Why run a server
A server lets you reach your Nifty from your phone and every computer, always on, with your data in one place.
On this page
The Mac app keeps your Nifty on one Mac. If you run Nifty on a server instead, it's there wherever you are.
What you get
- Every device: You can open Nifty in a browser on your phone, a tablet or any computer, at home or anywhere on your tailnet or the internet. The Mac app can use it too.
- Always on: A note you write on your phone is waiting on your laptop. Nothing depends on one Mac being awake.
- One place for your data: Your notes, people, tasks and documents all live on the server.
- Backups in one place: You back up one folder on one computer (Backups).
- The API: Your own scripts and apps can read and add to your data (API overview).
What it takes
- You need a Linux computer with at least 2 GB of memory, such as a small cloud server or a computer at home (Requirements).
- The installer takes a few minutes (Install on Linux).
- You choose how you'll reach it.
- Tailscale is the easiest. Only your own devices can reach Nifty, and no ports are opened.
- With your own domain and HTTPS, you can reach Nifty from anywhere, with a free certificate.
- You can run Nifty behind a proxy if you already run one.
Nifty tells you when there's an update, and you install it with one command (Updates and channels).
When you don't need one
If you only use Nifty on one Mac, the Mac app on its own is all you need (Install on a Mac). You can switch it to a server later. Choose Nifty → Desktop Settings…, and then Data.