Notability Cloud FAQ

What is Notability Cloud?

Notability Cloud is our own cloud infrastructure that keeps your notes synced across all your devices and platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Web. It works everywhere you use Notability and unlocks features like Live Collaboration and Shared Libraries. Learn more here.

How is Notability Cloud different from iCloud sync? 

iCloud syncs notes across Apple devices only and uses your personal iCloud storage quota, which is shared with other apps. Notability Cloud works across all platforms, doesn't use your iCloud storage, and enables features like live collaboration. Most users find sync noticeably more reliable after switching.

What does Notability Cloud unlock? 

Notability Cloud unlocks features that weren't possible with iCloud sync:

  • Live Collaboration - edit the same note with others in real time
  • Cross-platform sync - iOS, Android, Mac, and Web
  • Shared Libraries - for Notability for Business users

As an existing user, how do I update to Notability Cloud? 

New users are automatically set up on Notability Cloud when they first sign in. Existing users can update to Notability Cloud via an in-app prompt. You'll see it in your library when your account is ready. Can't wait? Open this link on your iPad: https://open.notability.com/event/notability-cloud-invite

Keep the app open and stay on a stable connection until the upload finishes. To join via the invite link, you'll need to meet all of the following:

  • You're using an iPad
  • You have more than 10 GB of free device storage
  • You're on Notability version 15.3.7 or newer
  • Your device is not managed by MDM (school, university, or employer-managed device)
  • You have a strong internet connection
  • You're not located in China, Hong Kong, or Macau and do not have a Chinese App Store account.

The invite link currently only works on iPad. A Mac update is coming soon.

Can I use Notability Cloud if I'm in China, Hong Kong or Macau?

Notability Cloud isn't available for users in China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or those with a Chinese App Store account.

How do I know if I'm on Notability Cloud? 

Go to Notability Settings > Connected Services. If there's no iCloud sync option listed, your device is on Notability Cloud.

What platforms are supported on Notability Cloud? 

Notability Cloud is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Web. 

What syncs with Notability Cloud? 

All your notes and folders sync across supported platforms. Recordings made on one device (iPad, Mac, or iPhone) also sync and are accessible on your other devices.

How do I sync my notes to the Web app? 

Sign in to the same Notability account on both your iOS device and the Web app to sync your notes across devices. 

My notes are syncing on iPad but not on my Mac or iPhone. Why? 

Mac and iPhone update separately from iPad. The invite link only works on iPad right now, so your Mac will stay on iCloud sync until a Mac update is available. In the meantime, your notes are accessible at notability.com/app. 

Do I need an internet connection to use Notability? 

No. Edit offline, sync when you're back online.

I started updating to Notability Cloud but the app closed or my connection dropped. What do I do? 

Reopen the app on a stable connection. The update will pick up where it left off. If it doesn't, contact our Support Team.

Some notes are missing after updating to Notability Cloud. What should I do? 

It's possible for your library to take a few minutes to fully load after updating to Notability Cloud. If notes are still missing, check that all your devices have completed the update, that you're signed in to the same account everywhere, and that you have a stable connection. You can also go to Settings > Connected Services > Search iCloud Drive to manually import anything that didn't transfer. For more detail, see our Recovering Missing or Deleted Notes from Notability Cloud article.

What happens to my iCloud data after I switch? 

iCloud is no longer used for syncing, but don't delete your Notability data from iCloud just yet. Recovery tools, including iCloud Version History and note restoration, still rely on it. Only remove it once you're confident everything has transferred, and you have a separate backup.

Will updating to Notability Cloud affect my subscription? 

No. Notability Cloud and billing are completely separate.

What happens to my notes if I cancel my subscription? 

Notability Cloud is free for all users. Your notes keep syncing regardless of your subscription status.

How much storage do I get? 

Notability Cloud provides generous storage to cover all your notes.

Can I still back up my notes to third-party services? 

Yes. Dropbox, Google Drive, and others all still work. See our Third-Party Backup Guide to get set up.

What if I want to share a note without the other person needing a Notability account? 

Live Collaboration requires all participants to have a Notability account. 

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