Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atlas?
Atlas is a writing and project workspace for Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It combines a markdown editor, spatial canvases, media management, and hierarchical organization into a single app for creative projects like novels, research, world-building, and long-form writing.
What platforms does Atlas run on?
Atlas is available on Mac (built with AppKit), iPad (built with UIKit and SwiftUI), and iPhone (built with UIKit and SwiftUI). Each platform has a purpose-built native interface. Atlas is not available on Windows, Android, or the web.
Is my data portable?
Yes. Documents are stored as markdown — a universal plain text format readable by any text editor. Canvases use the open JSON Canvas specification. Export is available in Markdown, Plain Text, HTML, ePub, RTF, and PDF. Full project import and export is supported.
Can I import or export entire projects?
Yes. Atlas supports full project import and export as .atlasproject bundles. This includes all documents, media, canvases, sketches, tags, and templates. See Projects for details.
How does sync work?
Atlas syncs via iCloud using Apple's CloudKit infrastructure. All project data — documents, tags, templates, canvases, version history, and themes — synchronizes automatically across your devices. Atlas does not operate a separate cloud service and does not have access to your content.
What happens when my subscription ends?
Atlas enters read-only mode. You can still open the app, browse your projects, read your documents, and export your content. Your data is never held hostage — you can always get your work out.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Atlas includes a 30-day free trial with full access to every feature — nothing is disabled or limited. After the trial, a subscription is required to continue editing, but your documents remain accessible in read-only mode and you can always export your work.
Can I use Atlas offline?
Yes. Atlas works fully offline for editing, organizing, and reading. Atlas caches external images to disk so they load instantly — and when you're offline. Changes sync automatically the next time you have an internet connection. See Working Offline for details on caching, sync behavior, and tips for working away from Wi-Fi.
Does Atlas keep version history?
Yes. Atlas automatically saves versions of your documents as you work. You can browse, compare, and restore previous versions at any time. See Version History for details.
Does Atlas support collaboration?
Not currently. Atlas is designed for individual creative work synchronized across your own devices. It does not support shared editing, comments from others, or team workspaces. If you would like to see this, please request it through our Feedback page.
Does Atlas support math equations?
Yes. Atlas supports LaTeX math equations — both inline expressions within text and standalone equation blocks. Type $$ to open the equation editor, where you can compose and preview your expression. Equations render live in the editor and export as images in HTML, ePub, and PDF. See Math Equations for the full guide.
What markdown syntax does Atlas support?
Atlas supports headings, bold, italic, strikethrough, highlights (::text::), blockquotes, ordered and unordered lists, code blocks, inline code, horizontal rules, images, links, annotations, footnotes, and equations. See Writing with Markdown for the full reference.
How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Visit contagious.dev/feedback/atlas to submit feedback.
What languages does Atlas support?
Atlas is available in English and Chinese (Simplified). Your device's language settings determine which language Atlas uses.