> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cleve.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Frequently Asked Questions > Common questions about Cleve and how to use it ## Getting Started ### What is Cleve? Cleve is an AI-powered writing and knowledge workspace that helps you capture, organize, and create content with intelligent assistance. Think of it as your second brain—combining a rich text editor, quick idea capture, and context-aware AI chat. ### Who is Cleve for? Cleve is designed for: * **Creators**: Bloggers, writers, content creators building their craft * **Founders**: Entrepreneurs documenting strategies and ideas * **Knowledge workers**: Professionals managing research and notes * **Teams**: Collaborative content creation with shared workspaces ### How is Cleve different from Notion, Evernote, or Obsidian? **vs. Notion:** * Cleve is focused on writing and AI assistance, not project management * Faster, lighter editor optimized for long-form content * Context-aware AI that understands your knowledge base **vs. Evernote:** * Modern editor with offline-first architecture * Built-in AI chat vs external plugins * Better collaboration and real-time sync **vs. Obsidian:** * Cloud-hosted (no local files to manage) * AI-native with multiple model support * Easier collaboration without plugins **Cleve's unique value**: Context-aware AI that references your writings, combined with a professional writing editor and frictionless idea capture. ### Do I need a credit card to try Cleve? No! The Free plan requires no credit card. Sign up with email or Google and start creating immediately. ### How long does onboarding take? 60-90 seconds if you follow the guided flow. Most users complete onboarding in under 2 minutes. ## Features & Functionality ### Can I use Cleve offline? Yes! Cleve works offline with: * **IndexedDB persistence**: Changes save locally * **Background sync**: Uploads when connection returns * **Offline editing**: Full editor functionality without internet Available on **Starter, Pro, and Max** plans. ### What AI models does Cleve support? Cleve supports multiple AI providers: * **Anthropic**: Claude Haiku, Sonnet, Opus * **OpenAI**: GPT-5.4 (via Azure) * **Google**: Gemini 3 Flash, Gemini 3.1 Pro (via Vertex AI) * **Perplexity**: Sonar (web search) * **Groq**: Whisper (audio transcription) Free plan users get limited model access only. Paid plans access all models. ### Can the AI reference my writings? Yes! This is Cleve's superpower. Enable "Writings" context in AI chat settings, and the AI can: * Search your writings for relevant content * Summarize specific documents * Create new content based on your existing knowledge * Find patterns and connections across your work ### How does semantic search work? Semantic search uses AI embeddings to find conceptually related content—not just keyword matches. **How it works:** 1. Your content is converted to vector embeddings 2. Your search query is also embedded 3. The system finds content with similar meaning **Example**: Searching "productivity tips" will find writings about focus, time management, and work habits—even if they don't contain the exact phrase. ### Can I export my data? Yes! Export formats include: * **Markdown** (.md) - All plans * **HTML** - Starter+ * **PDF** - Starter+ * **Plain text** (.txt) - All plans * **JSON** - Pro+ (for developer use) Bulk export all writings: **Settings → Export Data** ### Does Cleve have a mobile app? Web app works on mobile browsers with a responsive design. Native iOS and Android apps are **coming in Q2 2024**. Currently available: * ✅ **Mobile web** (app.cleve.ai) * ✅ **PWA** (install to home screen) * 🚧 **iOS app** (beta) * 🚧 **Android app** (beta) ### Can I collaborate with my team? Yes! Share categories with teammates: * **Read access**: View-only for stakeholders * **Write access**: Full editing for team members * **Live presence**: See who's currently active * **Real-time sync**: Changes appear instantly Collaboration limits vary by plan. See [Pricing](/pricing/overview). ## Privacy & Security ### Is my data private? Yes. Your content is: * **Private by default**: Only you can see your writings * **Encrypted at rest**: AES-256 across all data stores * **Encrypted in transit**: TLS 1.2+ on all connections, including AI provider calls * **Not used for AI training**: Your data never trains AI models — this applies to Cleve and every AI provider we work with * **Zero Data Retention on AI calls**: Prompts are not persisted by AI providers after a response is returned ### Where is my data stored? Cleve uses: * **Convex** for real-time database (US region by default) * **Neon** for Postgres (US region by default) * **Vercel Blob** for file storage * **Local storage** (IndexedDB) for offline support Enterprise customers can request EU data residency. See our [Security page](https://cleve.ai/security) for the full list of subprocessors. ### Can I delete my data? Yes. You can: * **Delete individual writings/ideas** anytime * **Close your account**: Settings → Account → Delete Account * **Request full data deletion**: Email \[email protected] GDPR-compliant data deletion within 30 days. ### Do you use my data to train AI models? **No.** Your writings, ideas, and chat conversations are: * Not used to train Cleve's systems * Not persisted by AI providers after your query is processed (Zero Data Retention) * Not shared with AI providers except as the minimum context needed for your specific query * Not sold or shared with third parties All AI providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Groq, and Perplexity) are contractually or policy-restricted from using your content to train their models. Note: Gemini models operate with a 24-hour in-memory processing cache for operational purposes — this is not persisted to disk. See our [Privacy Policy](https://cleve.ai/privacy) for details. ### Is Cleve GDPR compliant? Cleve is built with GDPR principles in mind and supports the rights required under the regulation: * Right to access your data * Right to correct your data * Right to delete your data (within 30 days) * Right to export your data in a portable format * Transparent data processing with clear lawful bases Data Processing Agreements are available for enterprise customers. See our [Security page](https://cleve.ai/security) for details. ## Billing & Pricing ### How does the Free plan work? The Free plan includes: * 10 writings, 50 ideas * 50 AI messages/month * GPT-4o-mini model only * 7 days of version history * 100 MB storage No credit card required. Upgrade anytime. ### What happens if I exceed my plan limits? **AI messages**: You're blocked from chatting until next month or you upgrade. **Storage**: Read-only mode—delete content or upgrade to continue. **Writings (Free plan)**: Can't create new writings until you delete some or upgrade. We notify you at 80% of limits. ### Can I upgrade/downgrade anytime? **Upgrade**: Takes effect immediately with prorated billing. **Downgrade**: Takes effect at end of current billing cycle. No penalties or fees for changing plans. ### Do you offer refunds? Yes. **14-day money-back guarantee** on all paid plans. Email \[email protected] for a full refund, no questions asked. ### What payment methods do you accept? * Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) * PayPal * Apple Pay (mobile) * Google Pay (mobile) * Wire transfer (Enterprise only) All payments via Stripe. ### Is there a student discount? Yes! **50% off** Starter and Pro plans for students and educators. Verify with your `.edu` email via SheerID. ## Technical ### What browsers are supported? **Fully supported:** * Chrome 100+ (recommended) * Edge 100+ * Safari 15+ * Firefox 100+ **Limited support:** * Older browsers may have degraded functionality * Mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile) **Best experience**: Latest Chrome or Edge. ### Does Cleve work on iPad? Yes! The web app works on iPad with: * Touch-optimized UI * Keyboard shortcuts (with external keyboard) * Gesture navigation Native iPad app coming Q2 2024. ### Can I use Cleve with a screen reader? Yes. Cleve supports screen readers with: * ARIA labels and semantic HTML * Keyboard navigation * High contrast mode We're continuously improving accessibility. Report issues to \[email protected]. ### Is there an API? Yes! API access is available on **Pro** and **Max** plans. **API capabilities:** * Create, read, update, delete writings * Manage ideas and categories * Trigger AI chat * Webhooks for real-time events See [API Documentation](https://docs.cleve.ai/reference/api) for details. ### Can I self-host Cleve? Not currently. Cleve is a cloud-hosted SaaS product. **Enterprise customers** can request: * Dedicated isolated instances * Custom data residency * On-premise deployment (enterprise tier only, contact sales) ## Troubleshooting ### My writings aren't saving **Check:** 1. Internet connection 2. Browser console for errors 3. IndexedDB is enabled (not incognito mode) 4. Storage quota (Settings → Storage) **Fix:** * Force save with `Cmd/Ctrl + S` * Reload the page * Clear browser cache * Contact support if persistent ### AI chat isn't responding **Check:** 1. You haven't hit your monthly message limit 2. Internet connection is stable 3. AI model is selected **Fix:** * Check usage limits (Settings → Subscription) * Try switching AI models * Reload the page * Contact support if persistent ### Search isn't finding my content **Check:** 1. Content exists and isn't deleted 2. Filters aren't too restrictive 3. Spelling is correct **Fix:** * Try semantic search instead of keyword search * Remove filters * Rebuild search index (Settings → Advanced → Rebuild Index) ### Offline mode isn't working **Requirements:** * Starter+ plan * IndexedDB enabled * Not in incognito mode * Previously loaded content **Fix:** * Check plan level * Enable offline mode (Settings → Offline) * Reload while online first ## Getting Help ### How do I contact support? * **Community**: Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/cleve) or [Twitter](https://x.com/cleve_ai) * **Email**: \[email protected] (Starter+ plans) * **Live chat**: Pro+ plans (in-app chat widget) * **Documentation**: [docs.cleve.ai](https://docs.cleve.ai) ### Where can I request features? * **Feature requests**: [feedback.cleve.ai](https://feedback.cleve.ai) * **GitHub**: [github.com/cleve-ai/feedback](https://github.com/cleve-ai/feedback) * **Discord**: #feature-requests channel We review all requests and prioritize based on community votes. ### How do I report a bug? * **Email**: \[email protected] * **In-app**: Help menu → Report Bug * **GitHub**: [github.com/cleve-ai/feedback/issues](https://github.com/cleve-ai/feedback/issues) Include: browser, plan level, steps to reproduce, screenshots if applicable. ### Where can I learn more? Quick start guide for new users. Detailed documentation for all features. Master productivity shortcuts. Common issues and solutions. ## Still Have Questions? Can't find what you're looking for? Email us at \[email protected] or join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/cleve).