Offline use and your data
Where Avera stores your library, what works without the network, and privacy basics.
Local-first by default
Avera stores your library, PDF attachments, and private notes on your computer. You do not manage a separate “project folder” for day-to-day use — the app uses a standard application data location for your platform.
- Work offline for library, notebook, import (when metadata is cached), PDF reading, and local annotations.
- Sign in when you want cloud backup, teams, screening sync, and Writer sync.
What needs the network
| Activity | Offline? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Browse library & notes | ✓ | |
| Import DOI (new) | Usually needs network | Metadata lookup |
| RSS publications refresh | Needs network | |
| Open Access auto-download | Needs network | Optional; see Settings |
| AI chat | Needs network | Uses your configured provider |
| Teams, screening sync, Writer cloud sync | Needs network | Pro + signed in |
| Google sign-in & billing | Needs network |
Private vs team-visible notes
In the notebook, notes can be private (only on your device / not shared) or team-visible when you are on a subscribed team. Screening notes can appear in the review sidebar for teammates.
Open-access PDFs in the cloud
For subscribed accounts, user-uploaded PDFs may sync to your cloud storage. Open-access papers can be stored as metadata and DOI in the cloud with the PDF fetched on demand locally when you read them.
Data after restart
Papers, collections, notes, annotations, and manuscripts (local copies) persist when you quit and relaunch Avera. Open document tabs may reset, but your data remains.
CLI and the same library
The avera CLI reads and writes the same database as the desktop app. Changes from the CLI usually refresh the UI when the app is running. See Sync and live updates.