Cnotely Web vs Desktop: Which One Should You Use?
The short answer
Use both. Cnotely Web is the fast front door you reach from any browser; Cnotely Desktop is the quiet room where deep work happens. They share the same privacy-first, local-first foundation — so the question isn’t “which is better,” it’s “which fits this moment.”
If you only want one: reach for the Desktop app when you study, write, or organize a lot; reach for the Web app when you’re just browsing and want to save something in two clicks.
What is Cnotely Web?
Cnotely Web is everything that runs in your browser — no install:
- The web note platform for clipping pages into clean Markdown.
- The card workstation for macOS-style flashcard windows and SM-2 review.
- The browser extension that clips or makes a card from any selection.
It’s the lightest way to start. Open app.cnotely.com, and you’re in.
What is Cnotely Desktop?
Cnotely Desktop is a native Windows app that bundles the whole loop — capture, knowledge base, memory cards, spaced-repetition review, and a knowledge graph — into one offline-capable window. It adds two things the browser can’t easily do: screenshot OCR and full local file import. (We introduced it in this launch post.)
Side-by-side
| Capability | Web | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Install | None | One setup file |
| Offline use | Partial | Full |
| Screenshot OCR | ✗ | ✓ |
| Import local files | Limited | Full |
| Sync across devices | Optional cloud | Optional cloud |
| Best moment | While browsing | Studying / writing |
How to choose
| If you want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Save an article you’re reading right now | Web / Extension |
| Study flashcards on a commute with bad Wi-Fi | Desktop |
| Turn a screenshot of a slide into searchable notes | Desktop |
| Quickly paste a URL and get Markdown | Web |
| Build a long-term knowledge base | Desktop |
| Capture from any site, then review later | Both (extension + desktop) |
You can use both — here’s how
A simple workflow many people land on:
- Capture everywhere with the browser extension — one click while you read.
- Process in Desktop — import files, OCR screenshots, write notes, build cards.
- Review anywhere — open the card workstation on web when you’re away from your PC.
- Optional cloud backup — sign in once to keep Web and Desktop in sync.
No forced migration. Your local data stays local until you ask for backup.
FAQ
Can I move between Web and Desktop?
Yes. Enable cloud backup (sign in) and your notes and cards appear in both. Without it, each stays on its own device.
Which is better for studying?
Desktop, for two reasons: it works fully offline, and it’s built for focus. The card workstation on the web is great for quick reviews on the go.
Do both need an account?
No. Both run account-free with local storage. An account is only for optional cloud backup and sync.
Is one more private than the other?
They’re equal. Both are local-first with no analytics or tracking. The desktop app simply keeps data on your machine by default rather than in the browser’s storage.
Wrap up
Don’t overthink it. Start in the browser, graduate to the desktop app when you want more room. They’re the same Cnotely — just two doors.
Get started: Download Desktop · Launch Web