Learn · Local-first notes
Offline Markdown notes that save before the network returns
Echo Notes saves every note and folder change to your browser’s local database first, so core editing stays available when the connection drops. You keep writing with full Markdown formatting while offline. When a connection returns, pending sync operations are processed and the interface shows whether content is saved locally, syncing, synced, offline, or failed.
01 · Definition
What local-first means here
Local-first means the browser is the primary place your edits land. Saving a note does not require a round trip to a server. Sync is a separate step that copies already-saved local content to the cloud when you are signed in and a connection is available. That separation is why an unreliable connection interrupts syncing, not writing.
Markdown stays plain text throughout: headings, lists, task lists, quotes, code blocks, and links remain readable and portable. See the full capability list on the Features page.
02 · Steps
A reliable offline writing routine
Follow these steps to keep every idea even when the network is unreliable.
- Your problem
- An idea arrives on a train, in a basement room, or on hotel Wi-Fi, and you cannot afford to lose the edit.
- Product behavior
- Echo Notes saves the change locally first and keeps core editing available offline, then processes pending sync operations when a connection returns.
- Your result
- Your writing flow continues, and the status indicator tells you exactly where each change stands.
Write first
Open a note and type. The local save happens without waiting for the network.
Check the status
Confirm whether the note shows as locally saved, syncing, synced, offline, or failed.
Reconnect and verify
When the connection returns, let pending operations process, then confirm the synced state.
03 · Checklist
Know your sync state at a glance
| State | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Locally saved | The edit is stored in this browser. | Keep writing; nothing is lost. |
| Syncing | Pending operations are being sent. | Wait for the synced state. |
| Synced | The server copy matches. | No action needed. |
| Offline | No connection; editing continues locally. | Keep writing and reconnect later. |
| Failed | An operation could not complete. | Retry when connected and check for conflicts. |
04 · Limitations
What offline does not cover
Offline editing covers note and folder content in the current browser. It does not cover everything: AI features, account actions, sync itself, and cloud automation controls require a network connection. Clearing site data in the browser can remove locally stored content that has not yet synced, so let pending operations finish before wiping browser data. Conversation history stays in the browser in use and is not promised as cross-device history.
Storage boundaryLocal content lives in the browser’s local database, not in a separate desktop file. Export your notes for an independent copy; see the Privacy Policy for storage and retention details.
05 · Echo Notes practice
Put local-first to work today
Create one note for the idea you keep postponing and write the first draft entirely offline. Reconnect, watch the status move from locally saved to synced, and export the note so you hold a portable Markdown copy. When the notes pile up, let AI organization with human approval propose structure without rewriting your words. For plan details, see Pricing.
FAQ
Offline notes questions
Can I keep editing notes with no connection?
Yes. Core note and folder editing works offline in the current browser because changes are saved to the local database first.
What happens to edits made while offline?
They are stored as pending sync operations and processed when a connection returns, with separate syncing, synced, offline, and failure states.
Can I use AI features offline?
No. AI features require a network round trip to the configured model provider, along with available account usage.
Does clearing browser data delete my notes?
It can remove locally stored content that has not yet synced. Export important notes and let sync finish first.
Where is local content stored?
In the current browser’s local database, alongside pending sync operations and the minimum session information. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Write the next note offline
Capture it locally first, then decide what should happen next.
Open Echo Notes