FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General questions about CyberNotes features, configuration, and troubleshooting.

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General

What is CyberNotes?

CyberNotes is a privacy-focused desktop note-taking application. It stores all data locally using SQL.js (SQLite compiled to WebAssembly) — no cloud, no accounts, no tracking.

Is CyberNotes free?

Yes. CyberNotes is free and open source under the GPLv3 license. You can help keep it free here.

Where is my data stored?

All data is stored locally in %APPDATA%\CyberNotes\. No data is sent to external servers.

Can I use CyberNotes offline?

Yes. CyberNotes works fully offline. Only auto-update checks require internet.

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Editing

What editor does CyberNotes use?

CyberNotes uses TipTap (ProseMirror) for rich text editing with markdown shortcuts.

Can I use markdown?

Yes. Type markdown shortcuts (##, >, -, etc.) for instant formatting.

Does CyberNotes support images?

Yes. Insert images into notes. They are stored locally in %APPDATA%\CyberNotes\images\.

Is there spell check?

Yes. Bilingual spell checking for English and Spanish.

Does notes save automatically?

Yes. Autosave is enabled by default. You can also manually save with Ctrl+S.

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Organization

Can I organize notes into folders?

Yes. Create folders with custom names, icons, and colors. Drag notes between folders.

How do I favorite notes?

Click the star icon or right-click → Toggle favorite. Starred notes appear in the Favorites filter.

Can I search notes?

Yes. Full-text search across titles, previews, and content.

Does CyberNotes support tabs?

Yes. Open multiple notes in tabs. Session restoration remembers open tabs.

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Security

How do I set a master password?

Go to Settings → Security → Enable Master Password. Your password is hashed with bcrypt.

What is auto-lock?

Auto-lock secures your notes after a period of inactivity. Set the timeout in Settings → Security.

What is the privacy shield?

The privacy shield hides note content when the app is minimized or hidden, preventing shoulder surfing.

What is the Caps Lock Manager?

It monitors Caps Lock state and can auto-off after inactivity with sound notifications.

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Customization

What themes are available?

• Cyber Dark (default)
• Midnight
• Forest
• Cyber Neon
• Light
• Graphite

Can I use a custom background?

Yes. Set a custom wallpaper in Settings → Appearance.

Can I adjust the glass effects?

Yes. Configure blur intensity (0–40px) and overlay opacity (0–95%).

Is CyberNotes bilingual?

Yes. Full English and Spanish UI with instant switching.

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Data

Can I export notes?

Yes. Export as Markdown, HTML, or JSON backup.

Can I import notes?

Yes. Import from JSON backup. A safety backup is created automatically before import.

How do I backup my data?

Export to JSON for a full backup including all notes, folders, and metadata.

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Troubleshooting

Notes are not saving

• Check if autosave is enabled
• Try manual save (Ctrl+S)
• Verify disk space is available

The hotkey doesn't work

• Check for conflicts with other apps
• Verify the hotkey in Settings → System
• Try a different key combination

CyberNotes won't start

• Ensure Node.js dependencies are installed
• Try running as Administrator
• Check Windows Event Viewer for errors

Spell check not working

• Verify language settings
• Check if spell check is enabled

Forgot master password

• The password hash is stored locally
• Reset requires deleting the database
• Export notes first if possible

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Contributing

How can I report a bug?

Open an issue on GitHub Issues with:

• CyberNotes version
• Windows version
• Steps to reproduce
• Expected vs actual behavior

How can I contribute code?

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Submit a pull request
4. Describe your changes in the PR description

How can I help with translations?

UI strings are in src/languages.ts. Submit a PR with your translation.

How can I donate?

See the Donate section on the main README.