Skip to main content
Local mode lets you work only on your device, without an internet connection. It’s for writers who care about security or want to minimize exposure of their work.

What is local mode?

Local mode means:
  • Data is not synced to the cloud
  • It’s stored only on the device you’re using
In this mode:
  • You don’t need internet
  • Your work is not sent to external servers
  • Files stay on the device
So:
In local mode, you control where the data lives.

Why use it?

People use local mode when:

1️⃣ Work is sensitive

  • Unpublished manuscripts
  • Pre-contract proposals
  • NDA projects
  • Sensitive research

2️⃣ Internet is unreliable

  • Working while traveling
  • Limited or restricted networks
  • Long trips or living abroad

3️⃣ You want fully offline writing

Some writers turn off the network to focus.

How to use it

  1. Open Settings.
  2. In sync or storage, choose Local mode.
  3. From then on, work is stored only on the device.
When local mode is on, cloud sync is paused.

Local mode vs. sync

ModeWhere data is storedInternet needed
CloudServer + deviceYes
LocalDevice onlyNo
In local mode:
  • Other devices don’t sync automatically
  • Some collaboration features may be limited
  • You are responsible for backups
You can switch back to sync when you want.

What it means for security

Local mode gives you:
  • No storage on external servers
  • No data over the network
  • Fewer ways for data to be accessed
For security-conscious creators,
knowing exactly where your files are matters.
Local mode makes that explicit.

Things to watch

  • Automatic backup may be limited in local mode.
  • If the device is lost or damaged, recovery can be hard.
  • Regular manual backups are recommended.
You gain control; you also take on the responsibility.

When to use it

  • Long manuscripts before publication
  • Synopses before contract
  • Projects that must not leave your control
  • Writing in places with no or restricted internet

Summary

  • Local mode is for offline-only work.
  • Data stays on the device.
  • It fits security-sensitive work.
  • Automatic sync is limited.
  • You need to handle backups yourself.