FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people ask most before and after installing Context Raven.
Do I need an account?
No. Opening, editing, and saving files works completely offline, without signing in. An account is only needed for the cloud vault, sharing a link, sync, and the MCP server.
Where are my files and versions stored?
Your notes stay as plain files on your disk, wherever you opened them from. Local file history lives in the app's own data on your computer: as your file's real Git commits when it's inside a Git repository, or as automatic snapshots otherwise. If you use the cloud vault, cloud notes and their versions are stored, encrypted, on Context Raven's servers.
Does it phone home?
No, not while you're signed out and nothing is shared. See What the app never does for the complete list, including its one exception.
Can I use it alongside Obsidian or another editor on the same folder?
Yes. Context Raven edits plain Markdown files on disk and watches the folder for outside changes, so another editor, a script, or Git can write to the same files and Context Raven picks it up.
What happens when an AI agent writes to my folder?
If you have no unsaved changes open, the file updates in place and your scroll position is kept. If you do have unsaved changes, Context Raven asks instead of silently overwriting either version.
Can I edit YAML or JSON files?
You can open, search, copy, download, and trash them, but they're read-only: no editor, no Save, no rename, and no file history for these two types.
Which systems does it run on?
macOS and Windows, the same app on both. These pages show macOS wording; switch at the top of any page.
How do I share a document?
Click Share in the editor header, or use Share to cloud from a file's row menu in the sidebar. See Share to cloud.
What does the cloud vault cost?
Free includes 20 notes and 3 versions per note. See Plans and pricing for the paid tiers.
How do I remove a folder from the sidebar without deleting its files?
Use Remove folder in that folder's ⋯ menu; it only stops tracking the folder, nothing on disk changes. Delete folder, right next to it, is different: it actually sends the folder to the Trash.
Does it work offline?
Yes, for everything local: opening, editing, saving, search, folder watching, and file history all work with no network connection. Cached cloud notes can be searched offline by title and description; searching their text requires an online connection. Signing in, sharing a link, sync, and the MCP server need to be online.