Support
Notara
Need help with Notara? Find answers to common questions, troubleshoot issues, or get in touch directly.
Getting Started
Download the App
iPhone: App Store. Android: APK install guide from the Notara page
Set Up App Lock
Enable a passcode and Face ID / fingerprint in Settings for privacy
Create Your First Entry
Tap New Entry. Add a title, narrative, date, and category
Export When Ready
Use Export to generate a PDF or encrypted evidence package when you need it
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create an incident entry?
Tap the "New Entry" button on the home screen. Fill in a title, narrative, date and time, category, and any optional tags or witness details. Save when you are done.
Can I attach photos and voice memos to an entry?
Yes. When editing an entry, use the attachment options to add photos from your camera or photo library and to record voice memos. All attached media is stored locally on your device.
How do I add a location to an entry?
Location is optional and off by default. Inside an entry, you can enable location capture for that specific entry. The app will request permission the first time you use this feature.
Is my data backed up anywhere automatically?
No. Notara does not sync to any cloud service. Data stays on your device unless you actively export or back it up from Settings.
How do I export my entries?
Go to the Export section in the app. You can generate a Quick PDF timeline or a full evidence package (a standard ZIP containing your PDF, data manifest, and attached media).
What is the difference between the Quick PDF and the full evidence package?
The Quick PDF is a single PDF timeline of your entries, without bundled media files. The full evidence package is a standard ZIP containing the PDF, a data manifest, and your attached photos and audio.
How do I back up my data?
Go to Settings and choose the backup option. Store the backup file somewhere only you control.
Can I set a passcode or use Face ID to lock the app?
Yes. In Settings, you can enable an app passcode. On supported devices, Face ID or fingerprint unlock is also available.
Does Notara upload my data to the cloud?
No. Your entries and media are stored locally on the device. Data leaves only when you export, share, or back it up using the app or your phone's standard sharing features.
Do I need an account?
No. There are no Notara accounts or logins.
Does the app track me or show ads?
No. Notara does not include analytics or advertising. Location is used only when you choose to attach it to an entry.
Is Notara a substitute for a lawyer or the police?
No. Notara helps you document; it does not provide legal advice or emergency response. For immediate danger, contact local emergency services or trusted crisis lines in your area.
Which devices does Notara support?
Notara is built for iOS and Android via React Native. On iPhone, get the app from the App Store. On Android, use the APK install guide from the Notara homepage; check the app listing or install page for the current minimum OS version.
Troubleshooting
Entry not saving
Make sure the entry has at least a title and a date. Required fields must be filled before saving.
Camera or microphone permission denied
Go to your device Settings → Apps → Notara → Permissions and enable Camera, Microphone, or Photos as needed.
Location not attaching
Ensure location permission is set to "While Using App" in your device Settings. Location must be enabled per entry — it is off by default.
Forgot app passcode
Notara cannot recover a lost passcode. If you are locked out, you will need to reinstall the app. Export or back up your data regularly so you can restore it.
Cannot open export or backup file
Make sure you are opening a file exported by Notara. If the file appears corrupted or will not open, try re-exporting from the app.
App crashed
Please email hello@matthewkerr.org with your device model, OS version, Notara version, and what you were doing when it crashed.
Data seems missing after reinstall
Notara stores data locally. Reinstalling the app removes local data. Always export or back up before reinstalling.
Export file not appearing in Files
Use the share sheet that appears after export to save the file to your Files app, email it, or send it to another destination you choose.
What We Can Help With
- •Installation and updates from the App Store, or the Android APK from this site
- •Understanding in-app features (entries, export, lock screen, permissions)
- •Bug reports — please include device model, OS version, Notara version, and steps to reproduce
- •Security concerns — email with "Security" in the subject line
What We Cannot Do
- •Recover lost passcodes — by design, these are not known to us
- •Retrieve data from your device — we do not host your data
- •Provide legal, medical, or safety planning advice — please contact qualified professionals or emergency services
Resources
Still Need Help?
Technical Issues & Bug Reports
Include device model, OS version, Notara version, and steps to reproduce.
hello@matthewkerr.orgSecurity Concerns
Email with "Security" in the subject line. Do not send sensitive personal content unless you choose to.
hello@matthewkerr.orgGeneral Questions
hello@matthewkerr.orgResponse time: We aim to respond within 3–5 business days. I am one person, so please be patient during busier times.
Privacy During Support
When you contact support, I only see what you choose to share in your email. Your incident entries, media, and log data stay on your device and are never accessed during support conversations. Do not include sensitive personal content in support emails unless you choose to.