Documentation
Troubleshooting & FAQ

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Common Issues

Folder Sync Not Working

If Plain is unable to sync to a local folder, ensure your browser supports the File System Access API.

  • Supported Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Opera, and other Chromium-based browsers on desktop.
  • Unsupported Browsers: Firefox and Safari currently have limited or no support for this API. In these browsers, Plain will fall back to OPFS or localStorage.
  • Permissions: If the browser prompts for permission to edit files, you must grant it. If denied, the app will fall back to browser-managed storage.

Missing Legacy Notes

If you previously used an older version of Plain and your notes appear missing:

  1. Open the sidebar.
  2. Look for the "Import Legacy Notes" action.
  3. This action appears if plain-notes data is detected in your browser's localStorage.

Images Not Rendering in Exports

When exporting notes containing inline images to PDF or Markdown:

  • Ensure the images were successfully embedded as base64 data URLs within the note content.
  • External image URLs may fail to export if they are blocked by CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is my data stored?

Your data never leaves your device. Depending on your browser and preferences, it is stored in:

  1. A local folder of your choosing (via File System Access API).
  2. The Origin Private File System (OPFS) managed by your browser.
  3. Your browser's localStorage.

How do I sync across devices?

Because Plain has no backend, there is no built-in cloud sync. To sync across devices, select a local folder (e.g., inside an iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive directory) using the Folder Sync feature. Your cloud provider's desktop client will handle syncing the files automatically.

Can I self-host a backend?

No. Plain is designed specifically as a client-side-only application. There are no backend APIs to self-host.

Does it work offline?

Yes! Plain is a Progressive Web App (PWA). Once you visit the site, the Service Worker caches all necessary assets, allowing the app to function perfectly without an internet connection.

Core Components