Connect TaskNotes to mdbase

Choose where your collection lives#

• Hosted by mdbase: available online even when your computer is off. You need an internet connection, but not the desktop Connector to use TaskNotes.
• On your computer: files stay in a local folder. Keep that computer reachable and mdbase Connect running while other devices use the collection.

Hosted collections can also be mirrored to your computer, so you can work with local Markdown files. Mirror setup is outside this walkthrough.

The same TaskNotes app works with either. Read What is mdbase? for more background or Choose a collection for a fuller comparison.

Connect a hosted collection#

1. Open TaskNotes or its Android or iOS app and choose a collection. Sign in to mdbase if asked.
2. Select a collection labelled Hosted by mdbase, then choose Review access.
3. Review the named application, collection, requested actions, and setup changes. Approve only if you agree. For a collection needing TaskNotes definitions, the button reads Set up and allow access.
4. Return to TaskNotes and add a task. It is saved in the hosted collection.

If you do not have a hosted collection, expand Add or connect another collection → Create hosted collection in mdbase. Creating a collection and approving TaskNotes access are separate steps.

Connect an existing local folder#

1. Visit the mdbase Connect download page and choose the desktop app for your operating system and processor. Follow the current platform installation and beta security guidance, then open mdbase Connect. The standalone CLI download does not include the desktop interface.
2. Name your computer and choose Continue in browser. Sign in if asked, approve the computer, then return to the desktop app and wait for it to connect.
3. Open Collections → Add existing. Select the collection root containing mdbase.yaml, not just its tasks subfolder. Adding the folder validates it in place; it does not move or upload its files.
4. Open the collection chooser in TaskNotes and select the collection listed under your connected computer. If TaskNotes already has a collection open, use Settings → Change collection → Connect another collection.
5. Review and approve the requested access and setup changes if you agree. If TaskNotes subsequently asks, review Apply reviewed setup as well.
6. Add a task and inspect its Markdown file in the collection. Completing the task updates that file’s status to done. You can use any Markdown editor; the video uses VS Code.

TaskNotes does not open the folder directly or maintain a durable offline copy. Your computer remains the main copy and must be reachable for remote access. See Connection and availability if the collection cannot be reached.

Switch an existing connection#

Open Settings → Change collection and select a collection you have already approved. Connect another collection returns to mdbase to approve access to another one. Switching collections does not copy or move their records.