> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pensiv.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 10.5.1 Work offline in local mode

> What local mode is, how to use it, relation to sync, security and backup

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* Unpublished manuscripts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

| Mode  | Where data is stored | Internet needed |
| ----- | -------------------- | --------------- |
| Cloud | Server + device      | Yes             |
| Local | Device only          | No              |

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.