> ## 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.

# File Format & Storage

> Understand how Amber stores your work and how to use your files everywhere

Amber stores your entire workspace as standard markdown (`.md`) files with open, portable formatting. This means your writing is:

* **Portable**: Open your files in any text editor or markdown app
* **Compatible**: Use your files with Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Notion, and hundreds of other tools
* **Future-proof**: Markdown is a universal format that won't become obsolete
* **Collaborative**: Share files with writers using different tools

## How Your Workspace Is Organized

All your Amber content is stored in a simple file structure:

```
My Novel/
├── Chapter 1.md                # Sections stored as markdown
├── Chapter 2.md
├── Notes/
│   ├── Characters.md           # Notes as markdown
│   └── Plot Points.md
├── Sources/
│   ├── Research.md             # Sources as markdown
│   └── Inspiration.md
├── amber.md                    # Copilot steering instructions
└── .amber/
    ├── metadata.json           # Workspace metadata
    ├── chat-history.json       # Chat conversations
    └── embeddings.db           # Vector embeddings for context
```

**Every file you write is saved as clean, readable markdown.** No proprietary formats. No lock-in.

## File Types in Your Workspace

### Markdown Files (`.md`)

Your actual writing content:

* **Sections**: Chapters, scenes, parts of your story
* **Notes**: Quick reference material and ideas
* **Sources**: Detailed character backgrounds, world-building, research

All stored as standard markdown—human-readable and editable everywhere.

### JSON Files (`.json`)

Structured metadata:

* **Chat history**: Full conversation history
* **Metadata**: Workspace structure and settings

### Vector Embeddings (`.amber/embeddings.db`)

Local database for smart context selection:

* Processed locally on your device
* Enables context selection
* Synced via iCloud across all devices

## Using Your Files Everywhere

Since Amber stores everything as markdown, you can:

* **Edit in other editors**: VS Code, Sublime, iA Writer, Apple Notes, etc.
* **Use with other tools**: Import to Google Docs, Word, Notion, Obsidian
* **Version control with Git**: Full version history and collaboration
* **Open anywhere**: Markdown is universally supported

## Importing Amber Files to Other Platforms

### Google Docs

<Steps>
  <Step title="Locate your markdown file">
    Open Finder and navigate to your Amber workspace folder. Find the `.md` file you want to import.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the markdown content">
    Right-click the `.md` file → Open With → TextEdit (or your preferred editor)
    Select all text (`⌘A`) and copy
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Google Docs">
    Go to [docs.google.com](https://docs.google.com) and create a new document
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste as plain text">
    Use Edit → Paste special → Paste without formatting (`⌘ + Shift + V`)
    This preserves your markdown formatting
  </Step>

  <Step title="Format in Google Docs">
    Google Docs will recognize markdown headers (`#`, `##`) and format them automatically
    Manually fix any formatting that needs adjustment
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Microsoft Word

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your markdown file">
    Find your `.md` file in Amber workspace
    Right-click → Open With → Word
  </Step>

  <Step title="Word opens with markdown">
    Word recognizes markdown syntax and auto-formats:

    * `# Header` becomes Heading 1
    * `**bold**` becomes bold
    * `*italic*` becomes italic
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and refine">
    Check that formatting came through correctly
    Make any adjustments needed for your document style
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save in Word format">
    Save as `.docx` or `.doc` as needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Word is the easiest platform for Amber markdown—it handles the conversion automatically.
</Tip>

### Notion

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare your markdown file">
    Open your `.md` file in a text editor
    Copy the markdown content
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Notion page">
    Go to Notion and create a new page or database
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste into Notion">
    Click into the page content area
    Paste your markdown (`⌘V`)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notion auto-formats">
    Notion recognizes:

    * Markdown headers (`#`, `##`, etc.)
    * Bold and italic
    * Lists and numbering
    * Code blocks and inline code
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fine-tune if needed">
    Notion handles most markdown well
    Adjust any formatting for Notion's style
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  **For complex documents**: If your markdown has advanced formatting or custom elements, you may need to make minor adjustments in the target platform.
</Note>

## Syncing Across Your Devices

All your markdown files automatically sync via iCloud:

**On your Mac:**

* Auto-save writes to markdown files every few minutes
* iCloud detects changes and uploads

**On other devices:**

* iPad and iPhone can access your workspace via iCloud Drive
* Third-party markdown apps can open the files directly

**On different Macs:**

* Files sync automatically between all logged-in Macs
* Changes appear within seconds

[Learn more about storage and sync →](/user-guides/storage)

## Version Control with Git

Your markdown files are Git-compatible for professional version control:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initialize Git">
    ```bash theme={null}
    cd "Your Amber Workspace"
    git init
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Commit your work">
    ```bash theme={null}
    git add .
    git commit -m "Complete Chapter 3"
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Push to GitHub">
    ```bash theme={null}
    git remote add origin https://github.com/yourname/project
    git push -u origin main
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

Perfect for:

* Tracking changes over time
* Collaborating with other writers
* Backing up your work
* Experimenting with branches

[Learn more about Git integration →](/user-guides/auto-save#version-history-with-git)

## Coming Soon

**Fountain Screenplay Support**

* Currently being rebuilt from scratch
* Returning in a future release
* <a href="mailto:hello@withamber.com">Let us know</a> if this matters to you

**Direct Export**

* Export to PDF, Word, Google Docs
* Coming in a future release
* For now, use the import guides above

## FAQ

**Can I edit my markdown files in other editors?**
Yes! Your `.md` files are standard markdown. Edit them in VS Code, iA Writer, Obsidian, or any text editor. Changes sync back to Amber via iCloud.

**Will changes made in other editors appear in Amber?**
Yes. Amber monitors your files for changes and updates automatically. Edit in your favorite editor, see changes in Amber.

**Are my files locked into Amber?**
No. You own your markdown files. Copy them anywhere, use them with any tool. Amber is a workspace, not a lock-in.

**Can I share my markdown files with non-Amber users?**
Yes. Your files are standard markdown—anyone can open them in any text editor or markdown app. They don't need Amber.

## Related Guides

* [Storage & Synchronization](/user-guides/storage) - How files sync across devices
* [Auto-save & Version History](/user-guides/auto-save) - Saving and Git integration
* [Text Formatting & Markdown](/user-guides/text-formatting) - Markdown syntax reference