Libraries and accounts

The desktop app can hold several libraries. Each is a separate set of notes, notebooks and attachments.

Two kinds of library

	Local library	Synced library
Stored	On this computer only	This device + a server
Account	Not needed	Needed
Sync across devices	No	Yes
Sharing, history, AI	No	Yes

Local library: ready immediately, no sign-up. Everything works as in a synced library except server features such as sharing, history and AI. Export a backup before uninstalling or removing it.

Synced library: choose Connect to a server, enter the address and sign in:

• ivyNote Cloud (mainland China): https://web.ivynote.net
• ivyNote Cloud (global): https://web.ivynote.app
• Self-hosted (coming soon): your own address, e.g. https://notes.example.com

Switching

Click the library name at the top left to switch libraries or manage them.

Moving a local library to a synced one

A local library cannot be converted in place. Instead:

1. In the local library's Settings, choose Export as Markdown zip.
2. In the library list, choose Connect to a server and sign in.
3. In the new library, open Settings → Import and pick the zip.

Notebooks, attachments and links between notes are kept, and importing twice does not create duplicates.

Removing a library

• Removing a local library permanently deletes its notes and attachments.
• Removing a synced library deletes only this device's copy and sign-in; notes on the server stay. Unsynced changes are lost.