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Syncing and Local-First Architecture

InfoFlow's unique local-first approach ensures your data is always accessible while providing seamless syncing across devices. This guide explains how this architecture works and how to configure syncing to suit your needs.

Understanding Local-First​

What is Local-First?​

InfoFlow's local-first architecture means:

  • Your data is stored locally on your device first
  • You can access and work with your content even offline
  • Changes sync to the cloud and other devices when you're back online
  • You maintain ownership and control of your data

Benefits of Local-First​

  • Always Available: Access your content without internet connection
  • Performance: Faster loading and interaction with content
  • Privacy: Your data lives on your device by default
  • Reliability: No service disruptions due to internet issues
  • Data Control: You decide where and how your data is stored

Setting Up Sync​

Cloud Sync​

The easiest way to sync across devices:

  1. Go to Settings > Sync
  2. Select "Cloud Sync"
  3. Sign in to your InfoFlow account
  4. Your data will automatically sync to InfoFlow Cloud

Google Drive and OneDrive (InfoFlow Pro purchase required)​

Managing Sync​

Sync Status​

Monitor your sync status:

  • Check the sync icon in the app header
  • Green checkmark indicates fully synced
  • Spinning icon shows sync in progress
  • Red icon indicates sync issues

Conflict Resolution​

When the same item is edited on multiple devices:

  1. InfoFlow automatically detects conflicts
  2. You'll be notified when conflicts occur
  3. View both versions side by side
  4. Choose which version to keep or merge changes manually

Selective Sync​

Control what syncs to each device:

  1. Go to Settings > Sync > Selective Sync
  2. Choose which collections to sync to this device
  3. Toggle "Download Content" to control whether full content is downloaded
  4. Configure different sync settings for mobile devices to save space

Offline Usage​

Working Offline​

InfoFlow functions fully offline:

  • Read your saved content
  • Add new highlights and notes
  • Create and organize collections
  • Add new content manually
  • Queue web content for saving when back online

Offline Content Availability​

Control how much content is available offline:

  1. Go to Settings > Storage
  2. Configure "Offline Content" settings
  3. Choose from options:
    • All content
    • Recently accessed content
    • Selected collections only
    • Text only (no images)

Background Syncing​

InfoFlow syncs intelligently:

  • Automatic sync when you open the app
  • Periodic background syncing
  • Immediate sync for important changes
  • Battery-efficient sync on mobile devices

Privacy and Security​

Encryption​

Protect your data with encryption:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Enable "End-to-End Encryption"
  3. Create a strong encryption key
  4. Back up your encryption key safely

Privacy Controls​

Manage what data leaves your device:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Configure what is synchronized (content, metadata, reading stats)
  3. Enable "Private Mode" for sensitive content

Troubleshooting Sync Issues​

Common Problems and Solutions​

  • Sync Not Starting:

    1. Check your internet connection
    2. Verify your sync settings
    3. Restart the application

  • Slow Syncing:

    1. Check your internet speed
    2. Reduce the amount of content being synced
    3. Try syncing at non-peak hours

  • Sync Conflicts:

    1. Resolve conflicts manually when prompted
    2. Avoid editing the same item on multiple devices simultaneously

Sync Reset​

If you encounter persistent sync issues:

  1. Go to Settings > Sync > Advanced
  2. Select "Reset Sync"
  3. Choose either "Soft Reset" (maintains data) or "Hard Reset" (re-uploads all data)
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the reset

For additional help with sync issues, contact [email protected]