Common questions about using Amber. Can’t find what you need? Email us at support@withamber.comDocumentation Index
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Getting Started
What do I need to run Amber?
What do I need to run Amber?
- macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer
- Apple Silicon preferred (M1 or newer) for best performance
- At least 8GB of memory (16GB recommended)
- About 500MB of free space
- iOS/iPadOS 17.6 or newer
- Available via TestFlight
Do I need internet to use Amber?
Do I need internet to use Amber?
- Works completely offline
- Local storage for all your writing
- Amber Copilot available online (optional)
How do I start my first document?
How do I start my first document?
- Open Amber and create a new workspace
- Start typing directly into your first section
- Set up your document context (optional)
- Everything saves automatically
Writing & Editing
How do I format my text?
How do I format my text?
- Basic formatting:
⌘ + B(bold),⌘ + I(italic),⌘ + U(underline) - Select text to see the pop-up formatting menu
- Add external links with
⌘ + K - Multi-paragraph formatting with headers and alignment
- See all formatting options
How do I organize my writing?
How do I organize my writing?
- Create sections for chapters or scenes (left sidebar)
- Add reference notes for research
- Link between sections and notes
- Quick navigation with
⌘ + P - Set up document context and preferences
- Learn about getting started
What keyboard shortcuts are available?
What keyboard shortcuts are available?
⌘ + K- Open command menu⌘ + P- Quick navigation to sections⌘ + N- New document⌘ + Z- Undo (works for deletions too)⌘ + L- Chat about selected text
Can I undo mistakes?
Can I undo mistakes?
⌘ + Zundoes changes, including deletions- Confirmation before deleting sections/notes
- Automatic backups
- Version history
Files & Compatibility
What file formats does Amber support?
What file formats does Amber support?
- Native format: Markdown (
.md) files for all content - External tools: Use files with Google Docs, Word, Notion, and any markdown app
- Edit anywhere: Edit your markdown files in any text editor (VS Code, iA Writer, etc.)
- Git compatible: Full version control support
- Learn about the file format and imports →
Where are my files saved?
Where are my files saved?
- Saved as markdown and JSON files in your workspace folder
- Synced across devices via iCloud Drive
- Automatic backup
- Auto-save before Amber Assist interactions
- Complete privacy—files stay on your device
- Optional Git integration for version control
- Learn about file format and storage
Amber Copilot
Is my writing safe with the copilot?
Is my writing safe with the copilot?
- Your files stay on your device and sync via iCloud
- Cloud models require internet but nothing is stored by us
- You control when and how Amber Copilot is used
- Learn more about Amber Copilot
How do I get better help from Amber?
How do I get better help from Amber?
- Use document setup to set context
- Tell it your writing style
- Share relevant sections
- Settings stay between chats
- Force save ensures latest content is used
Latest Features
What major features does Amber have?
What major features does Amber have?
- Open file format: Standard markdown and JSON files, no proprietary format
- iPhone and iPad support: Write anywhere, synced via iCloud
- Voice recording: Record and transcribe directly into sections
- amber.md steering file: Control copilot behavior with markdown instructions
- Sources: Add reference material for smarter context selection
- Editing with diffs: Accept or reject suggestions one by one
- Accent colors and redesigned settings: Customize Amber to feel like yours
- Keyboard shortcuts tab: Searchable reference right inside settings
How do I use the new navigation features?
How do I use the new navigation features?
What's new in document formatting?
What's new in document formatting?
- Multi-paragraph styling
- Header hierarchy (H1-H5)
- Text alignment options
- External and internal links
- Pop-up formatting menu
- See formatting guide
Advanced Features
What is amber.md and why should I use it?
What is amber.md and why should I use it?
amber.md is a markdown file that tells Amber how to assist you:- Controls copilot behavior and suggestions
- Define your writing tone, style, and character voices
- Set plot constraints and world rules
- Edit in Amber or any text editor
- Changes take effect immediately
- Good for complex projects where you need consistent suggestions
How do I use voice recording?
How do I use voice recording?
- Click the microphone icon in any section
- Start speaking naturally
- Amber transcribes with proper punctuation and formatting
- Review and accept the transcription
- It’s added to your document as markdown
What's the difference between Notes and Sources?
What's the difference between Notes and Sources?
- Notes: Quick reference facts (character is afraid of water)
- Sources: Detailed material (character’s full backstory, research documents, published works)
What are vector embeddings?
What are vector embeddings?
- Enable Amber to understand context, not just keywords
- Make context selection smarter (only relevant sources included)
- Processed locally on your device (privacy-first)
- Automatically updated when you change content
How does iCloud sync work?
How does iCloud sync work?
- Markdown files sync via iCloud Drive
- Vector embeddings synced securely
- Changes appear instantly on all devices
- Works offline—syncs when connection restored
- Complete privacy—files stay on your devices
Can I use Git with my Amber files?
Can I use Git with my Amber files?
- Initialize Git in your workspace folder
- Commit your work with full version control
- Push to GitHub or any Git host
- Collaborate with other writers
- Track changes to amber.md and sources
Help & Support
How much does Amber cost?
How much does Amber cost?
Where can I get help?
Where can I get help?
How do I request features or report bugs?
How do I request features or report bugs?
- Feature ideas: Email us with what you need and why it matters to your writing. Screenshots or a quick screen recording help us understand faster.
- Bug reports: Send us a note with what happened, what you expected, and a screenshot if you can.
- Join our community

