Hey Product Hunt
We just shipped something we ve wanted to build for a long time: a local API and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration for Tana.
The short version:
AI tools like Claude Code can now read, reason over, and write back to your actual Tana workspace including structured notes, outlines, prompts, and relationships instead of working on pasted text or one-off prompts.
Why we built this
Most AI workflows today look like this:
That s not how real work compounds.
Tana is designed as a permanent, structured thinking system. With the new API + MCP, AI tools can finally work inside that system instead of around it.
What this unlocks
A simple example we re excited about:
Capture a voice memo in Tana
Shape it into an outline using the editor
Let Claude Code turn that structured note into a slide deck
Tana
Tana
Tana
I first used Tana a couple of years ago and was immediately impressed by how intuitive it felt to build my knowledge base. Tana’s unique “database-like” structure—without forcing the user into rigid schemas—was a game-changer in note-taking. It let me link, search, and auto-fill fields in ways I haven't experienced in other tools.
Despite loving the concept, I eventually stopped using Tana due to a few key shortcomings at the time:
1. No Offline Access
When my internet went down, Tana effectively became a blank screen. Not being able to work offline was a deal-breaker.
2. Lack of a Mobile App
As someone who frequently takes notes on the go, the absence of a native mobile app hindered my workflow.
3. No Clear Data Export
It was difficult to back up or migrate my knowledge base into a usable format. If I couldn’t easily export, I felt locked in.
4. Missing Whiteboard/Canvas View
I love visually mapping out connections in my notes. Tana’s lack of a whiteboard or canvas felt limiting at times.
The real disappointment for me was the lack of visible commitment from the team to address these issues. Tana was still in pre-release, but I never got a clear sense of how or when these problems would be tackled, so I shifted to other applications.
Fast-forward to early February 2025: Tana hosted a launch party (3 Hour video linked here) and showcased the steps they’ve taken to address user feedback. After seeing their progress, I decided to give Tana another chance—and I’m glad I did. Here’s how Tana is tackling its most significant pain points:
1. Working Offline
According to Grim [CPO], they aim to move towards an “offline-first” approach. This commitment should let us run unlimited API calls and continue working seamlessly even without an internet connection.
2. Mobile Application
They’ve initially rolled out an iOS app and are now testing an Android app in prerelease. I’ve had the chance to try the Android version, and while it’s still basic, the Tana team has clearly prioritized hiring new developers to improve and expand mobile functionality.
3. Data Export
Grimm hinted that once Tana moves offline-first and their API matures, exporting data will be significantly easier. They even teased interesting possibilities for exporting knowledge bases in more flexible formats via these APIs.
4. Whiteboard/Canvas View
A canvas-style view is “not hard to implement,” according to Grimm—so it’s definitely on their radar. The real question is prioritizing it alongside everything else they’re building.
AI Implementation: A Major Draw
Tana’s native AI features stand out in the crowded note-taking space. Since my earlier time on the platform, they’ve doubled down on generative AI integration. Back then, Tana allowed the average user to create “Agents” to automate tasks like note-taking, metadata extraction, and more—well before AI agents became a buzzword. During the launch party, they teased even more AI enhancements on the horizon, which is especially exciting for anyone seeking to optimize their personal knowledge management.
My Verdict
Tana has come a long way since its early, more limited days. While not all issues are fully resolved yet, the team’s commitment to addressing core needs—offline access, mobile functionality, data export, and a canvas view—is evident. I’ve returned as a free user and am strongly considering upgrading to unlock Tana’s AI features.
If you’re looking for a powerful, evolving platform that merges note-taking, database functionalities, and cutting-edge AI integrations, Tana is worth another look. I’m excited to see how it continues to grow and can’t wait to explore the innovative features the team rolls out next.
Tana
@antonio_bradley3 thanks a lot for sharing both your journey, feedback and verdict! As you write, we're actively working to improve the experience across the board. Since you posted, the Android app has actually shifted to public release, though lots to do still! Thank you for being part of this and taking a moment out of your busy day to write here. Means a lot to the whole team!
Loving the flexibility and power of Tana—it’s like Notion, Roam, and Airtable had a supercharged baby. The structured yet fluid way of organizing thoughts, tasks, and projects is game-changing, especially for those juggling multiple ideas and workflows. 🚀
The auto-linking, supertags, and AI-powered organization make it feel like a second brain that actually thinks ahead for you. Excited to see how the ecosystem grows with more integrations and use cases!
Big congrats to the team! 🎉 Anyone else using Tana for startup workflows, research, or content creation?
Tana
Tana