Getting started
Do I need an account?
No. Open Paperstead and choose "Use Paperstead without an account". Your notes are saved on that device. You can create an account later without losing anything.
Where are my notes stored?
On your device first: in the browser's storage for the web app, and in app storage on Mac, Windows and mobile. On the web, clearing your browser's site data for Paperstead deletes local notes, so use Premium sync or export your notes regularly if you rely on the browser.
How do I add a table, checklist or drawing?
Type / at the start of a line to open the block menu, then pick what you want. Type [[ to link to another note.
Sync and Premium
How do I turn on sync?
Sign in from the welcome screen or Settings, then subscribe to Premium. Notes you already have on the device are added to your account and encrypted before they upload.
My notes aren't syncing.
- Check that Settings shows "Cloud sync: On". If it says "Requires Premium", restore or renew your subscription.
- If Paperstead asks you to approve this device or enter your recovery key, do that first. Nothing syncs until the device can unlock your notes.
- Changes made offline upload automatically the next time you're online.
How do I cancel Premium?
Cancel in your App Store or Google Play subscription settings, or with the manage-subscription link in your receipt if you subscribed on the web. Your notes stay on your devices.
Adding a new device
Sign in on the new device. With Maximum privacy, open Paperstead on a device you already use: it shows a "New sign-in" prompt. Check that both screens show the same code, then tap "Codes match" on both. With Standard protection you can instead unlock with Paperstead's key backup; you'll get an email when that happens.
Recovery key
When you turn on encryption, Paperstead shows a 24-word recovery key. Keep it somewhere safe and offline. If you lose all your devices, the recovery key is the only way back into your notes with Maximum privacy. We don't have a copy and cannot reset it for you.
Shared or borrowed computers
On a library, work or friend's computer, tick "This is a shared or borrowed computer" before signing in. Paperstead then keeps nothing on that computer after you sign out, close the tab, or stay idle for 30 minutes.
Sharing notes
Open a note and choose Share to invite people by email or create a link. Links contain the note's key after the #, so send the full link, and revoke it when it's no longer needed. People you invite need a free Paperstead account; they don't need their own Premium subscription.
Importing and exporting
- Apple Notes: in the Mac app, go to Settings → Import → Import from Apple Notes.
- Evernote: export a notebook as an .enex file, then import it from Settings.
- Markdown: import .md files, or a .zip of them from Obsidian or Bear, from Settings.
- Export: Settings → Export all notes creates a .zip of your notes.
Your account
I forgot my password.
On the sign-in screen, choose "Forgot password?" and we'll email you a reset link. Resetting your password doesn't affect your encryption keys.
How do I delete my account?
Email us from the address on your account and we'll delete it and your synced data within 30 days. Export your notes first if you want to keep them.
Contact us
Questions, bugs or feedback? Email support@paperstead.com. Tell us which device you use and what you expected to happen; please never send your recovery key.
See also the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.