Sync without an account.

Through a folder you already sync

Vellum writes an encrypted log of changes into a folder that iCloud Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Syncthing already syncs; your sync service carries the files to your other computers, where Vellum reads and merges them. It needs Chrome or Edge on a computer, which can read and write a folder you pick.

Device to device

Phones and tablets sync directly with your other devices. Pair a device once by scanning a QR code (or typing a code); after that, the two exchange what the other is missing whenever both have Vellum open, over a direct, encrypted WebRTC connection. A computer that also syncs through a folder passes the phone’s changes on to the rest.

• A small relay Vellum runs on Cloudflare introduces the two devices. It sees their IP addresses, when they connect, and sealed messages it can’t read; never pages, file names, device names or the passphrase.
• Cloudflare’s STUN server (on by default, and you can turn it off) helps devices find a route and sees the device’s IP address. There is no relay for the data itself, so some networks can’t connect; devices on the same Wi-Fi always can.

What is encrypted, and what syncs

• Encryption: AES-256-GCM with a key derived from your passphrase (PBKDF2-SHA256, 600,000 iterations). The passphrase never leaves your device and can’t be recovered.
• A sync folder shows its provider opaque file names, padded sizes and timestamps, never page text, titles, file names or device names. Paired devices only ever hold and pass on sealed files.
• Synced: notebooks, pages, attached files, code cell outputs, network permissions, templates and flashcard reviews. Not synced: saved secrets, per-device settings, and what each device rebuilds itself (search index, AI index, version history).

Set up encrypted sync in Vellum

1. Open Settings

   In Vellum, open Settings → Sync between devices.

2. On a computer, choose a folder

   Pick a folder that iCloud Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Syncthing already syncs, and a strong passphrase. Keep the passphrase safe: it can’t be recovered.

3. Pair a phone or tablet

   Under “Sync with another device”, choose “Show a pairing code” on one device; on the other, scan it or choose “Enter a code”, then enter the same passphrase.

4. Keep them open

   Folder sync runs in the background on computers; paired devices sync whenever both have Vellum open.

In the app

• Sync your computers Encrypted sync through a folder you already use.
• Sync your phone Pair a phone or tablet by QR code, end-to-end encrypted.
• Backup One file with everything, to restore anywhere.

Questions