Sharing Your Vault
There are several ways to share your Skelenote data with others or access it across devices. This guide explains when to use each method.
Sharing Methods Compared
Skeleton Key
Multi-device sync
Full vault, real-time
Same identity, encrypted
Export
Backup, migration
Static snapshot
Unencrypted Markdown
Hearth
Real-time collab
Full vault, live sync
Same network only
Skeleton Key Sharing
Share your 24-word Skeleton Key to access your vault on another device.
When to Use
Setting up Skelenote on a new device
Accessing your vault from multiple computers
Restoring after device loss
How to Share Safely
Your Skeleton Key is the master key to all your encrypted data. Share it carefully:
Recommended methods:
In person - Read words aloud or show screen briefly
Encrypted messaging - Signal, iMessage, or other E2E encrypted apps
QR code scan - Show QR during setup for quick entry
Avoid:
Email (often unencrypted)
SMS text messages
Writing on paper left unsecured
Sharing via cloud documents
What Happens
When you enter the same Skeleton Key on another device:
Both devices share the same User ID
All data syncs automatically via Courier or Hearth
Changes on either device appear on both
Important: Anyone with your Skeleton Key has full access to your vault. Only share with people you trust completely.
Export Sharing
Export creates a static snapshot of your data as Markdown files.
When to Use
Creating offline backups
Migrating to another tool (Obsidian, etc.)
Sharing specific objects without sync access
Archiving data long-term
How to Export
Open Settings (
Cmd+,)Go to Data section
Click Export All
Choose save location
Share the resulting ZIP file
What's Included
All objects as
.mdfilesYAML frontmatter with properties
Wiki-links for relationships
Organized by type (optional)
What's NOT Included
Encryption (files are plain text)
Real-time updates
Your Skeleton Key
See the Export & Import Guide for detailed export options.
Hearth Sharing
Hearth enables real-time sync between devices on the same local network.
When to Use
Collaborating with others in the same room
Syncing between your devices at home
Working without internet connection
How It Works
All devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network
Each device runs Skelenote with the same Skeleton Key
mDNS discovery finds other devices automatically
Changes sync instantly over local connection
Security
Data is encrypted in transit (same as cloud sync)
Only devices with matching Skeleton Key can sync
Works entirely on local network - no internet needed
See the Local Sync Guide for setup instructions.
Choosing the Right Method
"I want to use Skelenote on my laptop and desktop"
→ Skeleton Key sharing - Enter your 24 words on the second device. Both will sync automatically.
"I want to give someone a copy of my notes"
→ Export - Create a ZIP backup and send them the files. They can import into any Markdown tool.
"I want to collaborate in real-time with a teammate"
→ Local sync - Both people need the same Skeleton Key and same Wi-Fi network. Changes appear instantly.
"I want to back up my data"
→ Export - Create regular backups to cloud storage (iCloud, Dropbox, etc.) for disaster recovery.
Security Considerations
Skeleton Key Risks
Anyone with your key can read ALL your data
Keys cannot be revoked (you'd need to start a new vault)
Lost keys mean permanent data loss
Export Risks
Exported files are unencrypted plain text
Sensitive data visible to anyone with the files
No access control or permissions
Local Sync Risks
Other devices on your network could attempt discovery
Only share Skeleton Key with trusted parties
Works only on local network (not over internet)
Further Reading
Export & Import Guide - Detailed export/import instructions
Local Sync Guide - Local sync setup
Security & Privacy - Encryption and threat model
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