Journals

A journal is a document made of dated entries, stored in Drive and protected like any other file. Use one for meeting notes, a case log, a project diary or anything else that grows over time.

Security detailsWhat is this?

• A journal is backed by a Drive file. Its content key is the file key, wrapped with the group key of the folder like any other file.
• Every change (a new entry, an edit, a tag) is one operation. Its payload is encrypted with the file key and signed with the author's hybrid signing key (Ed25519 + ML-DSA-65).
• The server sees that the document exists, who authored each operation and when, and who has it open. Entry text and tags are encrypted; the operation order is verifiable.
• Authors are visible to the server, so a journal is not a place for anonymous contributions.
• A new member can read the whole history. Removing a member does not re-encrypt earlier entries; see key rotation.

Creating a journal #

In any Drive, personal or group, choose New journal and give it a name. In a group, every member can read and write it.

Writing entries #

• New entry adds an entry for today. Each entry supports headings, lists, checklists and tables.
• Give entries tags to find them back later, and Pin the ones that matter.
• Change date moves an entry to a different day; Delete removes it.
• Search entries… and the tag filter narrow the list.

When someone else has the journal open you see them under Viewing now.

Journal settings #

• Tag presets define the tags your team should use. Turn on Only allow preset tags to enforce them.
• Allow changing entry dates can be turned off to keep the timeline honest.

Getting your notes out #

Download as Markdown exports the whole journal as a plain text file you can open anywhere.

In an organisation, a journal can carry a document type and a status. Keep in mind that types, statuses and labels are visible to the server, unlike the journal's contents. Only allow preset tags is enforced by the app on your device, not by the server.