Keep your editor, plugins, themes, and workspace; purchase DeepAsk separately only when you need AI.
FAQ
Choose by working style before comparing every feature
Both use local Markdown and can open the same vault. Your core notes remain portable if you change tools later.
Where should I start as a new user?
Start with Getting Started, then open the Example Vault. Do not migrate years of notes or configure AI, calendar sync, or MCP on day one.
Can I download the desktop app right now?
Yes. Use the official Desktop Pro purchase links on the Download page.
What is the difference between Aino LifeOS, Aino Mobile, and Obsidian LifeOS?
See the complete 10-part product comparison
Four things to remember
- The same Markdown data
- LifeOS workflows align where practical
- Host capabilities still differ
- Purchases and licenses are separate
| Dimension | Shared foundation | Obsidian + LifeOS | Aino Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product form | Both support the same LifeOS workflows | A plugin suite running inside Obsidian | A standalone app with its own desktop runtime |
| Note data | Local Markdown, folders, tags, wikilinks, tasks, and frontmatter | Native Obsidian vault | Opens Markdown or Obsidian vaults directly |
| LifeOS views | Business logic and most product views are shared where practical | Adapted to Obsidian themes, sidebars, and workspaces | Desktop design baseline for shared views |
| Editor and files | Reads and writes the same Markdown files | Uses the Obsidian editor and file explorer | Uses Aino’s built-in editor, library, and file tree |
| Extensions | The core file format does not depend on a proprietary database | Obsidian community plugins, themes, CSS, and hotkeys | Built-in workflows, LifeOS Skill, MCP, and app integrations |
| AI chat | Shares the chat workflow and UI building blocks; both require a model provider | Requires a separately purchased and activated DeepAsk license | Built into the Aino Desktop sidebar |
| Local agents / Node.js | Desktop can connect to local models or agents | Provided by DeepAsk on desktop; Obsidian Mobile cannot run Node.js or CLI agents | Integrated through the standalone desktop runtime |
| Mobile | Core Markdown data can move through the sync method you choose | Some plugin features work in Obsidian Mobile, subject to mobile API limits | Aino Desktop does not run on phones; Aino Mobile is a separate product |
| Sync | The vault remains a normal folder you control | Uses Obsidian Sync, iCloud, Git, or another user-managed option | Can use Aino-supported WebDAV, S3, and related sync options |
| Purchase and licensing | Data compatibility does not make licenses interchangeable | LifeOS Pro, Calendar Pro, and DeepAsk are licensed separately | Aino Desktop Pro is separate and does not include Aino Mobile Pro |
Aino Desktop can open Obsidian vaults; Aino Mobile is a separate phone product. If you already use Obsidian LifeOS Pro, open the same vault in Aino Desktop and then review the migration guide for host-specific settings.
What is a vault?
A vault is a normal folder that contains your Markdown notes, attachments, and settings. After Aino opens the folder, it indexes notes, tasks, links, and calendar information.
Do I need to understand Obsidian or PARA first?
No. On the first day, remember only three things: start from the daily note, write tasks with - [ ], and keep project-related material in project notes. PARA, periodic notes, and theme notes can wait until the example vault makes sense.
Is Aino locked into CODE/PARA?
No. PARA is only the recommended starting point in the example vault. You can use IPO, GTD, or your own folder and theme-note structure. Aino mainly relies on local Markdown, theme tags, tasks, and periodic notes.
If PARA does not fit your workflow, start with Custom Workflow.
What platforms does Aino LifeOS support?
Aino LifeOS supports macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows (x64), and Linux (AppImage).
How many devices can Aino Desktop Pro activate?
Aino Desktop Pro currently covers up to three devices. If you need to reset devices or run into activation issues, contact us.
Does the desktop app work offline?
Core local features such as note editing, file management, searching existing local content, and task organization can be used locally. First-time activation, license checks, updates, AI model APIs, calendar sync, and remote MCP services require network access.
If you need to work offline for a long time, complete activation, model setup, and calendar setup while online first.
Where is my data stored?
All data is stored locally in your vault folder as standard Markdown files. Aino LifeOS does not upload your note data to any server.
Can I use Aino without an AI key?
After activating Aino LifeOS Desktop, yes. You can write notes, manage tasks, view calendars, search files, and open the example vault without an AI key. AI chat, AI Agent, MCP, and similar features can be configured later.
Which AI models are supported?
Anthropic Claude, OpenAI GPT, DeepSeek, Qwen, Ollama (local deployment), and any custom endpoint compatible with the OpenAI API format.
Can I request an example vault in another language or structure?
You can contact us with the language, folder structure, and use case you need. Whether a custom version can be provided is confirmed case by case. For first-time setup, start with the existing PARA or GTD example vault, then adjust it after the workflow makes sense.
Can I use it with my Obsidian notes?
Yes. Aino LifeOS can directly open the core Markdown data in an Obsidian vault, including folders, tags, wikilinks, tasks, and frontmatter. Obsidian plugin settings, themes, hotkeys, and workspace layouts do not migrate automatically. Do not edit the same file in both apps at the same time.
How do I sync calendars?
Aino LifeOS supports two-way calendar sync via CalDAV protocol (compatible with iCloud, Nextcloud, etc.) and Google Calendar OAuth. Configure in Settings → Calendar.
How do I configure MCP servers?
Create configuration files at:
- App-level:
<userData>/mcp.json - User-level:
~/.claude/mcp.json - Project-level:
<vault>/.mcp.json
Supports both Stdio (local subprocess) and HTTP (remote server) transport protocols.
What's the difference between evaluation and Pro?
Pro activation unlocks AI chat, calendar management, task inbox, Pomodoro timer, built-in browser, MCP integration, periodic notes, and more. If you want to evaluate the workflow first, start with the example vault and documentation before purchasing.
What happens to my data if Aino Desktop is no longer maintained?
Aino's core data is local Markdown files and normal folders. Even if you stop using Aino, you can still open those notes with any Markdown editor or Obsidian. You are responsible for backing up your vault. Activation, updates, downloads, and support depend on the continued availability of the official service.
How do I archive a project?
If you use the PARA example vault, move the completed project folder to 4. Archives/. If you use the GTD example vault, move it to 6. Archive/. Archiving is not deletion: the files remain available and can still be found through search.
See Project Lifecycle for the full project flow.
How do I activate after purchase?
After purchase, you'll receive an activation code. Enter it in Settings → Account to activate Pro features.