Getting Started

Getting up and running with General Text takes about a minute. You can work entirely in your browser, or install the free desktop app to keep your files local-first on your own machine. The steps below are the same either way.

Want to try it before signing up? Open a live demo workspace: no account, nothing to install, right in your browser.

Create an account

Visit the registration page and sign up with your email and a password. After registering, you'll need to verify your email by clicking a link we send you. Afterwards, you'll be signed in automatically.

Get the desktop app

General Text also runs as a free desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and it's the most local-first way to work. Your workspace files are mirrored to a real folder on your machine as plain text, so you can open them in any editor, the terminal, or a script. The app keeps working offline and syncs in the background whenever you're connected.

Sign in with the same account and every workspace you belong to shows up on your desktop. Download it, or see Desktop App for the details.

Create a workspace

A workspace is your top-level container: it holds files and apps. After signing in, you'll be prompted to create your first workspace. Give it a name and you're in.

You can create multiple workspaces for different projects or contexts. Each workspace has its own storage, members, and installed apps.

Add files

Use the + button in the sidebar's Files section to create a new file. You can also drag and drop files onto the workspace to upload them. Files can be organized into folders using paths like notes/ideas.md.

Invite collaborators

In workspace settings (the gear icon in the sidebar footer), go to the Members tab to invite others by email. Members can view and edit files in real time. Admins can additionally manage settings, install apps, and add other members.