Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avocation Domains?

Avocation Domains is a privacy-first desktop application that helps you organize, search, and interact with your personal documents using AI. Unlike cloud services, everything runs locally on your computer, ensuring your data stays private.

How is this different from Google Drive or Dropbox?

While cloud storage services focus on syncing files, Avocation Domains focuses on understanding your content. It creates a searchable knowledge base from your documents and lets you ask questions about them using AI - all while keeping your data on your device.

Do I need an internet connection?

• • For local AI: No internet needed after initial model download
• • For cloud AI (Pro): Yes, internet required for each query
• • For basic features: No internet needed (search, organize, view)

Is my data safe?

Absolutely. With local AI, your documents never leave your computer. We don't have servers that store your data. Even with cloud AI (Pro), only the specific context needed for your query is sent (encrypted), and it's not stored by the AI provider.

What platforms are supported?

• • Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
• • macOS 11 Big Sur or later
• • Linux: Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora, Debian, Arch (via AppImage)

Why is the installer so large?

The installer includes:

• • The application itself (~50MB)
• • Optional Ollama integration (~400MB)
• • Initial AI model for local processing
• • All necessary libraries and dependencies

You can choose a minimal install without local AI models to reduce size.

The app won't start - what's wrong?

What exactly is a "knowledge base"?

A knowledge base is a smart collection of related documents. Think of it as a folder that understands its contents. For example, a "Work Projects" knowledge base knows about deadlines, project names, and team members mentioned in your documents.

How many knowledge bases can I create?

• • Free version: Up to 3 knowledge bases
• • Pro version: Unlimited knowledge bases

Can I change the folder location of a knowledge base?

Yes! Go to knowledge base settings and click "Change Folder Location". The app will re-index documents from the new location.

What happens if I delete a knowledge base?

Deleting a knowledge base only removes it from the app - your original files remain untouched in their folders. The search index for that knowledge base is deleted to free up space.

Why is my knowledge base stuck at "Processing"?

• • Check if Ollama is running (for local AI)
• • Verify you have enough disk space
• • Some large PDFs take longer to process
• • Try pausing and resuming the processing
• • Check the logs for specific errors

What file types are supported?

Is there a file size limit?

• • Individual files: 100MB recommended, 500MB maximum
• • Total per knowledge base: Unlimited (disk space permitting)
• • For best performance, split very large documents

Why aren't my documents being processed?

1. 1. Check the knowledge base is "Active" (green status)
2. 2. Ensure the file type is supported
3. 3. Verify files aren't corrupted
4. 4. Check available disk space
5. 5. Try re-uploading the specific file

How does search work?

Avocation Domains uses two types of search:

1. 1. Keyword search: Fast, exact matching
2. 2. Semantic search: Understands meaning and context

Both work together to give you the best results.

Search isn't finding my documents

1. 1. Wait for processing to complete (check progress bar)
2. 2. Rebuild the search index (in knowledge base settings)
3. 3. Check if document type is supported
4. 4. Try different search terms
5. 5. Use natural language questions instead

What AI models are available?

Why are AI responses sometimes slow?

Is my data really private?

Yes. With local AI:

• • Documents stay on your computer
• • No internet connection required
• • No account or sign-in needed
• • No telemetry or usage tracking
• • You can verify this by monitoring network traffic

What about when using cloud AI?

When using cloud AI (Pro):

• • Only relevant document chunks are sent
• • Transmitted over encrypted connections (TLS)
• • Not stored by AI providers (per their policies)
• • No personal identifiers sent
• • You can always switch back to local AI

Where is my data stored?

• • Documents: Remain in their original folders
• • Database: ~/AppData/Roaming/avocation-domains (Windows) or ~/.config/avocation-domains (Mac/Linux)
• • Models: ~/.ollama/models (if using Ollama)
• • Logs: In the app data directory

Can I backup my data?

Yes! You can:

• • Backup the entire app data directory
• • Export individual knowledge bases
• • Your original documents are never modified
• • Use any backup solution you prefer

What's included in the free version?

• • Up to 3 knowledge bases
• • Unlimited documents per knowledge base
• • Local AI with Ollama
• • All document types (except images)
• • Basic search and chat
• • No time limits or trials

What do I get with Pro?

• • Unlimited knowledge bases
• • Cloud AI access (Claude, GPT-4, Grok)
• • Image and diagram understanding
• • Cross-knowledge-base search
• • Advanced embeddings
• • Priority support
• • Early access to new features

How much does Pro cost?

$9.99/month or $99/year (save $20)

Can I use Pro on multiple computers?

Yes! One license covers up to 3 devices.

How do I cancel Pro?

Cancel anytime through your account dashboard. You'll keep Pro features until the end of your billing period.

The app is running slowly

1. 1. Check CPU/memory usage in Task Manager
2. 2. Reduce number of active knowledge bases
3. 3. Clear the search cache in settings
4. 4. Use a smaller AI model
5. 5. Disable folder watching temporarily
6. 6. Close other resource-intensive apps

AI isn't responding

"Exit code 101" error on Windows

This means the app can't find required resources:

1. 1. Ensure app_lib.dll is in the installation folder
2. 2. Run the installer repair option
3. 3. Download the latest version
4. 4. Try the NSIS installer instead of MSI

How do I view logs?

• • Windows: %APPDATA%\avocation-domains\logs
• • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/avocation-domains/logs
• • Linux: ~/.config/avocation-domains/logs

Or use Help → View Logs in the app menu.

What technology is Avocation Domains built with?

• • Frontend: React + TypeScript
• • Backend: Rust + Tauri
• • Database: SQLite with vector extensions
• • AI: Ollama, OpenAI API, Anthropic API

Can I use my own AI models?

Yes, with Ollama you can add any compatible model. Custom model support for cloud providers is planned.

Does it work with my note-taking app?

Avocation Domains can process exported files from:

• • Notion (Markdown export)
• • Obsidian (direct .md files)
• • Roam Research (JSON export)
• • Evernote (HTML export)
• • OneNote (PDF export)

Where can I get support?

• • Free users: GitHub issues, community forum
• • Pro users: Priority email support, live chat
• • Everyone: In-app help, documentation

How do I report a bug?

1. 1. Check if it's already reported on GitHub
2. 2. Include your OS and app version
3. 3. Provide steps to reproduce
4. 4. Attach relevant logs if possible
5. 5. Submit at: github.com/avocation-domains/issues

Is there a community?

Yes! Find us at:

• • Discord: discord.gg/avocation-domains
• • Reddit: r/AvocationDomains
• • Twitter: @AvocationDomain