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Notary in Bookcicle Desktop

Bookcicle Desktop is the better fit when you want Notary to work as part of your everyday writing setup, not just as a one-off upload.

In the bigger Notary model, Desktop is one of the main places where Local Proofs are created and managed.

What Desktop Adds​

Desktop adds tools that are hard to do well in a browser-only flow:

  • local-first proof creation
  • background watching of files and folders
  • local checkpoints of exact bytes
  • automatic cloud attests
  • a verification view for checking proof packages later

The Main Desktop Pieces​

Notary dashboard​

This is the working area for proofs and projects.

It helps you:

  • see proof groups
  • manage projects
  • export proof bundles
  • move from local work into cloud-backed proofing when needed

Verification view​

This is where you inspect proof evidence.

Use it when you need to answer questions like:

  • Does this capsule verify?
  • Is the receipt present?
  • Is the anchor complete?
  • Do the bytes still match?

Desktop verification is especially useful for Attest-based proofs because it can compare the receipt to the local proof data later.

Settings​

Desktop gives Notary its own settings group. The main parts are:

  • Watchers
  • Checkpoints
  • Auto-Attest
  • Persistent Agent

What Each Setting Means​

Watchers​

Watchers look at files or folders and create local proofs when things change.

This is useful for:

  • manuscripts that change often
  • project folders
  • Scrivener-like or editor-based workflows

Checkpoints​

Checkpoints store local snapshots of the exact bytes used for proofs.

This makes later verification easier because the exact local content is still available on the device.

Auto-Attest​

Auto-attest upgrades local proofs into cloud-backed attests on a schedule you choose.

This is useful when you want:

  • regular proofing without manual clicks
  • a gap between attests
  • limits so you do not overrun your plan
  • Bookcicle server receipts added to your local proofs over time

What the receipt means here​

In Desktop, the proof usually starts on your machine first.

When you run Attest or Auto-Attest, Bookcicle's servers issue a signed receipt for that proof.

That gives you both:

  • the local proof made on your device
  • the Bookcicle receipt added later

Persistent Agent​

The persistent agent keeps watchers and other automated Notary work running after you close the main app.

If it is off, most automation only runs while Bookcicle is open.

A Safe Default Setup​

For most people, this is a good starting point:

  1. Turn on Watchers
  2. Turn on Checkpoints
  3. Turn on Auto-Attest for watcher proofs
  4. Turn on Persistent Agent if you want it to keep running after the app closes

When Desktop Is the Better Choice​

Choose Desktop when:

  • you want proofing built into your writing routine
  • you care about local-first evidence
  • you want automation
  • you want stronger verification later