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Common questions about using Amber. Can’t find what you need? Email us at [email protected]

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Getting Started

Your computer needs:
  • 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
Amber requires modern hardware and is optimized for Apple Silicon Macs
No! You can write anytime:
Quick steps:
  1. Open Amber and create a new workspace
  2. Start typing directly into your first section
  3. Set up your document context (optional)
  4. Everything saves automatically
Learn more in our getting started guide

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Writing & Editing

Multiple ways to style your writing:
  • 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
  • Highlight text in different colors
  • See all formatting options
Structure your work easily:
  • 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
Essential shortcuts:
  • ⌘ + K - Open command menu
  • ⌘ + P - Quick navigation to sections
  • ⌘ + N - New document
  • ⌘ + Z - Undo (works for deletions too)
  • ⌘ + L - Chat about selected text
Yes, multiple safety features:
  • ⌘ + Z undoes changes, including deletions
  • Confirmation before deleting sections/notes
  • Automatic backups
  • Version history

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Files & Compatibility

Amber uses open, standard formats:
  • 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
  • Screenplay support: On roadmap (coming in future release)
  • Learn about the file format and imports →
Your work is secure and open:
  • Saved as markdown and JSON files in your workspace folder
  • Synced across devices via iCloud Drive
  • Automatic backup
  • Auto-save before AI interactions
  • Complete privacy—files stay on your device
  • Optional Git integration for version control
  • Learn about file format and storage

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AI Features

Yes, your work is protected:
  • Local AI stays on your computer
  • Cloud AI options require internet
  • Nothing stored by us
  • You control Amber Copilot usage
Improve AI assistance:
  • 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

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Latest Features

Amber includes these powerful features:
  • New file format: Open markdown and JSON (no proprietary format)
  • Voice recording: Record and transcribe directly into sections
  • amber.md steering file: Control AI behavior with markdown instructions
  • Sources and vector embeddings: Smart context selection for AI
  • Enhanced AI editing: Beautiful diffs with accept/reject control
  • Chat improvements: Context selector for scope control (⌘L for selected text)
  • iCloud sync: Full workspace sync across all devices
See full changelog
Quick ways to move around:
  • ⌘ + P for quick section navigation
  • Create internal links between sections
  • Use external links for references
  • Command palette (⌘ + K) for all commands
  • Learn about navigation
Enhanced formatting options:
  • Multi-paragraph styling
  • Header hierarchy (H1-H5)
  • Text alignment options
  • External and internal links
  • Pop-up formatting menu
  • See formatting guide

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Advanced Features

amber.md is a markdown file that tells Amber how to assist you:
  • Controls AI 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
  • Perfect for complex projects where you need consistent AI assistance
Learn about amber.md steering file
Record audio and get automatic transcription:
  1. Click the microphone icon in any section
  2. Start speaking naturally
  3. Amber transcribes with proper punctuation and formatting
  4. Review and accept the transcription
  5. It’s added to your document as markdown
Perfect for brainstorming while walking or dictating rough drafts. Learn about voice recording
Both store reference material, but for different purposes:
  • Notes: Quick reference facts (character is afraid of water)
  • Sources: Detailed material (character’s full backstory, research documents, published works)
Sources get special treatment: AI uses vector embeddings to intelligently select relevant material.Learn about Sources
Vector embeddings convert text meaning into mathematical fingerprints:
  • Enable AI to understand context, not just keywords
  • Make AI context selection smarter (only relevant sources included)
  • Processed locally on your device (privacy-first)
  • Automatically updated when you change content
Result: Faster, smarter, more relevant AI suggestions that only use the material that matters for your request.
Your entire workspace syncs across devices:
  • 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
Learn about file format and storage
Yes! Your files are Git-compatible:
  • 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
Learn about using Git

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Help & Support

We’re currently in beta:
  • Beta access: $5
  • Future plans: Being shaped by community feedback
Share your feedback →
Need more help? Visit our support center or email our team at [email protected]