Research Assistant & Your Data
Projects, local AI, literature search, encryption, and exports.
Questions
- Can I sync my work across devices?
No. There are no accounts or cloud storage, so work stays in one browser. Move it by exporting a file and importing it on the other device.
- What is the Research Assistant?
A free workspace that guides a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods project, with optional AI that runs on your own computer.
- Where is my Research Assistant data stored?
In your browser on your device: projects in localStorage and tool data in an IndexedDB database. Subthesis has no server copy.
- How do I back up my Research Assistant projects?
Open Settings, choose Export Projects, and download a JSON file. Use Import Projects to restore it later or on another computer.
- Why does the local AI need WebGPU?
The AI model runs on your own computer's graphics chip through WebGPU, so your text isn't sent to an AI server. Without WebGPU it can't run.
- Does the Research Assistant work on a phone or tablet?
No. The Research Assistant needs a screen at least 1024 pixels wide. On smaller screens it shows a Desktop Only message. The free tools still work.
- Is my Research Assistant data encrypted?
Not by default. The code includes optional browser encryption, but it's off and there's no setting to turn it on yet. Data stays on your device.
- Why is the first AI load slow?
The first time you turn on the AI, your browser downloads the model, which is large. Later loads use the cached copy and are faster.
- What is the monthly update notice in the Research Assistant?
In the week before the 1st of each month, the Research Assistant reminds you to export your data, because the app is updated on the 1st.