Getting Started
Q: How do I install NerdPad?
A: You can install NerdPad directly from the Chrome Web Store. Just click the "Add to Chrome" button on the store page: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/djdcchhbeecnaejnbhpmbckigodolnmo
Q: How do I open NerdPad?
A: After installing, click the NerdPad icon. If you don't see it, click the puzzle piece icon (Extensions) in your toolbar and pin NerdPad to make it visible.
Q: Is NerdPad free?
A: Yes, the core note-taking features (creating, editing, tagging, linking notes, markdown formatting, local storage, backup/restore) are completely free to use. Advanced AI features require a one-time Premium purchase.
Using NerdPad
Q: How do I create a new note?
A: Click the "+" icon in the header of the NerdPad popup, or navigate to the "New" tab.
Q: How do I format my notes (bold, italics, lists)?
A: NerdPad uses Markdown formatting. You can use the toolbar buttons above the editor (in the "Write" tab) or standard Markdown syntax (like **bold**, *italic*, - list item, # Heading). You can see how it looks in the "Preview" tab.
Q: What are tags for? How do I use them?
A: Tags help you organize and categorize your notes. Below the note editor, you can type a tag name and press Enter or click "Add". You can also click existing tags to remove them.
Q: How do I link notes together?
A: In the note editor ("Write" tab), type [[Note Title]] using the exact title of the note you want to link to. In the "Preview" tab, this will become a clickable link that takes you directly to that note.
Premium & AI Features
Q: What features does NerdPad Premium unlock?
A: Premium unlocks all the AI-powered features: AI Chat (including chatting about specific notes), AI Summarization, AI Rewriting, AI Content Generation (Expand, Fix Grammar), and AI Tag Suggestions.
Q: How do I get Premium?
A: You can purchase a lifetime license key from our Gumroad page: superva.gumroad.com/l/NerdPad.
Q: How do I activate my Premium license key?
A: Go to the "Settings" tab in NerdPad, find the "Premium Activation" section, paste the license key you received via email from Gumroad, and click "Activate".
Q: Why do I need my own API key for AI features (even after buying Premium)?
A: NerdPad Premium unlocks the features in the extension. To actually run the AI, you connect your own API key (like a free one from Google AI Studio). This keeps your AI usage private (we don't see your requests) and gives you control over usage limits based on your key provider's terms.
Q: Where do I get a Gemini API key?
A: You can get one from the Google AI Studio website. They usually offer a generous free tier suitable for personal use. There's a link in the NerdPad Settings tab where you enter the key.
Q: How do I use the AI features (Summarize, Rewrite, Chat, etc.)?
A:
AI Assistant Tab: Use this for summarizing or rewriting entire notes or custom text.
Chat Tab: Start a general chat or click the chat icon on a note in the "Notes" tab to chat specifically about that note's content.
Note Editor: Select text while writing, and a small AI icon (sparkles) should appear. Click it to access actions like Expand, Summarize selection, or Fix Grammar.
Tag Suggestions: While editing a note, click the AI sparkles button near the tags section (if enabled in settings).
Data & Privacy
Q: Where is my data stored? Is it secure?
A: All your notes and settings are stored locally on your computer using standard, secure browser storage (chrome.storage.local). NerdPad does not send your note content to any external servers, except when you explicitly use an AI feature (which sends data directly to the AI provider you configured, like Google).
Q: What happens when I use an AI feature?
A: The relevant text and your API key are sent directly from your browser to the AI provider (e.g., Google). NerdPad doesn't process or store this information. Please refer to the AI provider's privacy policy for how they handle data.
Q: How can I back up my notes?
A: Go to the "Settings" tab and click "Export JSON" under the Storage section. This saves a file containing all your notes and settings to your computer. You can restore from this file using the "Import JSON" button.
Troubleshooting
Q: The AI features aren't working.
A: Please check:
Have you activated Premium with a valid license key in Settings?
Have you entered a valid API key (e.g., from Google AI Studio) in Settings after activating Premium?
Do you have an active internet connection?
Are you potentially exceeding the usage limits of your API key's free tier?
Q: I activated Premium, but the features are still locked.
A: Try closing and reopening the NerdPad popup. If that doesn't work, try restarting your Chrome browser. If the issue persists, please contact support via this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBBs6meHWrcHRbTSsgjDLIBmwYKj2STtlFkq5qJBixyBOCZQ/viewform