, and ready-to-use templates showcasing different workflows for students, researchers, and dedicated note-takers. These features allow for both individual and team use cases.
Do Heptabase and Scrintal both have an offline mode? Yes, both tools support offline use. However, Scrintal combines live collaboration with offline capabilities, giving users the flexibility to work both online and offline without losing access to essential features.
⏰
10 Second Summary
Here's a quick overview of why and for whom Scrintal is the best Heptabase alternative in 2025.
What are the advantages of Scrintal compared to Heptabase? Scrintal offers cloud storage, real-time collaboration, easy of use on tablets, and ready-to-use templates showcasing different workflows for students, researchers, and dedicated note-takers. These features allow for both individual and team use cases.
Do Heptabase and Scrintal both have an offline mode? Yes, both tools support offline use. However, Scrintal combines live collaboration with offline capabilities, giving users the flexibility to work both online and offline without losing access to essential features.
⏰
10 Second Summary
Here's a quick overview of why and for whom Scrintal is the best Heptabase alternative in 2025.
What are the advantages of Scrintal compared to Heptabase? Scrintal offers cloud storage, real-time collaboration, easy of use on tablets, and ready-to-use templates showcasing different workflows for students, researchers, and dedicated note-takers. These features allow for both individual and team use cases.
Do Heptabase and Scrintal both have an offline mode? Yes, both tools support offline use. However, Scrintal combines live collaboration with offline capabilities, giving users the flexibility to work both online and offline without losing access to essential features.
1. Web app vs. Desktop App
Scrintal primarily is a web application. The fact that it is web-based allows the user to use Scrintal on any tablet or mobile browser. Scrintal can be easily used on tablets with a pencil.
Heptabase's web application is still in beta, so you are encouraged to download a desktop app to your computer.
Scrintal primarily is a web application. The fact that it is web-based allows the user to use Scrintal on any tablet or mobile browser. Scrintal can be easily used on tablets with a pencil.
Heptabase's web application is still in beta, so you are encouraged to download a desktop app to your computer.
Scrintal primarily is a web application. The fact that it is web-based allows the user to use Scrintal on any tablet or mobile browser. Scrintal can be easily used on tablets with a pencil.
Heptabase's web application is still in beta, so you are encouraged to download a desktop app to your computer.
Scrintal primarily is a web application. The fact that it is web-based allows the user to use Scrintal on any tablet or mobile browser. Scrintal can be easily used on tablets with a pencil.
Heptabase's web application is still in beta, so you are encouraged to download a desktop app to your computer.
Scrintal primarily is a web application. The fact that it is web-based allows the user to use Scrintal on any tablet or mobile browser. Scrintal can be easily used on tablets with a pencil.
Heptabase's web application is still in beta, so you are encouraged to download a desktop app to your computer.
2. Live Collaboration
One of our goals at Scrintal is to build better-functioning teams and help them gain a shared understanding by minimizing feedback loops.
In line with that goal, even the early version of Scrintal allowed simultaneous collaboration. You can use Scrintal collaboratively and choose the boards on which you want to work with others. You can add them with one click.
So they can ideate and develop ideas together, share common workspaces to avoid information silos. Heptabase currently works as a single-user product.
One of our goals at Scrintal is to build better-functioning teams and help them gain a shared understanding by minimizing feedback loops.
In line with that goal, even the early version of Scrintal allowed simultaneous collaboration. You can use Scrintal collaboratively and choose the boards on which you want to work with others. You can add them with one click.
So they can ideate and develop ideas together, share common workspaces to avoid information silos. Heptabase currently works as a single-user product.
One of our goals at Scrintal is to build better-functioning teams and help them gain a shared understanding by minimizing feedback loops.
In line with that goal, even the early version of Scrintal allowed simultaneous collaboration. You can use Scrintal collaboratively and choose the boards on which you want to work with others. You can add them with one click.
So they can ideate and develop ideas together, share common workspaces to avoid information silos. Heptabase currently works as a single-user product.
One of our goals at Scrintal is to build better-functioning teams and help them gain a shared understanding by minimizing feedback loops.
In line with that goal, even the early version of Scrintal allowed simultaneous collaboration. You can use Scrintal collaboratively and choose the boards on which you want to work with others. You can add them with one click.
So they can ideate and develop ideas together, share common workspaces to avoid information silos. Heptabase currently works as a single-user product.
One of our goals at Scrintal is to build better-functioning teams and help them gain a shared understanding by minimizing feedback loops.
In line with that goal, even the early version of Scrintal allowed simultaneous collaboration. You can use Scrintal collaboratively and choose the boards on which you want to work with others. You can add them with one click.
So they can ideate and develop ideas together, share common workspaces to avoid information silos. Heptabase currently works as a single-user product.
3. Data safety
Scrintal works on the cloud. From the first day, we favoured this approach because we champion accessibility from anywhere and anytime. People can export their work to their computers and store it locally.
To ensure access “anytime,” we enabled an offline mode that allows working even where there is no internet connection (e.g. while traveling, in remote locations). The system will sync as soon as the internet connection is back.
The development of a mobile app will also support accessibility from anywhere, anytime. It's worth mentioning that while we currently don't have a dedicated mobile app, Scrintal is fully operational on both phones and tablets through your web browser.
In contrast, Heptabase operates offline on a local device, providing users with the option to sync notes in the cloud. This approach offers a different level of control over your data and accessibility.
Our thoughts on data ownership
The way we think about data ownership includes data safety and data portability. We believe you should be able to access and use your data wherever you want, on whichever device without any hassle in today’s world.
Doing that requires utilizing what the latest cloud service technologies have to offer — of course in a secure way. We process all personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2017/676 (“GDPR”) and other applicable data protection rules. We believe security concerns should not curtail the opportunities presented by cloud systems and should be addressed seriously by the product teams.
Our co-founder, Ece graduated with a PhD in 2021 so we know pretty well how important it is to ensure data security as a company. This is why we took extra measures to do just that.
Scrintal works on the cloud. From the first day, we favoured this approach because we champion accessibility from anywhere and anytime. People can export their work to their computers and store it locally.
To ensure access “anytime,” we enabled an offline mode that allows working even where there is no internet connection (e.g. while traveling, in remote locations). The system will sync as soon as the internet connection is back.
The development of a mobile app will also support accessibility from anywhere, anytime. It's worth mentioning that while we currently don't have a dedicated mobile app, Scrintal is fully operational on both phones and tablets through your web browser.
In contrast, Heptabase operates offline on a local device, providing users with the option to sync notes in the cloud. This approach offers a different level of control over your data and accessibility.
Our thoughts on data ownership
The way we think about data ownership includes data safety and data portability. We believe you should be able to access and use your data wherever you want, on whichever device without any hassle in today’s world.
Doing that requires utilizing what the latest cloud service technologies have to offer — of course in a secure way. We process all personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2017/676 (“GDPR”) and other applicable data protection rules. We believe security concerns should not curtail the opportunities presented by cloud systems and should be addressed seriously by the product teams.
Our co-founder, Ece graduated with a PhD in 2021 so we know pretty well how important it is to ensure data security as a company. This is why we took extra measures to do just that.
Scrintal works on the cloud. From the first day, we favoured this approach because we champion accessibility from anywhere and anytime. People can export their work to their computers and store it locally.
To ensure access “anytime,” we enabled an offline mode that allows working even where there is no internet connection (e.g. while traveling, in remote locations). The system will sync as soon as the internet connection is back.
The development of a mobile app will also support accessibility from anywhere, anytime. It's worth mentioning that while we currently don't have a dedicated mobile app, Scrintal is fully operational on both phones and tablets through your web browser.
In contrast, Heptabase operates offline on a local device, providing users with the option to sync notes in the cloud. This approach offers a different level of control over your data and accessibility.
Our thoughts on data ownership
The way we think about data ownership includes data safety and data portability. We believe you should be able to access and use your data wherever you want, on whichever device without any hassle in today’s world.
Doing that requires utilizing what the latest cloud service technologies have to offer — of course in a secure way. We process all personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2017/676 (“GDPR”) and other applicable data protection rules. We believe security concerns should not curtail the opportunities presented by cloud systems and should be addressed seriously by the product teams.
Our co-founder, Ece graduated with a PhD in 2021 so we know pretty well how important it is to ensure data security as a company. This is why we took extra measures to do just that.
Scrintal works on the cloud. From the first day, we favoured this approach because we champion accessibility from anywhere and anytime. People can export their work to their computers and store it locally.
To ensure access “anytime,” we enabled an offline mode that allows working even where there is no internet connection (e.g. while traveling, in remote locations). The system will sync as soon as the internet connection is back.
The development of a mobile app will also support accessibility from anywhere, anytime. It's worth mentioning that while we currently don't have a dedicated mobile app, Scrintal is fully operational on both phones and tablets through your web browser.
In contrast, Heptabase operates offline on a local device, providing users with the option to sync notes in the cloud. This approach offers a different level of control over your data and accessibility.
Our thoughts on data ownership
The way we think about data ownership includes data safety and data portability. We believe you should be able to access and use your data wherever you want, on whichever device without any hassle in today’s world.
Doing that requires utilizing what the latest cloud service technologies have to offer — of course in a secure way. We process all personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2017/676 (“GDPR”) and other applicable data protection rules. We believe security concerns should not curtail the opportunities presented by cloud systems and should be addressed seriously by the product teams.
Our co-founder, Ece graduated with a PhD in 2021 so we know pretty well how important it is to ensure data security as a company. This is why we took extra measures to do just that.
Scrintal works on the cloud. From the first day, we favoured this approach because we champion accessibility from anywhere and anytime. People can export their work to their computers and store it locally.
To ensure access “anytime,” we enabled an offline mode that allows working even where there is no internet connection (e.g. while traveling, in remote locations). The system will sync as soon as the internet connection is back.
The development of a mobile app will also support accessibility from anywhere, anytime. It's worth mentioning that while we currently don't have a dedicated mobile app, Scrintal is fully operational on both phones and tablets through your web browser.
In contrast, Heptabase operates offline on a local device, providing users with the option to sync notes in the cloud. This approach offers a different level of control over your data and accessibility.
Our thoughts on data ownership
The way we think about data ownership includes data safety and data portability. We believe you should be able to access and use your data wherever you want, on whichever device without any hassle in today’s world.
Doing that requires utilizing what the latest cloud service technologies have to offer — of course in a secure way. We process all personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2017/676 (“GDPR”) and other applicable data protection rules. We believe security concerns should not curtail the opportunities presented by cloud systems and should be addressed seriously by the product teams.
Our co-founder, Ece graduated with a PhD in 2021 so we know pretty well how important it is to ensure data security as a company. This is why we took extra measures to do just that.
4. Media and PDF Embeds
You can embed any media in docs or blocks. You will see it directly on the board when you embed media on a block.
If there is any media or image embedded, you can pop that out of the doc, and consume the content while taking notes simultaneously somewhere else in your knowledge base. That means you’re not limited to only a single page. One of Scrintal's differentiations is extracting any type of media and PDFs from a doc.
You can embed any media in docs or blocks. You will see it directly on the board when you embed media on a block.
If there is any media or image embedded, you can pop that out of the doc, and consume the content while taking notes simultaneously somewhere else in your knowledge base. That means you’re not limited to only a single page. One of Scrintal's differentiations is extracting any type of media and PDFs from a doc.
You can embed any media in docs or blocks. You will see it directly on the board when you embed media on a block.
If there is any media or image embedded, you can pop that out of the doc, and consume the content while taking notes simultaneously somewhere else in your knowledge base. That means you’re not limited to only a single page. One of Scrintal's differentiations is extracting any type of media and PDFs from a doc.
You can embed any media in docs or blocks. You will see it directly on the board when you embed media on a block.
If there is any media or image embedded, you can pop that out of the doc, and consume the content while taking notes simultaneously somewhere else in your knowledge base. That means you’re not limited to only a single page. One of Scrintal's differentiations is extracting any type of media and PDFs from a doc.
You can embed any media in docs or blocks. You will see it directly on the board when you embed media on a block.
If there is any media or image embedded, you can pop that out of the doc, and consume the content while taking notes simultaneously somewhere else in your knowledge base. That means you’re not limited to only a single page. One of Scrintal's differentiations is extracting any type of media and PDFs from a doc.
5. User Interface
This part is subjective, there is no right or wrong, better or worse. Two products adopt different user interfaces. It is really a matter of choice as to what you prefer as an individual. The user interface plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall user experience of any knowledge management tool.
Heptabase's interface impresses with its sleek design and engaging typewriter animation during onboarding, creating an immersive initial experience. However, the gradual reveal of text throughout the onboarding process may extend its duration, and the focus of this introduction leans more towards knowledge management concepts than practical app navigation. It emphasizes Heptabase's role in breaking down complex projects into manageable pieces on a whiteboard, promoting improved review and comprehension.
In contrast, Scrintal's UI prioritizes usability and navigational clarity. A dedicated sidebar streamlines access to crucial views, enhancing overall organization. Scrintal's "My Desk" button allows you to access your workspace effortlessly. The sections in the sidebar "Docs" and "Boards," make navigation a breeze, and the structured menu bar has breadcrumbs for easy orientation. Scrintal UI facilitates quick actions for efficient doc management and a refreshed design language with updated icons and a modern color palette. This emphasis on user-friendliness and efficient navigation positions Scrintal as a tool for visual thinkers and knowledge managers.
6. Dark Mode
God damn you dark mode!!! This was probably one of the most asked features in our community and at some point it became a thing in our team so I had to put it here 😂
Below you can see our dark mode as well as Heptabase’s.
Moment of Truth: Scrintal or Heptabase?
So what should you do?
To be honest, I believe these are two strong products with huge development upsides.
Heptabase looks like a great product with a young, hardworking team behind it. As an early-stage startup worker and enthusiast, knowing how difficult it is to build a sustainable business from scratch, I can only respect their efforts. It doesn’t really matter even if they are ‘competitors’.
In terms of company vision, I can only speak on behalf of the Scrintal team. We have a clear mission to empower people’s visual creativity, so they convert their cluttered ideas into meaningful outcomes. Our approach tries to harmonize the dynamic nature of idea generation with the precision of knowledge organization.
Scrintal will continue to evolve along the “think > develop > share” axis which means you will turn a raw idea into a full-fledged output in one place.
So I’ll advise you to go with your gut feeling and choose the one that feels closer to you. Or maybe both? It is really a matter of choice at this point.
Daiana Moyano
Unlock brilliance
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Unlock brilliance
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Unlock brilliance
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Comparisons