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Set up Scoped for desktop

Check Mac and Windows availability, install Scoped, and learn about local storage, optional locking, and recovery.

Scoped desktop; check platform availabilityReviewed

Before you start

Check the download page for current Mac and Windows availability. These instructions cover the standalone app and existing external-database installations. Use the steps that match your installation.

Local storage and advanced connections

The standalone app prepares local storage automatically. It does not require a Cloud account, email, database setup, or internet connection to begin. Existing external connections are preserved.

Advanced: an external database

Open Advanced storage to connect PostgreSQL 14–18 using a private connection file. Your database administrator must provide a database, permission to apply migrations, and these extensions:

CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS pgcrypto;
CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS pg_trgm;

You remain responsible for the external database and its backups. Keep its connection details private.

Install and open

  1. Use only an installer listed as available for your platform.
  2. On Mac, drag Scoped to Applications. On Windows, run the installer.
  3. In the standalone app, open My workspace and rename it if needed. For an existing external-database installation, keep its current connection.
  4. If your standalone app offers a local password, save the recovery code when enabling it.

Updates and backups

Use Check for Updates when you want to check online. Local storage makes recovery backups while the app is open and protects existing work before schema updates. External-database users must arrange their own recoverable backups before updates.

Use Data to review the backup, export, import, and restore options available in your installation. Keep important backups on another device. A local password locks the application; use OS accounts and disk encryption to protect its files.