Offline Mode
Yooz Notes works completely offline. No internet required for any feature.
Local-First Architecture
Yooz Notes is built with a local-first philosophy:
- All data stored locally - In your browser's storage
- No server required - For core functionality
- Instant response - No network latency
- Works anywhere - Airplane, subway, remote areas
How It Works
Storage Technology
Yooz Notes uses modern browser storage:
| Technology | Purpose | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| IndexedDB | Primary note storage | ~50MB+ |
| LocalStorage | Settings & preferences | ~5MB |
| Cache API | App assets (PWA) | ~50MB |
Automatic Saving
- Notes save instantly as you type
- No "Save" button needed
- No risk of losing work
- Changes persist immediately
Installing as PWA
For the best offline experience, install Yooz Notes as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
Desktop Installation
Chrome / Edge
- Visit yooz.live/notes
- Click the install icon in the address bar (⊕)
- Click Install
- App opens in its own window
Safari (macOS)
- Visit yooz.live/notes
- File > Add to Dock
- App available in Dock
Firefox
- Visit yooz.live/notes
- Click menu (☰) > Install
- App added to applications
Mobile Installation
See iOS Guide and Android Guide.
What Works Offline
Everything core to note-taking works without internet:
Full Functionality
- Create and edit notes
- Full markdown formatting
- Mermaid diagram rendering
- Tag management and filtering
- Search across all notes
- Encryption and decryption
- Export notes to JSON
Requires Internet
- Initial app download (once)
- Future: Cloud sync (when available)
- Checking for updates
Data Persistence
Where Data Lives
Browser Storage
├── IndexedDB
│ └── yooz-notes-db
│ ├── notes (your notes)
│ ├── tags (your tags)
│ └── settings (preferences)
└── Cache
└── App files (for offline use)
Data Safety
- Survives browser restart - Data persists
- Survives device restart - Still there
- Browser updates - Usually safe
- Clearing cache - May delete data (be careful!)
Backup Regularly
Browser storage can be cleared by the user or browser. Export your notes periodically as backup.
Storage Management
Checking Usage
Most browsers show storage usage:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Site Settings > Storage
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy > Manage Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
Storage Limits
| Browser | Typical Limit |
|---|---|
| Chrome | 50% of disk (min ~10GB) |
| Firefox | 50% of disk |
| Safari | 1GB (can request more) |
| Edge | 50% of disk |
If Running Low
- Export notes as backup
- Delete old/unused notes
- Clear browser cache (not site data!)
- Consider cloud sync (coming soon)
PWA Benefits
Installing as a PWA provides:
Works Like Native App
- Own app icon
- Launches in dedicated window
- No browser UI clutter
- System notifications (future)
Better Offline Support
- App cached for instant loading
- Works even without any network
- Automatic updates when online
Keyboard Shortcuts
Full shortcut support:
- Cmd/Ctrl + N: New note
- Cmd/Ctrl + F: Search
- Cmd/Ctrl + S: Already saved!
Offline vs. Sync
| Feature | Offline (Current) | With Sync (Coming) |
|---|---|---|
| Create notes | Yes | Yes |
| Edit notes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple devices | No | Yes |
| Backup | Manual export | Automatic |
| Internet needed | No | Only for sync |
Troubleshooting
Notes Not Saving?
- Check available storage space
- Ensure not in Private/Incognito mode
- Check if IndexedDB is enabled
- Try a different browser
App Not Loading Offline?
- Ensure PWA is installed
- Visit site once while online
- Wait for cache to complete
- Check browser's offline capability
Data Disappeared?
Possible causes:
- Browser data was cleared
- Private browsing mode
- Storage quota exceeded
- Browser update issue
Prevention:
- Export notes regularly
- Don't use private mode for notes
- Monitor storage usage
Privacy Advantage
Offline-first means privacy-first:
Local = Private
When your data never needs to leave your device, there's nothing to intercept, leak, or subpoena. Offline-first is privacy-first.