Cloud Storage User Guide

This guide explains how cloud storage works in Storytellr and what to expect when working with cloud-synced files.

Overview

Storytellr supports the following cloud storage providers:

• Microsoft OneDrive
• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Box

Your files are stored directly in your cloud account. Storytellr connects to your cloud storage to read and save your work, but never stores your data on any external servers.

How Cloud Connection Works

When you connect to a cloud service, Storytellr uses two types of credentials:

Access Tokens (Short-Lived)

Think of an access token like a temporary key card:

• Lasts 1 hour while you’re actively using the app
• Used to read and save your files
• Expires automatically after inactivity for security

Refresh Tokens (Long-Lived)

Think of a refresh token like a master key:

• Lasts up to 90 days (depending on the provider)
• Used to get a new access token when the old one expires
• Allows seamless reconnection without re-entering credentials

Connection Behavior

When You’re Actively Working

With a document open:

• Connection stays active automatically
• Even if your computer sleeps, the app reconnects when you wake it
• Your work is saved continuously (if auto-save is enabled)
• Changes from other devices are detected and synced

On the Welcome Screen (no document open):

• Connection remains active for 1 hour
• After 55 minutes of inactivity, you’ll see a timeout warning
• You can choose to stay connected or disconnect

Timeout Warning Modal

After 55 minutes of idle time on the Welcome Screen, you’ll see:

“Cloud Connection Timeout”

• 5-minute countdown timer
• Two options:
  • Stay Connected - Resets the timer, keeps you logged in
  • Disconnect - Logs you out for security

Why this happens:

• Security on shared computers (library, office, etc.)
• Prevents unauthorized access if you walk away

What “Disconnect” does:

• Signs you out of cloud storage
• You can easily reconnect later without re-entering credentials (within 90 days)
• Your files remain safely in your cloud account

Automatic Reconnection

Within 90 days:

• Click “Connect” on the Welcome Screen
• Storytellr automatically reconnects without asking for credentials
• Your refresh token handles this seamlessly

After 90 days:

• You’ll need to sign in again through your cloud provider
• This is a security measure enforced by cloud providers
• Your files are still safe in your cloud account

Working Across Devices

Storytellr is designed for multi-device workflows. Here’s what happens:

Scenario: Edit on Mobile, Continue on Desktop

1. You’re working on your laptop:
   • Document is open
   • Computer goes to sleep
2. You edit the file on mobile:
   • Changes are saved to cloud storage
   • File is now newer than your laptop’s version
3. You wake up your laptop:
   • App reconnects automatically
   • Detects the file changed remotely
   • No local changes? Automatically updates your document
   • Have local changes? Shows conflict resolution modal

Conflict Resolution

If you’ve edited on multiple devices simultaneously:

What you’ll see:

• Modal showing both versions side-by-side
• Word count and last modified time for each
• Three options:
  1. Keep My Changes - Your local edits win
  2. Use Other Device’s Changes - Cloud version wins
  3. Save Both Versions - Creates a conflict copy for manual merge

The app prevents:

• Silently losing your work
• Accidentally overwriting important changes
• Confusion about which version is which

Data Protection Features

Automatic Change Detection

• Checks for remote changes when you return to the browser tab
• Validates file versions before every save
• Uses cloud provider’s version tracking (eTags)

Recovery Safeguards

• Prevents saving blank files (protects against browser crashes)
• Validates content before overwriting cloud files
• Automatically recovers from corrupted local storage

Multi-Device Safety

• No local changes → Automatically applies remote changes
• Local changes exist → Prompts you to choose which version to keep
• Conflicting saves → Rolled back and you’re notified

Privacy & Security

Your Data is Yours

• All files stored directly in your cloud account
• No data passes through external servers
• Storytellr only accesses files it creates
• You can delete cloud connection anytime

Security Features

• Automatic timeout on shared computers (1 hour idle)
• Encrypted connections to cloud providers
• Token expiration prevents indefinite access
• No credential storage - tokens are temporary

What We Can’t See

• Your cloud files or their contents
• Your cloud credentials
• Which devices you use
• When you connect or disconnect

As stated in the app: “We don’t collect any of your information (and don’t care to).”

All cloud interactions happen directly between your browser and your chosen cloud provider.

Connection States Explained

Connected (Green)

• Access token is valid
• Can read and save files immediately
• Active connection to your cloud storage

Disconnected (Gray)

• No active connection
• Click to connect/reconnect
• Your files are safe in cloud storage

Reconnecting (Automatic)

When you click a cloud file after being disconnected:

• If within 90 days → Seamlessly reconnects using refresh token
• If after 90 days → Prompts for sign-in
• Your file opens once reconnected

Best Practices

For Personal Devices

• Let the connection stay active
• Use “Stay Connected” when you see the timeout warning
• Enjoy automatic reconnection across sessions

For Shared/Public Computers

• Use “Disconnect” when finished
• Don’t leave documents open unattended
• Consider manually disconnecting for extra security

For Multi-Device Workflows

• Close documents on one device before editing on another (when possible)
• If you forget, no worries - conflict resolution has you covered
• Auto-save keeps your work safe across device switches

Troubleshooting

“Connection Expired” Message

Cause: Access token expired after 1 hour of inactivity Solution: Click “Connect” to automatically reconnect (works within 90 days)

“Please Sign In” After Long Break

Cause: Refresh token expired (after 90 days of no use) Solution: Sign in again through your cloud provider - quick and secure

File Shows Old Version

Cause: Remote file was modified, but local cache is stale Solution:

• Refocus the browser tab (automatic check)
• Or close and reopen the document
• Recent changes will be detected automatically

Conflict Modal Keeps Appearing

Cause: Editing same file on multiple devices simultaneously Solution:

• Choose one device for editing at a time
• Or use “Save Both” and manually merge later
• Consider closing documents when switching devices

Tips for Best Experience

1. Trust the auto-save - It’s designed for safety, not speed
2. Don’t fight the conflict resolver - It’s protecting your work
3. Close documents when done, especially on shared computers
4. Let the app reconnect - It handles expired tokens automatically
5. Watch the timeout warning - 5 minutes is plenty of time to decide

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For developer documentation about OAuth setup and configuration, see the developer guides in the repository.