After using the 46.1 version for a while now, this is what I think about it and the general direction Anytype is headed (as far as I or anyone can tell).
Here we go:
Changes in v46? Good stuff. They limit flexibility a bit, yet personally I’d argue that this was a good choice. The level of flexibility avilable before seemed not really required, while at the same time increasing mental load and operating complexity.
Please do not simply change existing keyboard shortcuts!! More precisely – CTRL/CMD-K for creating a link (now: CTRL/CMD-SHIFT-K). My muscle memory is pretty much f*cked now, and to me this seems like the most unnecessary change ever. Also, some things have been (very thoroughly) moved – I was unable to find the “change object type” functionality just now.
Since the amount of my data collected and organized by Anytype is growing constantly, I am getting more and more worried about the data lock-in I am factually experiencing right now already. Also, the mobile app was (in 45.x version) buggy as hell, and still on desktop with v46.x the editor issues are not gone. Given that this is most basic functionality, it – to me – starts appearing sloppy.
Upcoming feature transparency and development priorities still a now-show. See also last point.
TL;DR: Generally positive change, while at the same time my worries about “is Anytype worth the effort?” approaching critical levels.
This had to be changed, because the default search shortcut was changed to Ctrl / Cmd + K. Also, are you unaware that you are able to customize the shortcuts now?
Nothing “has” to be changed in software. That was a decision, and one not even mentioned in the release notes. Also, yes, I found that possibility, along (I think) one or two bugs with it (bug reports pending). And if I recall correctly that was not part of the release notes, although that is a great change and would definitively have earned some highlighting.
I really wonder – which answer do you expect to that question? “Oh, now that you mention it, the only place I did not look is where I used to find it before”? Very helpful, thanks.
Appreciate the thoughtful breakdown—and the existential spiral at the end. Classic combo. Let’s go point by point:
Flexibility trade-offs – Totally fair. There was a level of chaotic freedom before that could turn your workspace into a spaghetti monster. The new constraints are meant to guide, not cage… ideally. Glad to hear it landed well (mostly).
Keyboard shortcut betrayal – Yeah, the CMD-K thing. That one hit people in their souls. You’re not alone; muscle memory is a fragile, angry beast. The intention was consistency across platforms and functions, but yeah… we get it. Changing familiar shortcuts mid-flight is like moving the brake pedal in a car and going, “Surprise!”
Data lock-in + Bugs – Oof, the lock-in anxiety is real, especially when your whole second brain is in there. Good news: the bugs you mentioned should be squashed now (the team’s been on it). And exporting with properties? In the works. So yes, we’re gifting you freedom—slowly, but with flair.
Roadmap mystery show – Yep. Communication around what’s next has been… let’s call it “vintage opaque.” More transparency would help everyone plan, trust, and yell slightly less into the void.
TL;DR: You’re rooting for the tool, but the cracks are showing. Thanks for calling it out clearly—this kind of feedback is gold, even when it’s wrapped in side-eye.
Hang in there. And maybe don’t delete your data just yet.
For @flypenguin’s points, I agree with point 1, Primitive is a good choice for Anytype and future users of Anytype. Well done by the team. Also agree with point 3 about data lock-in and the editor bug when typing.
I don’t agree that point 2 is as big as a deal it was made out to be, especially with the new ability to map a shortcut to a custom hot key (which was in the release notes). I have suggested many things that got implemented/changed that wasn’t in the release notes nor was I credited at the bottom of the release notes lol.
Maybe changing hot keys is not a big deal to me because I don’t use that cmd + k to copy links… because I am not using Anytype as my main PKM and note-taking/task tool yet, until the features I need arrives.
I also wonder… where did you used to change type that you cannot change it now?
I usually changed type by selecting the type below the title and changing it. Still there… how did you do it?
i’ve been using again.
new version slaps.
love the new properties, it was weird before, especially in combination with templates.
i would love more flexibility when manipulation my data and text. better data export, allowing for easier copy&paste (especially in grid view, as i edit most of my objects there.)
thanks for this amazing free tool.
i’m keen to help out with feedback.
keep it up.
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