Getting started
Sign-in and plans
Google sign-in, Avera Pro, usage limits, and what each plan unlocks.
Sign in with Google
- Click Account in the left ribbon.
- Choose Continue with Google and complete the browser sign-in flow.
- On first sign-in, choose a unique @username for connections and team invites.
Signing out clears your session in the app but does not delete local papers or notes.
Free vs Avera Pro
| Feature | Free (signed in or not) | Avera Pro (signed in + subscription) |
|---|---|---|
| Library, import, PDFs, annotations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Notebook | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser connector | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI assistant (your API keys) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Research Writer | — | ✓ |
| Teams & systematic reviews | — | ✓ |
| Friends & connections | — | ✓ |
| Cloud sync (manuscripts, screening, team notes) | — | ✓ |
You can use Avera fully offline for local library and notebook work without an account. Pro features require both sign-in and an active subscription.
Usage limits (free tier)
Signed-in users on the free plan may see:
- A usage banner below the ribbon when you approach paper or note limits.
- A limit reached dialog if you try to import another paper or create another note at the cap.
Upgrade from the banner or dialog, or from Account → Billing.
Subscribe to Pro
- Go to Account → Billing.
- Review current plan and usage.
- Click Subscribe and complete checkout in the browser.
- Return to Avera — Writer appears in the ribbon and Teams in the library sidebar when subscription is active.
Manage billing opens the customer portal to update payment method, view invoices, or cancel.
Writer and review gates
If Writer is missing from the ribbon or shows a subscribe screen, you need Pro. The same applies to team reviews and screening under Teams in the library sidebar.
Related: Account & billing, Teams and friends.