FAQ

These answers match the website (opens in a new tab) and the pricing page (opens in a new tab). Steps for each task are in the linked chapters.

What is Flexnote?

Flexnote is a local-first visual note-taking app. Organize note cards on an infinite canvas and connect knowledge with bidirectional links. It also includes mind maps, PDF highlights and annotations, and timestamp notes for videos such as YouTube and Bilibili.

Objects and the interface are covered in Core elements and Interface.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 whiteboards, 100 cards, basic canvas features, and local storage. Unlimited whiteboards, Flexnote AI, and cloud sync are included in Pro and Lifetime. Current prices are on the pricing page (opens in a new tab).

Where are notes stored? Does it work offline?

Notes are stored on the device by default. They are not uploaded to Flexnote servers, and editing continues offline. Cloud sync is off until you turn it on. To use the same library on more than one device, connect Baidu Netdisk, OneDrive, S3, or WebDAV, and keep the credentials yourself. Flexnote does not train models on your notes.

Where files sit, and how workspaces work, is in Local library and platforms. Setup is in Third-party cloud sync. The privacy statement is the privacy policy (opens in a new tab).

Which platforms are supported?

Desktop builds support Windows 10 or later (64-bit) and macOS 11 or later. An Android app is available. The website currently views published whiteboards. A full web app is on the official roadmap. An iOS app is in development.

Installers are on the download page (opens in a new tab).

Can I annotate PDFs and videos?

Yes. Highlight and annotate a PDF directly on the canvas, next to other note cards. Video supports local files, YouTube, Bilibili, and similar sources, and a note can point at a timestamp.

How to pull concept cards out of reading is in Learn and research a topic.

How is the smart index quota counted?

Smart index quota is counted in points. It processes note text and text inside images for semantic search, knowledge-base Q&A, and recall. That quota is billed separately from AI chat. Chat uses your own API key, and the model provider charges for it.

Upgrading to Pro (quarterly, yearly, or Lifetime) includes 3,000 points, enough for about 4,000 ordinary notes of around 500 characters. You can start without buying points separately. When points run low, a one-time top-up pack is available. Purchased points stay valid and do not renew automatically. After the quota is used up, keyword search and AI chat still work. A long document or PDF will contribute less context to a conversation.

Setup and use are in Working with AI. Quota and plans are on the pricing page (opens in a new tab).

How is it different from Notion and Obsidian?

Notion is built around a cloud workspace and team collaboration. Obsidian is built around local Markdown files. Flexnote combines an infinite canvas with local storage, so notes, PDFs, and videos can sit on the same canvas, mainly for individual study and research.

How do I choose a plan?

Start with the free plan and try the basic features. Choose Pro when you need cloud sync and more than one device. For long-term use, Lifetime includes those benefits. Plans are on the pricing page (opens in a new tab).

Can I change my subscription?

You can upgrade or downgrade at any time. An upgrade is charged in proportion to the time remaining.

Is there a refund?

A full refund is available within 7 days of purchase.

Continue reading

Sync across devices is in Third-party cloud sync. Bringing in existing notes, export, and local backup are in Import, export, and backup. Handing a whiteboard to someone else is in Writing and sharing.