SurfSense is moving to a local app.
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SurfSense is moving to a local app

The cloud service is export-only, and everything stored in it is deleted on 18 October 2026. Export before then.

Moving your data

Five steps to the desktop app

  1. 01

    Export your cloud data

    Your cloud data is deleted on 18 October 2026, and an export made before then is the only copy you keep. Save the ZIP somewhere you will find it again. You need it in step five.

    The ZIP holds every workspace you can access: ready documents as markdown, the folder structure, and your chat threads. It does not carry original uploads, generated artifacts, tool calls, agent steps or live citation links.

  2. 02

    Download the desktop app

    An installer for Windows, macOS or Linux. There is no account to create, and it runs on your own machine.

    Go to downloads

  3. 03

    Open Settings in the app

    Install and open it, then click the gear at the bottom of the left rail.

    The bottom-left corner of the SurfSense window, where a gear icon sits below the sidebar.
  4. 04

    Find the import row in General

    Settings opens on General. The row you want is "Import from SurfSense cloud", under Appearance.

    SurfSense Settings open on General, showing an "Import from SurfSense cloud" row with an Upload button.
  5. 05

    Upload the ZIP

    Click Upload and pick the ZIP. Your workspaces, folders and chat threads come across, and the app indexes the documents on your machine afterwards.

    The "Import from SurfSense cloud" row and its Upload button, close up.

A fresh install shows the same Upload button on its empty workspace screen, so you can import before you do anything else. If something did not come across, tell us.