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Data safety, Trash, and recovery

Local-first storage gives you direct control over files and makes backup and conflict handling your responsibility. If something unexpected happens, stop editing and copy the current Project before troubleshooting.

Save and close​

Auto-save reduces everyday risk, but save manually before closing Scroll, changing several files, running an external sync, or delivering a manuscript. Press Cmd + S on macOS or Ctrl + S on Windows and Linux, and wait for the unsaved state to disappear.

Closing a tab prompts Scroll to save first; if saving fails, the tab remains open. When the app window contains unsaved work, choose Save and Close, Close Without Saving, or Cancel. Do not use force quit as a normal way to close the app.

Resolve an external change​

  • Reload disk discards the unsaved editor version and reads the version changed by another app.
  • Keep local replaces the version on disk with the current unsaved editor content.

The conflict prompt does not merge the two versions or save both. Before choosing, make a separate backup of the file on disk and, when possible, copy the current editor content to a temporary document for manual comparison. Avoid saving the same file from two apps at once.

Project Trash​

Record files, folders, and some Map actions can move the corresponding item to the Project's recoverable Trash. When restoring an item, check whether its original path is now occupied. Permanent deletion and emptying Trash cannot be undone.

Canvas deletion​

Deleting a Mindmap, Whiteboard, or Flowchart node, group, or connector normally changes only that canvas and leaves linked files in place. Use the view's Undo or Redo first. If necessary, restore the canvas from a complete Project backup rather than looking for a source file that was never deleted.

Plan changes​

Signing out or downgrading limits actions that the current plan no longer includes. It does not delete prose, cards, relationships, saved views, or advanced content. If paid features become unavailable after a period offline, reconnect and select Refresh plan.

  1. Stop editing the affected file.
  2. Copy the affected file and the complete Project, then record the message shown by Scroll.
  3. Check Undo and Redo in the editor or view.
  4. Check the Project's Trash.
  5. Restore from external version history or a complete Project backup.
  6. Reopen the Project and verify Search, relationships, saved views, and Works.