📋
Overview
Just A Notepad is a private, encrypted personal notepad built as a Progressive Web App (PWA). It runs entirely in your browser, stores all data locally on your device using AES-256 encryption, and never sends any information to a server.
Despite being a web app, it installs directly on your phone's home screen and works exactly like a native app — including full offline functionality.
📝
Quick Note
A fast, auto-saving notepad. Start typing and your notes are saved automatically every 5 seconds.
🎙️
Voice Dictation
Tap the microphone and talk. The app transcribes your speech directly into your notes hands-free.
🔊
Brief Me Button
Tap Brief Me and the app reads your notes back to you out loud — perfect for reviewing on the go.
🔒
Secret Vault
A hidden private journal locked behind your photo and PIN. Invisible to anyone who doesn't know it exists.
🎨
3 Themes
Switch between Executive, Pearl, and Fluid Cobalt to match your mood and environment.
💾
Encrypted Backup
Export a fully encrypted backup file. Restore it anytime with your PIN. Your data is never locked in.
System Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Browser (Mobile) | Chrome for Android · Safari for iOS (version 14.5+) |
| Browser (Desktop) | Chrome · Edge · Firefox · Safari |
| Internet Connection | Only required for first load. Works 100% offline after installation. |
| Storage | Minimal — all data stored in browser localStorage (~5MB limit) |
| Operating System | Android 8+, iOS 14.5+, Windows, macOS, Linux |
📲
Installation Guide
Just A Notepad is a Progressive Web App (PWA). This means it installs directly from your browser — no App Store, no Play Store, no download required. Here's how to install it on each platform.
How to Get Your File
🛒
Paid via Gumroad (Card / PayPal)
You will receive an official email from Gumroad immediately after payment. Tap the link in that email — the app opens directly in your browser. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email.
📱
Paid via GCash or Bank Transfer
After payment, message us on Facebook with your payment screenshot and your active email address. We will send your download link to that email via Gumroad. Please make sure your email address is correct and working — that is where your file will be delivered.
Android (Chrome) — Recommended
1
Open the link in Chrome
After purchasing, you'll receive an email from Gumroad. Tap the link in that email — the app will open directly in Chrome on your Android device.
2
Tap the three-dot menu
Tap the ⋮ menu icon in the top-right corner of Chrome.
3
Tap "Add to Home Screen"
Select "Add to Home Screen" from the dropdown menu. A dialog will appear asking you to confirm the name.
4
Tap "Add"
Confirm by tapping "Add". The app icon will appear on your home screen immediately.
5
Open from home screen
From now on, always open the app from your home screen icon — not from the browser. This gives you the full app experience with no browser address bar.
iPhone / iPad (Safari)
1
Open the link in Safari
After purchasing, you'll receive an email from Gumroad. Open the email in Safari and tap the link — the app will open directly in Safari. Note: use Safari, not Chrome, as Chrome on iOS does not support Add to Home Screen.
2
Tap the Share button
Tap the Share icon (the square with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen.
3
Tap "Add to Home Screen"
Scroll down in the share sheet and tap "Add to Home Screen".
4
Tap "Add"
Tap "Add" in the top-right corner to confirm. The app appears on your home screen.
⚠️
iOS Important Note
On iOS, you must use Safari to install the app. Chrome on iPhone does not support Add to Home Screen for PWAs. If you received the file via email, tap "Open in Safari" before installing.
Desktop (Chrome / Edge)
1
Open the link in Chrome or Edge
After purchasing, you'll receive an email from Gumroad. Click the link — the app will open directly in your browser.
2
Click the install icon
Look for a small install icon (⊕) in the browser address bar on the right side. Click it.
3
Click "Install"
A dialog will appear. Click "Install" to add it as a desktop app. It will open in its own window without browser controls.
🚀
First Launch & PIN Setup
The first time you open Just A Notepad, you will be guided through a brief onboarding process and prompted to create your PIN. This is the most important step — your PIN is the key to everything.
Setting Up Your PIN
1
Complete the onboarding
Tap through the intro screens to learn about the app's key features. Tap "Skip Intro" to go straight to setup.
2
Create your PIN
Choose a 4 to 6 digit PIN. This PIN encrypts all your notes and protects your secret vault. Choose something you will remember.
3
Confirm your PIN
Enter your PIN a second time to confirm. If both entries match, your PIN is set and your notes are immediately encrypted.
4
You're in
The app opens to your Quick Note. You're ready to start writing.
🚨
There is NO PIN Recovery
If you forget your PIN, your notes cannot be recovered — by you or by us. This is intentional. It means no one can reset your PIN and access your data. Write your PIN somewhere safe (not in this app 😄).
Entering Your PIN on Subsequent Opens
Every time you open the app, you will see the entry screen with the breathing bronze blob. Tap the blob and enter your PIN to unlock the app. After 3 incorrect attempts, the app will briefly lock to prevent brute force access.
📝
Quick Note
Quick Note is your main notepad — a fast, always-ready writing surface that saves automatically as you type.
Key Behaviors
| Behavior | Details |
|---|
| Auto-save | Notes are saved automatically every 5 seconds as you type. You never need to tap a save button. |
| Encryption | All content is encrypted with AES-256 using your PIN as the key before being stored. |
| Character limit | No limit. Write as much as you need. |
| Formatting | Plain text only. No bold, italic, or headings — by design, to keep things simple and fast. |
| Persistence | Notes persist across sessions. Your content is exactly where you left it every time you open the app. |
💡
Pro Tip
Quick Note is designed for fast capture — dump your thoughts here first, then review them later using the Brief Me button. Think of it as your encrypted brain dump.
🎙️
Voice Dictation
Voice Dictation lets you speak your notes instead of typing them. It uses your device's built-in speech recognition to transcribe your voice in real time.
How to Use
1
Tap the microphone button
Find the microphone icon in the Quick Note toolbar. Tap it to begin recording. You may be prompted to allow microphone access on first use — tap "Allow".
2
Speak clearly
Speak naturally toward your device's microphone. Your words will appear in the notepad in real time as you speak.
3
Auto-stops after 60 seconds
Dictation automatically stops after 60 seconds to conserve battery. Tap the microphone again to continue.
4
Review and edit
After dictating, you can tap anywhere in the text to edit, correct, or add to your transcription.
⚠️
Internet Required for Voice
Voice dictation uses your device's built-in speech recognition, which requires an internet connection. Your voice is processed by your device's OS (Google or Apple) — not by Just A Notepad. Your transcribed text is still stored encrypted locally.
🔊
Brief Me Button
The Brief Me button reads your Quick Note content back to you out loud using your device's text-to-speech engine. Perfect for reviewing your notes while commuting, cooking, or doing anything else hands-free.
How to Use
1
Write your notes
Make sure you have content in your Quick Note.
2
Tap the Brief Me button
Tap the speaker/Brief Me button in the toolbar. The app will immediately begin reading your notes aloud.
3
Tap again to stop
Tap the button again at any time to stop playback.
💡
Works Offline
Unlike Voice Dictation, Brief Me uses your device's offline text-to-speech engine and works without an internet connection.
🔒
Secret Vault
The Secret Vault is a hidden private journal inside the app. It is invisible to anyone who doesn't know it exists. Access is granted only by tapping your profile photo and entering your PIN.
✨
How It's Hidden
Your profile photo doubles as the vault door. There is no "Vault" button, no obvious entry point. From the outside, it just looks like your photo. Only you know to tap it.
Setting Up the Vault
1
Upload your photo
In the app settings or profile area, upload a photo. This photo becomes the visual door to your vault. Use any image you like.
2
Tap your photo
Tap the circular photo on the main screen. A PIN entry screen will appear.
3
Enter your PIN
Enter your 4-6 digit PIN. The vault opens and your private journal is accessible.
4
Write privately
Write anything in your vault. It is stored separately from your Quick Note and is encrypted with the same AES-256 encryption.
Exiting the Vault
Tap the lock icon or navigate away from the vault. The vault automatically locks when you close the app or switch away from it.
🚨
Vault is PIN-Protected Only
The vault uses the same PIN as the main app. If someone knows your PIN, they can access the vault. Keep your PIN private.
🎨
Themes
Just A Notepad comes with three distinct visual themes. Switch between them at any time using the color blob selector in the app.
| Theme | Description | Best For |
|---|
| Executive | Deep black background with bronze accents. The default theme. | Night use · Low light environments · Battery saving on OLED screens |
| Pearl | Clean white/grey background with subtle accents. | Daytime use · Bright environments · Formal writing |
| Fluid Cobalt | Deep purple to electric blue gradient. Bold and immersive. | Creative writing · Night use · Aesthetic preference |
Your theme preference is saved automatically and persists between sessions.
💾
Backup & Restore
Because all your data is stored locally on your device, it is important to create regular backups. If you clear your browser data, switch devices, or uninstall the app, your notes will be lost without a backup.
Creating a Backup
1
Tap the Export button
Tap the ⬇️ Export button in the app. You will be prompted to enter your PIN to authorize the backup.
2
Enter your PIN
You will be prompted to enter your PIN to authorize the backup export.
3
Download the backup file
A .json file will be downloaded to your device. This file contains all your encrypted notes. Save it somewhere safe on your device or personal storage.
✅
Your Backup is Encrypted
The backup file is fully encrypted with your PIN. Even if someone finds the file, they cannot read its contents without knowing your PIN.
Restoring from Backup
1
Tap the Import button
Tap the ⬆️ Import button in the app to begin restoring from a backup file.
2
Select your backup file
Choose the .json backup file you previously exported.
3
Enter your PIN
Enter the PIN that was used when the backup was created. This decrypts and restores your notes.
4
Done
Your notes are fully restored exactly as they were when the backup was made.
⚠️
Backup Recommendation
We strongly recommend exporting a backup regularly. Store your backup file somewhere safe on your device. If you lose your device AND your backup file, your notes cannot be recovered.
🛡️
Encryption Architecture
Just A Notepad uses industry-standard encryption to protect your notes. Here is a plain-language explanation of exactly how it works.
How Your Data is Protected
| Component | Technology | Details |
|---|
| Encryption Standard | AES-256-GCM | The encryption technology used by banks, the US Military, and NASA. Virtually unbreakable with modern computing. |
| Key Derivation | PBKDF2 (600,000 iterations) | Your PIN is never stored directly. It is processed through 600,000 rounds of hashing to generate the encryption key. This makes brute-force attacks extremely slow. |
| Storage Location | localStorage (device only) | All encrypted data is stored in your browser's localStorage. It never leaves your device. |
| Server Communication | None | Just A Notepad makes zero network requests after the initial page load. No data is ever sent to any server. |
| Backup files | AES-256-GCM encrypted | Exported backup files use the same encryption technology. The file is unreadable without your PIN. |
What "No Cloud" Means
Just A Notepad has no backend server, no user accounts, no sync service, and no analytics. Your notes exist in one place only: your device. This means:
✅ No one can read your notes — not us, not hackers, not governments requesting server data.
✅ No data breaches can expose your notes — there is no database to breach.
⚠️ You are responsible for backups — because there is no cloud, your notes exist only where you keep them.
👁️
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2026 · Product: Just A Notepad · Developer: Barb The Builder
Data We Collect
None. Just A Notepad does not collect, store, transmit, or share any personal data, usage data, analytics, or telemetry. Zero.
Data Stored on Your Device
The following data is stored exclusively on your device in encrypted form: your notes, your vault entries, your theme preference, your profile photo, and your PIN hash. None of this data is accessible to us or any third party.
Third-Party Services
Just A Notepad uses your device's built-in speech recognition (Google/Apple) for voice dictation only. This is an OS-level feature outside our control. All other functionality is fully local.
Children's Privacy
Just A Notepad is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children — in fact, we don't collect data from anyone.
❓
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly am I buying? Is it an app?
Just A Notepad is a Progressive Web App (PWA). After purchasing, you'll receive a link via email. Tap the link — the app opens directly in your browser. From there, simply tap Share → Add to Home Screen (iPhone) or the three-dot menu → Add to Home Screen (Android). It works exactly like a native app — no App Store, no Play Store needed.
I forgot my PIN. Can you help me recover it?
No — and this is by design. There is no PIN recovery, no master password, and no backdoor. If we could reset your PIN, so could a hacker. Your PIN is the only key to your encrypted data. If you forget it, the notes are unrecoverable. Please write your PIN somewhere safe outside of this app.
Will my notes disappear if I clear my browser cache?
Yes. Your notes are stored in your browser's localStorage. If you clear your browser data or cache, your notes will be deleted. This is why regular backups are strongly recommended. Always export a backup before clearing browser data.
Can I use this on multiple devices?
Yes, but there is no automatic sync. To use your notes on a second device, export a backup from your first device and import it on the second. Your notes will then be available on both devices independently.
Does it work without internet?
Yes — once installed, Just A Notepad works fully offline. The only feature that requires internet is Voice Dictation, which uses your device's online speech recognition service.
Can you (the developer) read my notes?
No. Your notes are stored only on your device, encrypted with your PIN. We have no server, no database, and no access to your data. Technically and practically, it is impossible for us to read your notes.
What happens to my notes if Just A Notepad shuts down?
Nothing. Because your notes are stored locally on your device, they are completely unaffected if we ever stop supporting the app. Your data belongs to you and lives on your device — it doesn't depend on our servers or services.
Can I change my PIN?
Yes! You can change your PIN at any time. Inside the Secret Vault, tap the 🔑 key icon to open the PIN change screen. You will be asked to enter your current PIN first, then set a new one.
Is this safe to use for very sensitive information?
Yes. AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2 key derivation (600,000 iterations) — the encryption technology used by banks, the US Military, and NASA. As long as your PIN is strong and kept private, your data is extremely secure.
I accidentally deleted my notes. Can they be recovered?
Only if you have a backup file. If you have not created a backup, the notes cannot be recovered. This is a strong reminder to create regular backups using the Export Backup feature.
🔧
Troubleshooting
Cause: You are using Chrome on iPhone instead of Safari.
Fix: On iOS, open your Gumroad email in Safari and tap the link from there. Chrome on iPhone does not support Add to Home Screen for web apps.
Cause: Browser data was cleared during the OS update.
Fix: If you have a backup file, restore it using the ⬆️ Import button in the app. If you have no backup, the notes cannot be recovered. Going forward, create weekly backups.
Cause 1: Microphone permission was denied.
Fix: Go to your phone's app permissions and allow microphone access for your browser.
Cause 2: No internet connection.
Fix: Voice dictation requires an internet connection. Connect to WiFi or mobile data and try again.
Cause: Browser data may have been partially cleared, corrupting the PIN hash.
Fix: Try clearing the app's localStorage completely and setting up again. Note: this will delete your notes unless you have a backup. Open your browser, go to Site Settings, find the app, and clear its data.
Cause: The app may not have loaded correctly in your browser.
Fix: Close the browser and tap the Gumroad link again from your email. If the problem persists, try opening the link in a different browser.
Cause: Your device's text-to-speech may be disabled or your notes field may be empty.
Fix: Ensure your Quick Note has content. Check that your device volume is turned up. On some Android devices, you may need to enable Text-to-Speech in your device Accessibility settings.