About File Deletion
The method for deleting files created with Reading Forest varies depending on where they are stored and which device you're using.
Quick Reference
| Storage | Windows Chrome/Edge |
Windows Firefox |
Mac Chrome |
Mac Safari/Firefox |
iPhone iPad |
Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | In-app deletion | In-app deletion | In-app deletion | In-app deletion | In-app deletion | In-app deletion |
| Local Storage | Paid plans only In-app deletion |
Manual deletion | Paid plans only In-app deletion |
Manual deletion | Manual deletion | Manual deletion |
Deleting Files from Google Drive In-app deletion
All Devices (PC / Smartphone / Tablet)
Delete from Reading Forest (Recommended)
Delete files directly from the app
Delete from Google Drive
Delete from drive.google.com
How to Delete from Reading Forest
- Open Reading Forest and connect to Google Drive
- Go to Menu → File → Open → "Cloud"
- The file list will be displayed
- Click the trash icon on the right side of the file you want to delete
- Click "Delete" in the confirmation dialog
About Recovery
Deleted files are moved to Google Drive's trash. To permanently delete them, empty the trash in Google Drive (drive.google.com). Files can be restored while they remain in the trash.
Deleted files are moved to Google Drive's trash. To permanently delete them, empty the trash in Google Drive (drive.google.com). Files can be restored while they remain in the trash.
How to Delete Directly from Google Drive
- Go to drive.google.com
- Navigate to the folder where you saved Reading Forest files
- on the file you want to delete
- Select "Remove" or "Move to trash"
Deleting Local Files on Windows In-app deletion
Windows PC (Chrome / Edge)
Delete directly from Reading Forest (Paid Plans + Chrome/Edge Only)
If you're using Chrome or Edge on Windows with a paid plan, you can delete files directly from the Bookshelf feature. No need to search for file locations.
If you're using Chrome or Edge on Windows with a paid plan, you can delete files directly from the Bookshelf feature. No need to search for file locations.
Firefox is not supported
Firefox does not support the File System Access API, so in-app deletion is not available. Please see "How to Delete from File Explorer" below.
Firefox does not support the File System Access API, so in-app deletion is not available. Please see "How to Delete from File Explorer" below.
How to Delete from Reading Forest (Recommended)
- Open Reading Forest
- Go to Menu → File → Open → "Local", then click the "📚 Bookshelf" button
- The bookshelf file list will appear
- Click the permanent delete icon next to the file you want to delete
- Click "OK" in the confirmation dialog
About Bookshelf
The Bookshelf feature is available only on paid plans. If you're on the Free Plan, please see "How to Delete from File Explorer" below.
The Bookshelf feature is available only on paid plans. If you're on the Free Plan, please see "How to Delete from File Explorer" below.
How to Delete from File Explorer
If you're on the Free Plan, or want to delete multiple files at once:
- Open File Explorer (Win + E)
- Open the folder where you saved the file (default is "Downloads")
- Select the files you want to delete (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
- Right-click → "Delete", or press Delete key
Tip: If other files are mixed in, type .rfnote in the search box at the top right to filter.
If You Can't Find the File
When saving locally with Chrome/Edge, files are saved to the location you selected. If you can't find the file, use File Explorer's search function to search for .rfnote.
When saving locally with Chrome/Edge, files are saved to the location you selected. If you can't find the file, use File Explorer's search function to search for .rfnote.
Deleting Local Files on Mac In-app deletion
Mac (Chrome)
Delete directly from Reading Forest (Paid Plans Only)
If you're using Chrome on Mac with a paid plan, you can delete files directly from the Bookshelf feature. No need to search for file locations.
If you're using Chrome on Mac with a paid plan, you can delete files directly from the Bookshelf feature. No need to search for file locations.
Safari / Firefox are not supported
Safari and Firefox do not support the File System Access API, so in-app deletion is not available. Please delete files manually from Finder, or open Reading Forest in Chrome to delete.
Safari and Firefox do not support the File System Access API, so in-app deletion is not available. Please delete files manually from Finder, or open Reading Forest in Chrome to delete.
How to Delete from Reading Forest (Chrome, Recommended)
- Open Reading Forest in Chrome
- Go to Menu → File → Open → "Local", then click the "📚 Bookshelf" button
- The bookshelf file list will appear
- Click the permanent delete icon next to the file you want to delete
- Click "OK" in the confirmation dialog
About Bookshelf
The Bookshelf feature is available only on paid plans. If you're on the Free Plan, please see "How to Delete from Finder" below.
The Bookshelf feature is available only on paid plans. If you're on the Free Plan, please see "How to Delete from Finder" below.
How to Delete from Finder
If you're on the Free Plan, or want to delete multiple files at once:
- Open Finder (the smiley face icon in the Dock)
- Open the folder where you saved the file (default is "Downloads")
- Select the files you want to delete (hold Command to select multiple)
- Right-click → "Move to Trash", or press Command + Delete
Tip: If other files are mixed in, type .rfnote in the search box at the top right to filter.
If You Can't Find the File
When saving locally with Chrome, files are saved to the location you selected. If you can't find the file, use Finder's search function to search for .rfnote.
When saving locally with Chrome, files are saved to the location you selected. If you can't find the file, use Finder's search function to search for .rfnote.
Deleting Local Files on iPhone / iPad Manual deletion
iPhone / iPad
In-app deletion is not available
Safari on iPhone/iPad technically prohibits web apps from deleting files on the device for security reasons. This is a browser specification set by Apple and applies to all web apps, including Reading Forest. Local files must be deleted manually from the Files app.
Safari on iPhone/iPad technically prohibits web apps from deleting files on the device for security reasons. This is a browser specification set by Apple and applies to all web apps, including Reading Forest. Local files must be deleted manually from the Files app.
Recommendation: Save to Google Drive
If you're using iPhone/iPad, we recommend saving files to Google Drive. With Google Drive, you can delete files directly from Reading Forest.
If you're using iPhone/iPad, we recommend saving files to Google Drive. With Google Drive, you can delete files directly from Reading Forest.
File Location
Files > On My iPhone (or iCloud Drive) > Downloads
Deletion Steps
- Open the "Files" app from the home screen (blue folder icon)
- Tap the "Browse" tab
- Tap "On My iPhone" or "iCloud Drive"
- Open the "Downloads" folder
- Long-press on the file you want to delete
- Tap "Delete" from the menu
If You Can't Find the File
Try searching for .rfnote using the search function in the Files app. Or check the "Downloads" setting in Safari settings.
Try searching for .rfnote using the search function in the Files app. Or check the "Downloads" setting in Safari settings.
Deleting Local Files on Android Manual deletion
Android Smartphone / Tablet
In-app deletion is not available
Chrome on Android technically prohibits web apps from deleting files on the device for security reasons. This is a browser specification set by Google and applies to all web apps, including Reading Forest. Please follow the steps below to delete files manually from the "Files" app.
Chrome on Android technically prohibits web apps from deleting files on the device for security reasons. This is a browser specification set by Google and applies to all web apps, including Reading Forest. Please follow the steps below to delete files manually from the "Files" app.
Recommendation: Save to Google Drive
If you're using Android, we recommend saving files to Google Drive. With Google Drive, you can delete files directly from Reading Forest and access files from other devices.
If you're using Android, we recommend saving files to Google Drive. With Google Drive, you can delete files directly from Reading Forest and access files from other devices.
Step 1: Find the "Files" App
First, find the "Files" (file manager) app on your smartphone.
- Open the app drawer (swipe up from the home screen, or tap the app drawer icon at the bottom of the screen)
- Type "files" in the search bar at the top
- Tap "Files" or "Files by Google" from the search results to open it
If you can't find it
If the "Files" app is not installed, you can download "Files by Google" for free from the Google Play Store.
If the "Files" app is not installed, you can download "Files by Google" for free from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the "Downloads" Folder
Files saved in Reading Forest are stored in the "Downloads" folder.
- After opening the "Files" app, tap "Downloads" from the "Categories" section
- You'll see the list of files in the Downloads folder
If the UI looks different
The screen layout may vary depending on your Files by Google version. If you can't find "Downloads", try tapping "Browse" or "Internal Storage" from the bottom menu.
The screen layout may vary depending on your Files by Google version. If you can't find "Downloads", try tapping "Browse" or "Internal Storage" from the bottom menu.
Location: Downloads
Step 3: Delete the File
- Find the .rfnote file you want to delete
- Long-press on the file to select it (a checkmark will appear)
- Tap the 🗑️ trash icon at the top right
- Tap "Delete" or "Move to trash" in the confirmation dialog
For Samsung and other manufacturers
Samsung smartphones use "My Files", Xiaomi uses "File Manager", etc. The app name varies by manufacturer, but the operation is similar. Look for the "Downloads" folder.
Samsung smartphones use "My Files", Xiaomi uses "File Manager", etc. The app name varies by manufacturer, but the operation is similar. Look for the "Downloads" folder.
Deleting Local Files on Chromebook In-app deletion
Chromebook
Delete directly from Reading Forest (Paid Plans Only)
If you're using Chrome on Chromebook with a paid plan, you can delete files directly from the Bookshelf feature.
If you're using Chrome on Chromebook with a paid plan, you can delete files directly from the Bookshelf feature.
How to Delete from Reading Forest (Recommended)
- Open Reading Forest
- Go to Menu → File → Open → "Local", then click the "📚 Bookshelf" button
- The bookshelf file list will appear
- Click the permanent delete icon next to the file you want to delete
- Click "OK" in the confirmation dialog
About Bookshelf
The Bookshelf feature is available only on paid plans. If you're on the Free Plan, please see "How to Delete from Files App" below.
The Bookshelf feature is available only on paid plans. If you're on the Free Plan, please see "How to Delete from Files App" below.
How to Delete from Files App
If you're on the Free Plan, or want to delete multiple files at once:
- Open the "Files" app from the shelf (the bar at the bottom)
- Open the folder where you saved the file (default is "Downloads")
- Select the files you want to delete
- Right-click and select "Delete", or press Alt + Backspace
If You Can't Find the File
When saving locally with Chrome, files are saved to the location you selected. If you can't find the file, use the Files app's search function to search for .rfnote.
When saving locally with Chrome, files are saved to the location you selected. If you can't find the file, use the Files app's search function to search for .rfnote.
Summary: Recommended Approach
Save to Google Drive
RecommendedThe most recommended approach.
- Delete directly from the app on all devices
- Access from multiple devices
- Automatic backup for peace of mind
- No need to search for file locations
Save Locally
For offline use and backups.
- No internet required
- PC (Windows/Mac Chrome) with paid plans allows in-app deletion
- Free Plan and smartphones require manual deletion