Private Notes Guide
How to take private AI notes on a Mac.
Set up local notes, select an AI route, test with a sample note, and keep a backup. A practical Hibiscus privacy workflow for Mac.
7 days. No account or card required. macOS 14 or later.
Direct answer
How do you keep AI notes private on a Mac?
Keep storage local, choose an on-device or local AI route for sensitive work, verify the route before each action, lock highly sensitive notes, and export to an open format.
- Store locally
- Choose the AI route
- Export openly
Start with a sample note
Install Hibiscus and activate the trial while online. Create a harmless note to explore the settings. Working notes live in local app data; trial and license checks contact a separate service without note content.
Select local processing
Choose Apple on-device AI if it is available on your Mac, or configure Ollama on the same machine. Check the selected provider and model before running an action. A remote Ollama endpoint or cloud provider sends content to another machine.
Check dictation separately
Speech recognition and text AI have separate settings. For a local workflow, configure a local speech engine as well as a local text model. Download what each needs before going offline.
Protect and back up
Lock notes you want excluded from AI while locked. Export a sample Markdown note and create a full backup. Store those copies somewhere appropriate for the sensitivity of your writing.
Know when internet is needed
Local writing and configured local models can work offline. Trial activation, model downloads, cloud AI, and license verification need network access. Review the Privacy page for the information sent by licensing requests.
Clear answers
Common questions.
Is local storage enough?
It is a baseline; also review AI routes, device security, backups, and locked-note behavior.
Can connected AI be intentional?
Yes, but request content leaves the Mac for the provider you select.
What format should notes use?
A readable, exportable format such as Markdown supports long-term access.
