Frequently asked questions
The short answers. For step-by-step help, open the in-app guide (the help button in the app) or read the docs.
Can OriginText read my notes?
No. Notes are encrypted on your device with keys derived on your device that are never sent to us. With sync on, our servers only ever store ciphertext — we literally cannot read your content.
Do I need an account, and does it work offline?
No account is needed. A free workspace is local-first and fully offline — everything stays in your browser’s on-device storage. A paid account adds end-to-end encrypted sync and sharing across devices.
How do I link notes together?
Type [[ and start a file name, then pick from the suggestions (or finish typing and close with ]]). Ctrl/⌘-click a link to follow it, and see every link in the Context Map graph.
Can a note link to a Python or JavaScript file — and back?
Yes. Links work across every file type and are bi-directional: a Markdown note can link to a code file, and code files can link back. Every file appears as a node in the graph.
What happens if two files have the same name?
The [[ ]] suggestions show each file’s extension and save the link qualified (e.g. [[Alpha.py]]) so it points to the exact file. A bare ambiguous link gets a blue underline and the file shows a ⚠ in the Explorer; choose the qualified suggestion to resolve it.
If I rename a file, do my links break?
No — renaming works like an IDE refactor: every [[link]] pointing at the file is rewritten across your workspace, and a dialog lists the files that changed. (A file that links to it but has not been opened since you added the link may be missed until you open it once.)
How do I move files between folders or workspaces?
Drag a file or folder onto another folder or the workspace root. While dragging, a “Move to workspace” list appears — drop onto another workspace and the items are re-encrypted under that workspace’s key. Moving into a read-only workspace asks for confirmation first.
How do I create files and folders?
Use the + File menu (choose a type) or + Folder, or right-click a folder, a file, the workspace name, or the empty file-list area to create exactly where you clicked.
What is the Context Map?
A live graph of your files and their links. Markdown notes are circles and other files are squares; scroll to zoom, drag to pan, hover a node for its filename, and zoom in to label everything. Orphan Alerts below it list notes with no links.
How many workspaces can I have?
Free includes 1, Pro 5, Team 10, and Enterprise unlimited — plus optional add-on packs. Active workspaces over your limit become read-only until you upgrade or remove one.
How do I delete a workspace?
Click the 🗑 next to the workspace name and confirm. This permanently deletes the workspace and all of its documents, so it asks first — and you cannot delete your last remaining workspace.
Can I import my existing notes (for example, an Obsidian vault)?
Yes. Use the ⤓md button to import a .zip of Markdown files — your folders and notes come in and their [[wikilinks]] connect automatically.
What file types can I create?
Markdown, plain text, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, JSON, HTML, and CSS — with syntax highlighting for code and live preview for Markdown.
What if I forget my recovery code or workspace passphrase?
Because only you hold the keys, there is no backdoor and we cannot reset them. Keep your recovery code, and any workspace-lock passphrase, somewhere safe.