Where your notes, screenshots and PDFs actually live
Local timelines, downloaded files and uploaded PDFs are three different things. Know which copy you have before clearing data or switching devices.
It is easy to assume that being signed in means everything is backed up. In Clip Insights, the editable local timeline and the PDF in your web library are different objects. Knowing the difference helps you preserve the right copy.
The local timeline
Notes, screenshots and cached transcript material are stored in your browser. They support the panel you see beside a YouTube video. Another Chrome profile or another computer does not automatically contain that collection.
Clearing site or extension storage, removing the extension or losing the browser profile can make local material unavailable. Before making those changes, export the study material you want to retain.
Signing in gives access to account features. It does not turn the entire timeline into a synchronized online notebook.
The downloaded PDF
Selecting Download generates a document from the saved material for that video and stores it through your browser's download process. Once downloaded, it is a normal file. Its location and backups are your responsibility.
Editing the local note after downloading does not update that existing PDF. Export again when you want a document that includes the changes. A clear filename helps distinguish your first draft from the reviewed version.
Open the exported document once rather than relying only on a download notification. Check that the notes and frames you care about are present.
The uploaded PDF
Selecting Upload saves a generated PDF in your account, within your storage allowance. The web app lets you organize and revisit those finished study documents.
An uploaded PDF is not an automatic restore point for the original editable timeline. You can read the document on another device, but you should not expect it to recreate every local item in that device's extension.
Deleting one copy does not delete all copies
Removing a note from the local timeline does not reach into a PDF you already downloaded. Deleting a PDF from your computer does not remove an uploaded account file. Deleting an uploaded file does not clear your local notes.
If the material contains information you want removed, identify every place you saved or shared it. An account-level request should go through Contact; uninstalling the extension is not a request to delete your Clip Insights account.
A simple end-of-session habit
Review the timeline, download a PDF, open it, and put it with the project or course where you need it. Upload another copy if that suits your workflow. Then you can make browser changes knowing what you have preserved.
Read the export guide for the controls and Privacy for information about remote processing and storage.
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