At a Glance:
Kanri is an offline-first, open-source Kanban board application for desktop that stores all board data locally in a single JSON file, with no cloud sync or account required.
Overview:
Kanri is a desktop Kanban board application designed as a simple, user-friendly offline alternative to cloud-based project management tools. It runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux without requiring an internet connection or user account. The application focuses on providing a familiar Kanban board experience with customizable columns and cards, while ensuring that all data remains strictly local. Kanri stores project information in a single JSON file, giving users direct control over their data. It is built for individuals who prefer a straightforward, distraction-free visual task management tool that operates entirely on their own machine without any built-in cloud synchronization.
Key Decision Points:
Strictly offline with local storage: All board data is saved in a single
.jsonfile on your device with no cloud sync functionality, making this a deliberate choice for users who want complete data locality.Desktop-only application: Kanri runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a native desktop app built with Tauri, and does not offer a web or mobile interface.
Import and export support: You can import boards from Trello and export your data in granular or full-backup formats, which helps with migration and manual backup workflows.
No account or sign-up required: The application works immediately after installation without any registration, authentication, or internet dependency.
Core Features:
Kanban boards with customizable columns and cards: Create and manage visual task boards with familiar drag-and-drop column layouts.
Card details with rich-text descriptions: Add formatted text descriptions to individual cards for detailed task information.
Sub-tasks, due dates, and tags: Break down work into smaller sub-tasks, set deadlines, and organize cards with tags.
Custom themes and board background images: Personalize the board appearance with custom visual themes and background images.
Keyboard shortcuts: Navigate and manage boards more efficiently using built-in keyboard shortcuts.
JSON file-based data storage: All board information is automatically saved to a local
.jsonfile that users can access, back up, or move independently.
Use Cases:
Individuals who want a local task board: Users who prefer keeping project data on their own computer and do not need cloud-based access can run Kanri offline as a personal Kanban tool.
Users migrating from Trello: People looking to move away from cloud Kanban tools can import their existing Trello boards and continue working in a desktop environment without an account.
Open-Source Alternative Value:
Kanri provides an open-source, desktop-native alternative to cloud-based Kanban applications by keeping all data local and under user control. The application stores everything in a transparent JSON file format, which makes manual backups and file-based synchronization straightforward. Kanri does not include any cloud sync mechanism by design, aligning with its philosophy of offering a focused, offline tool. Users who want to inspect the source, contribute to development, or simply run a Kanban board without accounts or internet connectivity can benefit from its permissive GPLv3 licensing and Tauri-based architecture.
