Questions
Some we expect. As real ones come in, we’ll answer them here too.
Is it really free? #
Yes. The whole app, every feature, on as many devices as you like, each on its own. The paid part is sync: keeping your lists on all your devices, encrypted, through our server. Why sync costs money.
Do I need an account? #
No, only for sync. Open the app and start writing.
Can you read my lists? #
No. With sync, everything is encrypted on your device before it leaves, with a key only your account can unlock. What the server can and can’t see.
How is it different from Notion, Obsidian, Logseq, Roam, Apple Notes or Asana? #
It’s simpler and lighter. It’s open source, your lists live on your device first, and there’s no account to make. Think of it as a couple of steps up from a text file or Apple Notes: just as quick to start, but any bullet can link to anything, and the things you link to get pages of their own.
- Notion and Asana are big online workspaces, made for teams. Node Paper is personal, opens instantly and works offline.
- Obsidian, Logseq and Roam are powerful tools for linked notes, with a lot to learn. Node Paper keeps to bullets and links, works on your phone first, and treats to-dos as the main event.
- Apple Notes or a text file are as quick to start, but there’s no linking, so nothing gathers in one place.
Does it work offline? On my phone? #
Yes, both. It’s a web app you install from your browser to your home screen, on Android, iPhone or a computer, and it works with no connection at all.
What if I edit the same bullet on two devices before they sync? #
The later edit wins. Sync keeps each part of a bullet separately, so changing its words on your phone and checking it off on your laptop both stick. But if both devices change its words, only the later version is kept.
Where are my lists stored? #
On your device, in your browser’s private storage. Clearing the site’s data from your browser deletes them, so export a backup now and then, or turn on sync.
Can I get my lists out? #
Any time. Copy a bullet, or a bullet and everything inside it, as markdown to paste anywhere. Export everything to a file from Settings. And paste markdown in, and it keeps its shape.
What happens if I stop paying for sync? #
Sync pauses. Your lists stay on your devices and everything keeps working. Pay again and sync picks up where it left off.
What if I lose my 12 words, or my key? #
Your devices keep their lists, but your synced lists can’t be opened without the key, by anyone. More on lost keys.
What if Node Paper shuts down? #
Your lists are on your devices, and an installed app keeps working. The app is open source (it’s called Graph Paper), so you can export your lists and run it, and its sync server, yourself.
Why bitcoin? Why Nostr? #
Both are open and permissionless, and quick to get going without gatekeepers. Payments are an invoice you pay from any wallet; accounts are a key your own device makes. More on why.
Can I share a list with someone? #
Not yet. It’s next: a copy sent to someone, or a live list you both edit. What’s next.
How do I report a bug or ask for a feature? #
Open an issue on GitHub, in the open-source app’s issues, or simply email assistant@vinney.xyz. Settings, then About, in the app has both too.
Can I run sync myself? #
Yes. The open-source app comes with a small sync server. It’s made for your own private network: it has no accounts and no end-to-end encryption. The code is on GitHub.