Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sparky Notes so smart?
Sparky Notes stands out as a Smart editor due to its integration of advanced AI features, easy point-and-click formatting options, and recipe-focused enhancements. These features make it easier and more efficient for users to create, edit, and format their recipes.
What is a passkey and how does it work in Sparky Notes?
A passkey lets you sign in using Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello, or your device's screen lock instead of typing a password. It's based on WebAuthn standards and uses a secure key stored on your device. When you use a passkey, your private information never leaves your device—Sparky Notes only stores a public record to verify your login.
Do I still need my password if I set up a passkey?
Yes. Password sign-in remains available, and we recommend keeping your password as a backup in case you lose access to your device or need to sign in somewhere that does not yet support passkeys.
How do I add or remove a passkey?
Once you're signed in, go to User Menu (picture or person icon in the navbar) → Settings. From there you can add a new passkey on your current device or remove any existing passkeys linked to your account.
Can I use my passkey on multiple devices?
Yes. On iOS and macOS, passkeys sync through iCloud Keychain. On Android and Windows, passkeys sync through your Google or Microsoft account. This means you can use your passkey across devices signed into the same account.
How can I upload and store photos in Sparky Notes?
You can add photos directly to your recipes by hitting the '+' where you want the image and either choosing 'Image' to upload or 'Select Image' to choose an image from your library. Imported recipes from websites will not include photos—you should add your own photo once you've made the dish.
Can I use photos that are hosted on another website or cloud storage?
Yes, you can embed photos hosted on another website or cloud storage by choosing 'Embed' from the Image dialog box. You will need to ensure that you are complying with the original website's licensing requirements. Also, be aware that if the original image is removed from the website, it will no longer display in your recipe.
Can I copy/paste images from my computer into Sparky Notes?
No, at this time you cannot copy/paste images directly from your computer into Sparky Notes. You can upload images from your computer by clicking the '+' where you want the image and choosing 'Image' to upload.
What kind of templates does Sparky Notes offer?
Sparky Notes provides two default templates, one for recipes and one which provides examples of the various types of formatting you can use. You can create additional templates and save them for later use.
How does the AI Assist feature help in recipe creation?
AI Assist helps you create and format recipes using the standard recipe template. You can type or paste recipe text and have it formatted automatically, or paste a recipe URL (where permitted) to import the recipe text. AI may paraphrase instructions during import to ensure clarity and consistency. Images from source sites are not imported—you’ll need to add your own photos.
Why don't imported recipes include photos?
For copyright and consistency reasons, Sparky Notes does not import images from external sites. You are responsible to ensure that you have the rights to all photos you upload. We encourage you to upload your own photo once you've made the dish.
Why won't some recipe URLs import?
Not all recipe websites allow automated importing. If a site blocks imports with technical measures (such as paywalls or robots.txt restrictions), Sparky Notes will respect those rules and prevent import. In those cases, you can copy and paste the recipe text into AI Assist instead, and it will still be formatted for you.
Can I share my recipes with others on Sparky Notes?
Yes. Your recipes are shared within your private network, or you can export them to PDF to easily share with others outside the App.
Who can update my recipes?
Anyone in your private network can view your recipes. Only you or the admin(s) for your account can update them.
What advantages does the widescreen view offer in Sparky Notes?
The widescreen view in Sparky Notes optimizes the display of recipes on larger screens with a layout that shows Ingredients, Directions, and Images side by side. This view facilitates easier reading and interaction, especially on larger devices.
My recipe is not formatting correctly in widescreen view. What can I do?
To ensure your recipe displays correctly in widescreen view, make sure it includes a header for 'Ingredients' and one for 'Directions' or 'Instructions'. Widescreen view assumes that anything between these headers are ingredients, and anything after is directions. If you are still having issues, please contact support.
What formats can I import into Sparky Notes?
Sparky Notes supports importing recipes and documents in formats including plain text, Markdown, HTML, and—where permitted—directly from a recipe URL.
What are the export options available in Sparky Notes?
Sparky Notes offers versatile export options, allowing you to save and share your recipes in formats such as PDF, plain text, rich text, and HTML.