> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.withamber.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# FAQ

> Frequently asked questions about Amber

Common questions about using Amber. Can't find what you need? Email us at [support@withamber.com](mailto:support@withamber.com)

## Getting Started

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What do I need to run Amber?">
    **Mac:**

    * 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

    **iPhone and iPad:**

    * iOS/iPadOS 17.6 or newer
    * Available via [TestFlight](https://testflight.apple.com/)

    Amber is optimized for Apple Silicon Macs. Your workspace syncs across all devices via iCloud.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need internet to use Amber?">
    No! You can write anytime:

    * [Works completely offline](/user-guides/storage)
    * [Local storage](/user-guides/storage) for all your writing
    * [Amber Copilot](/user-guides/amber-copilot) available online (optional)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I start my first document?">
    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](/user-guides/getting-started-writing-with-amber)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Writing & Editing

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I format my text?">
    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
    * [See all formatting options](/user-guides/text-formatting)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I organize my writing?">
    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](/user-guides/getting-started-writing-with-amber)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What keyboard shortcuts are available?">
    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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I undo mistakes?">
    Yes, multiple safety features:

    * `⌘ + Z` undoes changes, including deletions
    * Confirmation before deleting sections/notes
    * Automatic backups
    * Version history
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Files & Compatibility

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What file formats does Amber support?">
    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
    * [Learn about the file format and imports →](/user-guides/file-format)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where are my files saved?">
    Your work is secure and open:

    * Saved as **markdown and JSON files** in your workspace folder
    * Synced across devices via **iCloud Drive**
    * [Automatic backup](/user-guides/auto-save)
    * 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](/user-guides/file-format)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Amber Copilot

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is my writing safe with the copilot?">
    Yes, your work is protected:

    * 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](/user-guides/amber-copilot)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I get better help from Amber?">
    Improve Amber's suggestions:

    * Use document setup to set context
    * Tell it your [writing style](/user-guides/amber-copilot#steering-your-copilot)
    * Share [relevant sections](/user-guides/amber-copilot#using-sources-as-context)
    * Settings stay between chats
    * Force save ensures latest content is used
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Latest Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What major features does Amber have?">
    Amber includes:

    * **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

    [See full changelog](/changelog)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I use the new navigation features?">
    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](/user-guides/quick-navigation)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's new in document formatting?">
    Enhanced formatting options:

    * Multi-paragraph styling
    * Header hierarchy (H1-H5)
    * Text alignment options
    * External and internal links
    * Pop-up formatting menu
    * [See formatting guide](/user-guides/paragraph-formatting)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Advanced Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="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

    [Learn about amber.md steering file](/user-guides/amber-copilot#steering-your-copilot)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I use voice recording?">
    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](/user-guides/voice-recording)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's the difference between Notes and Sources?">
    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: Amber uses vector embeddings to select relevant material.

    [Learn about Sources](/user-guides/amber-copilot#using-sources-as-context)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What are vector embeddings?">
    Vector embeddings convert text meaning into mathematical fingerprints:

    * 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

    Result: Faster, more relevant suggestions that only use the material that matters for your question.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does iCloud sync work?">
    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](/user-guides/file-format)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use Git with my Amber files?">
    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](/user-guides/file-format#git-integration--version-control)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Help & Support

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How much does Amber cost?">
    Amber is currently in beta and available via TestFlight. Pricing is being shaped by community feedback.

    [Share your feedback →](https://withamber.com/feedback)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where can I get help?">
    Multiple support options:

    * [Quick Start Guide](/user-guides/getting-started-writing-with-amber)
    * [Feature Documentation](/features)
    * [Reddit Community](https://www.reddit.com/r/writewithAmber/)
    * Email: [support@withamber.com](mailto:support@withamber.com)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I request features or report bugs?">
    We read every message:

    * **Feature ideas:** <a href="mailto:hello@withamber.com">Email us</a> with what you need and why it matters to your writing. Screenshots or a quick screen recording help us understand faster.
    * **Bug reports:** <a href="mailto:hello@withamber.com">Send us a note</a> with what happened, what you expected, and a screenshot if you can.
    * [Join our community](/Resources/community)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  Need more help? Visit our [support center](https://withamber.com/support) or email our team at [support@withamber.com](mailto:support@withamber.com)
</Note>