Set up Scoped for desktop
Check Mac and Windows availability, install Scoped, and learn about local storage, optional locking, and recovery.
Before you start
Check the Scoped Connect page for current Mac and Windows availability. These steps cover the desktop app on its own and, under Advanced, connecting it to a database you run.
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.
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
- Use only an installer listed as available for your platform.
- On Mac, drag Scoped to Applications. On Windows, run the installer.
- Open My workspace and rename it if needed. If you connected your own database, the app keeps using it.
- 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. If you use your own database, make a recoverable backup of it before updating.
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.