Auto Sync
Two-way sync between local storage and Google Drive. Save to one, and the other is updated automatically.
What is Auto Sync?
Auto Sync automatically copies your file to the other storage location whenever you save.
Save to Cloud
Also saved locally
Save Locally
Also saved to cloud
No manual copying needed. Just save as usual, and both locations stay up to date.
ON by Default
Auto Sync is enabled by default. You can start using it without any special setup.
Auto Sync is enabled by default. You can start using it without any special setup.
First-Time Setup
To use Auto Sync, you need two things:
- Connect to Google Drive
Connect your Google Drive from the Settings page. - Choose a local sync folder
When you save to the cloud and no local folder is set yet, a guide will automatically appear to help you choose one.Once you choose a folder, every future cloud save will also save a copy there automatically.
You can also set it manually by saving once via File > Save > Local.
How Sync Works
Automatic Sync on Save
When you save a file, the following happens:
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| File doesn't exist on the other side | Automatically creates a copy |
| Both exist with same content | Nothing (already in sync) |
| Only one side updated since the last sync (typical case) | Mirrors to the other side automatically (no dialog) |
| Both sides updated independently | Shows a confirmation dialog |
| Previously synced file deleted from one side | Asks whether to re-save |
When you don't see a confirmation dialog
Most of the time you edit one side, save it, and the other side is still in the previously-synced state. Auto Sync mirrors silently in that case. You'll only see a dialog when both sides have been edited independently — the genuinely ambiguous "which one is correct?" case.
Most of the time you edit one side, save it, and the other side is still in the previously-synced state. Auto Sync mirrors silently in that case. You'll only see a dialog when both sides have been edited independently — the genuinely ambiguous "which one is correct?" case.
Synced Files Match Exactly
After sync, the local and Drive copies match across all of these:
- Content (byte-for-byte) — both sides written with UTF-8 BOM
- Modification time — Drive's
modifiedTimeis set to match the local file's mtime - Size — identical content means identical size
So when you open the file from a different device, there's no ambiguity about which copy is the right one.
When Contents Differ
Only when both sides were updated independently, you can choose:
- Yes — Overwrite the older version with the newer one (determined by modification time)
- Keep Both — Save the older version under a different name (_conflict_timestamp), then overwrite
- No — Skip syncing this time
Turning Auto Sync ON/OFF
- Open Settings from the top menu
- Select the "File" tab
- Toggle the "Auto Sync" checkbox ON or OFF
When turned OFF
Cloud and local files may get out of sync. Remember to save to both locations manually.
Cloud and local files may get out of sync. Remember to save to both locations manually.
Notes
- Local sync requires the File System Access API. Available on desktop Chrome / Edge.
- On mobile or Safari, local auto-sync is not available. Use cloud saving only.
- Cloud sync requires an internet connection.
- Sync happens at the time you save. It is not a continuous background sync.
FAQ
Q: Is Auto Sync enabled by default?
Yes. You can turn it OFF in Settings > File tab.
Yes. You can turn it OFF in Settings > File tab.
Q: How do I set the local sync folder?
When you save to the cloud and no local folder is set, a guide will appear automatically. Just choose a folder and you're done.
You can also set it manually by saving once via File > Save > Local.
When you save to the cloud and no local folder is set, a guide will appear automatically. Just choose a folder and you're done.
You can also set it manually by saving once via File > Save > Local.
Q: What if the same file already exists with different content?
A dialog will let you overwrite, keep both versions, or skip.
A dialog will let you overwrite, keep both versions, or skip.
Q: Does it work on mobile?
Local sync requires desktop Chrome/Edge. On mobile, use cloud saving only.
Local sync requires desktop Chrome/Edge. On mobile, use cloud saving only.
Q: I've only been saving to Google Drive. Can I get local copies?
Yes. With Auto Sync ON, the next time you save to the cloud, a guide will appear to help you choose a local folder. Once set, your file will be copied locally and all future saves will sync automatically.
Yes. With Auto Sync ON, the next time you save to the cloud, a guide will appear to help you choose a local folder. Once set, your file will be copied locally and all future saves will sync automatically.