Frequently asked questions
Short answers about how NextNotePad works, where your notes go and what it can and cannot do.
Is NextNotePad free?
Yes. The editor and all of its features are free to use.
Do I need an account?
No. Open the site and start typing; your notes are saved in your browser. Signing in with Google is optional and adds storage in your own Google Drive, access from several devices, multiple workspaces, the app password lock and a local folder copy.
Where are my notes saved?
Without an account, in your browser's storage on the device you are using. After you sign in, as files in a NextNotePad.com folder in your Google Drive. The saving guide covers both, plus ZIP backups.
Can NextNotePad see my notes?
Guest-mode notes stay in your browser and are not uploaded. Signed-in notes are stored in your Google Drive, and the app asks only for access to files it creates. If you use the optional AI tools, the selected text is sent to an AI provider for processing. For anything sensitive, lock the file with a passphrase so it is encrypted before it is stored. Read Privacy and security for the details.
Does it work offline?
Partly. The editor needs an internet connection to load. Once it is open, guest-mode notes are saved to your browser, so you can keep writing if the connection drops. When you are signed in and offline, the toolbar shows an offline badge, and changes need a connection to reach your Drive.
Does autosave work?
Yes. By default your note is saved 5 seconds after you stop typing. In Settings you can change this to 2 or 10 seconds, or switch to saving manually with Ctrl+S.
Which browsers and devices are supported?
Current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on desktop and mobile. A few features depend on the browser: voice typing needs built-in speech recognition, and the local folder copy needs Chrome or Edge on a computer.
Can I install it as an app?
Yes. NextNotePad is a progressive web app, so in supporting browsers you can install it from the address bar or the install button in the app. It then opens in its own window with its own icon.
Is it a replacement for Notepad++?
For many everyday jobs, yes, especially on computers where you cannot install Notepad++. It does not have plugins or macros and cannot edit files on your disk in place. See the honest comparison.
Can I open and edit files from my computer?
You can import files with Ctrl+O and edit them. The imported copy lives in your NextNotePad workspace; the original file on your disk is not changed. To get files back out, export the workspace as a ZIP.
How do I back up or move my notes?
Open the Command Palette with Ctrl+Shift+P and run Export Workspace (.zip). Import the ZIP in another browser, or keep it as a backup.
I deleted a note by mistake. Can I get it back?
Yes, if the recycle bin has not been emptied. Deleted files and folders go there first.