What is Are.na?
Are.na is an ad-free, algorithm-free platform to organize ideas with blocks and channels, collaborative, available on web and iOS, privacy-focused, with free and paid plans.
Are.na
A calm, collaborative tool for collecting ideas without the dopamine drip. Think research board meets bookmarking, with just enough social to be useful and not enough to be noisy.
How it works
You save “blocks” — links, images, notes, files — and arrange them into “channels.” Drag, drop, reorder, connect across channels. Go public to share thinking or keep it private while a project is still half-formed. It’s linear when you need it, networked when you don’t.
Why it matters
Are.na is built for thinking, not performing. No algorithmic feed shoving trends at you. Discovery happens through people and paths, not viral bait. It’s excellent for moodboards, research trails, and documenting process without pretending it’s content.
The trade-offs
The minimalism cuts both ways: discovery can feel slow, and the interface won’t hold your hand. Collaboration depends on thoughtful curators, not growth hacks. The free tier is limited; paid plans unlock bigger archives and more privacy. If you want metrics, look elsewhere. If you want a place to actually connect ideas, this is it.
What features and use cases does Are.na offer?
- Visual bookmarking and curation with “blocks” organized into “channels”
- Collect and organize links, images, text, and files in one place
- Connect items and channels to map relationships and build knowledge networks
- Flexible privacy controls (public, closed, private channels)
- Collaborative research via shared channels and contributor permissions
- Drag-and-drop reordering and a clean, distraction-free workspace
- Save from the web with a browser extension/bookmarklet; access via web and iOS app
- Search and follow users/channels to discover related work; no ads or algorithms
Prices
| Plan | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Unlimited public blocks and channels; limited private blocks | free |
| Plus (Supporter) | Unlimited private blocks; support Are.na’s development | $5/month or $45/year |
| Patron | All Plus benefits + extra perks for supporters | $10/month or $90/year |
Prices may vary by region. We do not guarantee the accuracy of prices. For current information see: https://www.are.na
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