Support
Something not working, or not working the way you expected? Write, and a person will answer — usually within a couple of days.
support@benome.app
If something broke, it helps to say which version of Windows you use and what you did just before. Please do not send the text of private notes unless it is needed to show the problem.
Common questions
Where are my notes kept?
On your computer, in the .benome folder of your
Windows user profile (%USERPROFILE%\.benome). Benome
also keeps a copy as plain files in Documents\Benome,
or a folder you choose under Backup, at the foot of
the tree.
How do I move my notes to a new computer?
Bring the copy folder across (a USB drive, or a folder that syncs
such as OneDrive). On the new computer, open
Backup, then Restore from a copy
→ Choose a folder…, and pick it. Restoring
replaces what is there; anything already in the library is saved
first as a .zip inside the copy's _benome folder.
Benome says it could not write the copy to Documents.
That is usually Windows ransomware protection, which guards the Documents folder. Either allow Benome in Windows Security, under Virus & threat protection → Ransomware protection → Allow an app, or choose a folder outside Documents with Change folder.
Why does dictation ask to download something?
Benome listens on your own computer rather than sending your voice to a server, and for that it needs a speech model, about 190 MB. It is downloaded once, only if you agree, and then dictation works without an internet connection.
Dictation does not hear me.
Check that Windows lets desktop apps use the microphone: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone, with Let desktop apps access your microphone on. Then check that the right microphone is the default input under Settings → System → Sound.
Dictation also needs a processor with AVX2, which nearly every PC from the last ten years has. On an older one, Benome says so before offering any download, and typing works as always.
Does Benome work offline?
Yes, entirely. The only time it goes online is the one-time download of the speech model, and only if you ask for dictation.
How do I make the text bigger?
Hold Ctrl and turn the mouse wheel, or press Ctrl + = and Ctrl + −. Ctrl + 0 goes back to 100%. The size is also in the formatting bar, and is kept for every note on this computer.
Ask your notes and Sync don't seem to do anything real.
That is right, for now. In this version both are previews: Ask replies from a built-in script, and Sync shows how connecting devices will look without connecting any. Neither sends anything off your computer.
How do I uninstall Benome?
Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps, then Benome →
Uninstall. Your notes are left in place, so reinstalling finds
them. To remove them too, delete the .benome folder in
your user profile and the folder holding your copy.