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AnyDB Desktop App

Beta

The AnyDB Desktop App is currently in beta. Features and behavior may change, and you may encounter issues while using it. Keep a backup of important local files and contact AnyDB Support if you need help.

The AnyDB Desktop App connects AnyDB to the applications and filesystem on your computer.

It provides two main capabilities:

Edit in DesktopOpen AnyDB files in desktop applications and upload saved changes.Record FoldersAccess and synchronize AnyDB record files through local folders.

Common Use Cases​

  1. Edit files in local applications without a manual download and upload cycle. Select Edit in Desktop in AnyDB to open a file in its associated desktop application. When you save your changes, AnyDB Desktop automatically uploads the updated file to the same record. Learn how to edit a file on your desktop.
  2. Work with large collections of files connected to records. Use Record Folders to access files from record hierarchies such as insurance claims, customer cases, projects, or property records through your normal filesystem. AnyDB Desktop keeps the local folders connected to their corresponding AnyDB records. Learn how to use Record Folders.
  3. Automatically upload output from scanners and business machines. Connect the device's output folder to an AnyDB record, then configure the scanner or machine to save files into that folder. AnyDB Desktop detects new files and uploads them to AnyDB. Use Upload Only mode when the folder is dedicated to incoming machine-generated files. Learn how to connect an existing local folder.

What You Can Do​

  • Edit supported AnyDB files in Microsoft Office, Adobe applications, text editors, CAD tools, and other desktop applications
  • Connect an AnyDB record and its child records with a local folder and synchronize files in both directions
  • Connect an existing local folder to an AnyDB record and upload its files to AnyDB

Before You Begin​

You need:

  • An AnyDB account with access to the teams, workspaces, records, and files you want to use
  • Your AnyDB account email address
  • Your AnyDB API key
  • A supported Windows or macOS computer
  • A desktop application associated with each file type you want to edit

Your AnyDB permissions still apply in the Desktop App. You can only view or change content that your AnyDB account is allowed to access.

Get Your API Key​

  1. Sign in at app.anydb.com.
  2. Click your user icon in the bottom-left corner.
  3. Open Profile.
  4. Select the Integrations tab.
  5. Copy your API key.

Download and Install​

Download the installer for your operating system from AnyDB Desktop downloads.

Windows​

  1. Download the AnyDB Desktop Windows installer.
  2. Open the downloaded .exe file.
  3. Follow the installation prompts.
  4. Open AnyDB Desktop from the Start menu.

macOS​

  1. Download the AnyDB Desktop package for your Mac.
  2. Open the downloaded package and move AnyDB Desktop to Applications if prompted.
  3. Open AnyDB Desktop from the Applications folder.
  4. Approve the macOS security prompt if one appears.

Choose the Apple silicon version for Macs with an M-series processor and the Intel version for Intel-based Macs.

Connect to AnyDB​

The connection form opens the first time you launch AnyDB Desktop.

  1. Leave Server URL set to https://app.anydb.com/api unless your organization uses a different AnyDB server.
  2. Enter the email address associated with your AnyDB account.
  3. Paste your API key.
  4. Click Save & Test Connection.

After the connection succeeds, the app displays Connected and your email address at the top.

Click Edit beside the connection status to change the server, email, or API key later.

The API key is encrypted using your operating system's secure storage and is not displayed again after it is saved.

Edit an AnyDB File on Your Desktop​

Use Edit in Desktop when you want to work on an AnyDB file in its normal desktop application.

  1. Make sure AnyDB Desktop is installed, running, and connected.
  2. Open the file in the AnyDB web app.
  3. Select Edit in Desktop.
  4. Allow your browser to open AnyDB Desktop if prompted.
  5. The file downloads and opens in the default application for that file type.
  6. Edit the file and save it normally.
  7. Keep AnyDB Desktop running. When you save the file, it detects the change and uploads the new version to AnyDB.

After you select Edit in Desktop in AnyDB, the active edit appears in the Edit in Desktop tab of AnyDB Desktop.

The Edit in Desktop tab shows each active session, its status, the last time the file was opened, and the last successful upload.

Available actions include:

ActionDescription
OpenOpens the working copy in its default desktop application.
FolderOpens the folder containing the local working copy.
RetryRetries a failed download or upload.
RemoveDeletes the local working copy and stops watching it. The AnyDB file is not deleted.

Supported File Types​

AnyDB Desktop works with many file types that can be opened by an application installed on your computer.

Examples include:

  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files
  • PDF, TXT, Markdown, CSV, TSV, RTF, JSON, XML, and YAML files
  • PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WebP, and SVG images
  • PSD, AI, and INDD design files
  • DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES, and Blender files

AnyDB Desktop does not edit or interpret the contents of these files itself. It downloads the file, opens it using the application associated with that file type on your computer, watches for saved changes, and uploads the updated file to AnyDB.

The file must have a supported extension and a compatible desktop application installed on your computer.

Use Record Folders​

A Record Folder maps an AnyDB record hierarchy to folders and files on your computer.

This lets you work with files associated with AnyDB records through your normal filesystem while AnyDB Desktop keeps them synchronized.

There are two types of Record Folders:

  • Managed Record Folder: Created from an AnyDB record and stored under Documents/AnyDB/Record Folders.
  • Connected local folder: An existing folder on your computer that you connect to an AnyDB record.

How Record Folders Work​

Records that contain files are represented as folders. Each represented record has a Files folder, and child records appear as nested folders.

For example:

Project Alpha/
├── Files/
│   ├── Project Plan.docx
│   └── Budget.xlsx
├── Task 1/
│   └── Files/
│       └── Requirements.pdf
└── Task 2/
    └── Files/
        └── Drawing.dwg

In this example:

  • Project Alpha is the root AnyDB record.
  • Task 1 and Task 2 are child records.
  • Files associated with each record appear inside that record's Files folder.

Create a Folder from an AnyDB Record​

Use this option to download an AnyDB record hierarchy into a folder managed by AnyDB Desktop.

  1. Open the record in the AnyDB web app.
  2. Select Create Record Folder.
  3. Allow your browser to open AnyDB Desktop if prompted.
  4. AnyDB Desktop downloads the record hierarchy, creates the Record Folder, and opens it when the initial synchronization finishes.

Record Folders created from the AnyDB web app use Mirror mode.

To use another sync mode, add the Record Folder from the AnyDB Desktop app instead.

Managed Record Folders are created in:

Documents/AnyDB/Record Folders/<record name>/

Connect an Existing Local Folder​

Use this option when you already have a folder on your computer and want to connect it to an AnyDB record.

  1. Open AnyDB Desktop and select the Record Folders tab.
  2. Click +.
  3. Select Local folder.
  4. Click Browse and choose the folder to connect.
  5. Select a sync mode.
  6. Select the AnyDB team and workspace.
  7. Search for and select the AnyDB record that will be the root of the folder.
  8. Click Connect Folder.

The selected folder maps to the root record. Files map to file records in AnyDB, and nested folders are mapped according to the record hierarchy.

During the initial synchronization, AnyDB Desktop compares the contents of the local folder with the selected AnyDB record and applies changes according to the selected sync mode.

If the same file has been changed locally and in AnyDB, AnyDB Desktop uses the conflict handling described in Conflicts.

Choose a Sync Mode​

Sync modeBehavior
MirrorSynchronizes local and AnyDB changes in both directions.
Upload OnlyUploads local additions and changes to AnyDB. Local deletions do not delete or detach the corresponding content in AnyDB. Changes made in AnyDB are not downloaded.
Download OnlyDownloads changes from AnyDB. Local changes are not uploaded.

The sync mode cannot be changed after a Record Folder is added. To use a different mode, remove the Record Folder and add it again.

Manage a Record Folder​

Each Record Folder displays its sync status, last synchronization time, number of synchronized files, and total size.

  • Click Open to show the folder in your file manager.
  • Click Sync Now to start synchronization immediately.
  • Open the ... menu to pause, resume, edit settings, or remove the folder.
  • In Edit settings, set how often the app checks AnyDB for remote changes. The minimum interval is 30 minutes.

Local filesystem changes synchronize automatically while the folder is active.

AnyDB Desktop also checks for remote changes when it starts and according to the configured interval.

Deleting and Removing Content​

Deletion behavior is designed to protect your AnyDB data:

  • Deleting a local file from a managed Record Folder does not delete its AnyDB record.
  • Deleting an item from a connected local folder detaches it from the mapped parent record instead of deleting it everywhere in AnyDB.
  • Removing a Record Folder never deletes AnyDB files or records.
  • When removing a managed Record Folder, you can keep or delete its local copies.
  • Removing a connected local folder always keeps the original local folder.

Conflicts​

A conflict can occur when the same file changes locally and in AnyDB before synchronization completes.

AnyDB Desktop preserves the local work instead of silently overwriting it.

For a Record Folder conflict, the AnyDB version remains at the normal path and the local version is kept as a separate file with (AnyDB local conflict ...) in its name.

Review both files and keep the version you need.

For an Edit in Desktop conflict, open the session folder to preserve your local working copy, then compare it with the current file in AnyDB.

The session remains available for attention and is not automatically removed.

Background Operation and Notifications​

Closing the AnyDB Desktop window does not quit the app.

It continues running in the Windows system tray or macOS menu status area so it can watch files and synchronize changes.

Use the tray or menu bar icon to reopen the app or quit it completely.

Open Settings from the gear icon to configure:

  • Open window on startup: Show the dashboard when AnyDB Desktop starts. Turn this off to start in the tray after a connection has been configured.
  • Desktop notifications: Show system notifications for folder synchronization and important desktop editing events.
  • Check for updates: Check whether a newer beta version is available and open its download.

Recent Activity​

The Recent activity section displays up to 100 of the newest events.

Filter the list by Edit in Desktop, Record Folders, or all activity.

Failed actions display a Retry option when they can be attempted again. Use the activity message together with the current session or folder status to identify what needs attention.

Troubleshooting​

AnyDB Desktop Does Not Open from the Browser​

  • Confirm that AnyDB Desktop is installed and running.
  • Accept the browser prompt to open anydb links in AnyDB Desktop.
  • Restart AnyDB Desktop, then select Edit in Desktop or Create Record Folder again.
  • Reinstall the app if your operating system no longer associates AnyDB links with AnyDB Desktop.

The Connection Test Fails​

  • Confirm that the server URL is https://app.anydb.com/api, unless your organization provided another URL.
  • Make sure the email address matches the account associated with the API key.
  • Copy the API key again from Profile > Integrations in AnyDB.
  • Check that your internet connection can reach AnyDB.
  • If the key was rotated, enter the new key and click Save & Test Connection again.

A File Does Not Open​

  • Confirm that the file type is supported.
  • Install an application that can open the file type and set it as the operating system's default application.
  • Check the Edit in Desktop session for an error.
  • Click Retry if the download failed.

Changes Are Not Uploading​

  • Save the file and keep AnyDB Desktop running.
  • Confirm that the app still shows Connected.
  • Check whether the session or Record Folder is paused, failed, or in conflict.
  • Select Retry for a failed edit session or Sync Now for a Record Folder.
  • Confirm that your AnyDB account has permission to edit the file or record.

A Record Folder Is Not Updating​

  • Make sure the folder is not paused.
  • Click Sync Now to check immediately.
  • Review the folder's error message and the Recent activity section.
  • Avoid moving or renaming the root folder after it has been connected.
  • Confirm that the local drive is available and that AnyDB Desktop can read and write the folder.

Get Diagnostic Logs​

At the bottom of the AnyDB Desktop window, click Open logs to reveal the app's log file.

Logs contain operational messages and are designed not to include your API key.

When contacting AnyDB Support, include:

  • Your operating system and version
  • Your AnyDB Desktop version from Settings
  • The time the issue occurred
  • The relevant error message
  • The log file, if requested by support

Do not include your API key in a support request.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Is AnyDB Desktop the Same as Installing the AnyDB Website as an App?​

No. AnyDB Desktop is a native companion app for local file editing and Record Folder synchronization. See Run AnyDB Locally to install the AnyDB web interface in its own window.

Does AnyDB Desktop Work When the Window Is Closed?​

Yes. Closing the window keeps the app running in the tray or menu bar. Quit the app from that menu to stop synchronization completely.

Does Removing a Desktop Edit Session Delete the File in AnyDB?​

No. It deletes only the local working copy and stops watching it.

Does Removing a Record Folder Delete AnyDB Records?​

No. Removing a Record Folder never deletes AnyDB files or records.

What Happens to Changes Made While the App or a Folder Is Paused?​

They are reconciled when the app restarts or the folder resumes synchronization.

How Do I Update AnyDB Desktop?​

The app checks for updates when it starts. You can also open Settings and click Check for updates, then follow the download prompt when a new version is available.