How do I use SwiftPrep offline?

SwiftPrep works offline for most tasks. Your campaign data lives on your computer, so you can prep and reference your world without an internet connection. This guide explains what works offline and what requires connectivity.

What Works Offline

All core campaign management features work without internet:

Full Offline Functionality

Your campaign data is always accessible. It's stored locally, not in the cloud.

What Requires Internet

AI features require a connection to process requests:

Online-Only Features

When offline, AI buttons will show an "offline" indicator. Core functionality continues normally.

Subscription Verification

SwiftPrep caches your subscription status so you can work offline:

Grace Periods

What Happens After 14 Days

• Core features continue working (you can always access your data)
• AI features are disabled until you reconnect
• Once you reconnect, subscription is re-verified and AI restores immediately

Manual Refresh

If you have internet but subscription seems stuck:

1. Go to Settings then Account
2. Click Refresh Subscription
3. SwiftPrep re-verifies with our servers

Preparing for Offline Sessions

If you know you'll be running a game without internet:

Before Going Offline

1. Generate what you need - Create any AI content while connected
2. Promote ephemeral content - Move Super Swift content to permanent library
3. Pre-generate backup content - Extra NPCs, encounters, locations
4. Export key content - Create Markdown or PDF backups if desired

During Offline Sessions

• Reference all your entities normally
• Use session plans and linked content
• Take notes in entity fields or session outcomes
• Everything syncs when you reconnect (though there's nothing to sync - it's all local)

Offline Super Swift Alternative

Without AI, Super Swift doesn't work. Have backup strategies:

• Pre-generated content in your library
• Random tables (traditional or digital)
• Improvisation notes in your session plan

Running Games at Conventions/Events

For running games at locations with unreliable internet:

Before the Event

1. Launch SwiftPrep and sign in (verifies subscription)
2. Generate and promote all AI content you might need
3. Create a session plan with linked content
4. Consider exporting to Markdown as a backup

At the Event

• SwiftPrep works fully offline for 6+ days
• All your campaign data is accessible
• Only AI generation is unavailable

[!TIP] If you're traveling internationally and might not have internet for extended periods, connect briefly (even on phone hotspot) every 10-12 days to refresh your subscription cache.

Data Synchronization

SwiftPrep doesn't sync between devices. Your data lives on each computer independently.

If You Use Multiple Computers

To transfer campaigns between computers:

1. Export from computer A:

   • Settings then Export then Choose format
   • Save the export file

2. Transfer the file:

   • USB drive
   • Cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, or others)
   • Email

3. Import on computer B:

   • Settings then Import then Select the file
   • Review and confirm

Future Sync Features

Cloud sync may be added in future updates. For now, export/import is the way to transfer data.

Backup Recommendations

Since data is local, you're responsible for backups:

Option 1: Copy the Data Folder

Your data is in:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\SwiftPrep\
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/SwiftPrep/
• Linux: ~/.config/SwiftPrep/

Copy this folder to your backup location (external drive, cloud storage).

Option 2: Regular Exports

Periodically export your campaigns:

1. Settings then Export
2. Choose JSON (complete data) or Markdown (readable format)
3. Save to your backup location

Backup Frequency

• Before major sessions - Export your campaign
• Weekly - Copy data folder or export
• Before system changes - Always backup before OS updates, new hardware, or other changes

Troubleshooting Offline Issues

AI Features Say "Offline" But I Have Internet

1. Check your actual internet connection (can you browse websites?)
2. Go to Settings then Account then Refresh Subscription
3. Restart SwiftPrep
4. Check if a firewall is blocking SwiftPrep

Subscription Shows Expired But I'm Connected

1. Settings then Account then Refresh Subscription
2. Sign out and sign back in
3. Check that your subscription is active (check email for payment confirmation)
4. Contact support if the issue persists

Can't Access Campaign Data

Campaign data is local and doesn't depend on subscription. If you can't access it:

1. Check if the data folder exists (paths above)
2. Look for .swiftprep or .json files in the data folder
3. Try restarting SwiftPrep
4. See How do I fix common installation problems?

Related Articles

• How do I install SwiftPrep?
• How do I activate my SwiftPrep license?
• What export formats does SwiftPrep support?
• How do I fix common installation problems?