# Local storage and offline use

Know what Orbit saves, what remains in source folders, and which features need the network.

## What is stored locally

Orbit stores your projects, tasks, documents, scratchpads, links, uploaded files, and preferences on your Mac. Signing into a Pro account does not sync this content to another machine.

The macOS app keeps its workspace database at `~/Library/Application Support/orbit/database/database.sqlite`, with other workspace files in the same application-support area. In this path, `~` means your home folder.

Linked folders are references to existing directories. Orbit does not move your source code into the database. Uploaded assets are saved copies; they differ from linking a source folder.

Use [Export & import](/guide/settings/export-import/) for a portable workspace archive rather than moving a live database file by hand.

## Offline availability

| Feature | Offline behaviour |
| --- | --- |
| Projects, tags, tasks, documents, links, and scratchpad | Available for local work. Opening a website from a saved link still needs a network connection. |
| Uploaded assets | Local copies remain available. |
| Local folder metadata | Saved snapshots remain available; a new scan needs access to the folder. |
| Repository activity and inbox | Saved results can be viewed; refreshing needs the provider and network. |
| Dependency findings | Saved results remain; online update and advisory lookups need a connection. |
| Scratchpad AI | AI suggestions need your configured provider and network. A scratchpad containing only a single URL can produce a link suggestion without AI. |
| Pro verification | Requires periodic online access. Licence settings show the current offline-access deadline. |
| App updates | Checking for and downloading updates needs a network connection. |

MCP is a local connection, but an AI client may have its own network requirements and data-sharing behaviour.

## Credentials and backups

Vault values, Git provider tokens, and AI keys use the desktop credential facilities. They are excluded from workspace ZIP exports. Secret values are also excluded from workspace search and MCP reads.

A workspace export includes saved project content and uploaded files, but does not include the source code from linked folders. Back up source code using your normal repository or filesystem backup process.

## Removing data

Unlinking a source keeps its files. Removing an Orbit project permanently removes its saved project content while leaving linked local folders and remote repositories intact. Deleting an uploaded asset removes Orbit's stored copy.

Uninstalling the app and deleting the application-support area are different actions. Keep that area if you need the current local workspace, and export before intentional cleanup. A Pro device activation does not synchronise workspace content between machines.