Local is a place.
A backup is a way back.
Local-first notes keep their working content on your device. A complete backup is a separate copy that you can restore. One does not automatically provide the other.
What “local-first” tells you
It describes where the working note data lives. It does not, by itself, promise encryption, automatic backups, cross-device sync or that every account and licence feature works without a connection.
Bits & Ink Sticky Notes is being developed with local note content on Windows. Account and licence services are separate. This website stores no application notes and offers no app sign-in or checkout.
An export may cover only part of a note
A note can contain typed words, formatting, freehand ink, an image or attached file, and a reminder schedule. The app may also retain colour, position, archive state and preferences.
Seeing a note’s text in a JSON or text export does not establish that all of those parts are included. Read the export’s scope and check the restored result before relying on it.
- Text and ink: both should reopen, including the content you actually use.
- Attachments: a reference to a filename is different from a recoverable copy of the file.
- Reminders: dates, recurrence and time-zone behaviour deserve their own check.
- Settings and organization: preferences, Archive and Trash may matter to your recovery.
A useful backup has been restored
Use a separate test profile or environment for a restoration check, following the app’s supported procedure. Confirm the contents of a sample note, open its attached file and inspect its reminder. Keep the original data intact while testing.
A backup beside the working files can help with some mistakes, but it does not protect against losing the entire device or disk. The copy’s location, access protection and supported restoration procedure matter too.
Sync answers a different question
Sync makes changes available across devices. Depending on the service, a deletion or mistake may sync as well. Check retention and recovery options rather than assuming sync is an independent backup.
Bits & Ink has not launched cross-device note sync or phone reminder delivery. macOS, iPhone and Android remain future platform plans.
What this means for the beta
Complete local backup and restoration are part of our internal development testing. Those checks do not establish recovery on every installed system or make this website a public backup service. Supported recovery options and release limitations will be described with the public product when ready.
See current product availability or return to all guides.