# altoindex.com

This file contains the complete documentation for this site.
Last updated: 2026-09-17T04:25:46.704Z

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/calendar

Work with Apple Calendar events synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/calendar/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is a date, show events for that date. If a query, search events for that text.

If no arguments, show upcoming events:
- check today's and tomorrow's date folders across all calendars
- show event title, time, location, and attendees
- list which calendars are synced

Always include the `calshow:` deep link from the `link` frontmatter field.

If the calendar folder doesn't exist, tell the user to enable Calendar sync in alto.index.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/contacts

Work with Apple Contacts synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/contacts/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search for that contact by name using Glob and Grep. Show their full details: phone numbers, emails, addresses, organization, birthday, notes.

If no arguments, show a count of total contacts and list a few recent ones.

Always include the `addressbook://` deep link from the `link` frontmatter field so the user can open the contact in the native app.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/meetings

Work with Granola meeting notes synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/granola/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search meetings for that query - check titles, participants, transcripts, and notes.

If no arguments:
- read `~/Documents/alto-index/granola/index.md` for the full meeting list
- show the most recent meetings with date and title
- highlight any meetings from this week

If the granola folder doesn't exist, tell the user to enable Granola sync in alto.index.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/messages

Work with iMessage conversations synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/messages/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search for that contact name or text across all conversations.

If no arguments, list all conversations:
- show contact/group name, message count, and date range (from frontmatter)
- sort by most recent (last_message field)
- indicate which are group chats

If the messages folder doesn't exist, tell the user to enable iMessage sync in alto.index.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/notes

Work with Apple Notes synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/notes/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search notes for that query using Grep. Show matching notes with their folder, title, and `notes://` deep link.

If no arguments, list the note folders and count of notes in each:
- use Glob to find `~/Documents/alto-index/notes/*/` directories
- count .md files in each folder
- show the most recently modified notes (check `modified` frontmatter)

Always include the `notes://` deep link from the `source` frontmatter field so the user can open notes in the native app.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/reminders

Work with Apple Reminders synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/reminders/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search reminders for that query or filter by list name.

If no arguments, show all reminders grouped by list:
- use Glob to find `~/Documents/alto-index/reminders/*/` directories
- count reminders in each list
- highlight reminders with due dates (show due_date from frontmatter)
- highlight flagged reminders

Always include the `x-apple-reminder://` deep link from the `link` frontmatter field.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/safari

Work with Safari data synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/safari-bookmarks/` and `~/Documents/alto-index/safari-history/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search both bookmarks and history for that query.

If no arguments:
- list bookmark folders with item counts from safari-bookmarks/
- show today's browsing history from safari-history/ (if available)
- show the most recent history file date

If the folders don't exist, tell the user to enable Safari Bookmarks and/or Safari History sync in alto.index.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/search

Search across all alto.index data sources for: $ARGUMENTS

Use Grep to search `~/Documents/alto-index/` recursively for the query. Search in all subdirectories: notes, reminders, contacts, calendar, messages, granola, safari-bookmarks, safari-history, voice-memos, and any others present.

For each match:
- show the source type (note, reminder, contact, event, conversation, meeting, etc.)
- show the file title (from frontmatter `title` field or filename)
- show the matching line with context
- include the deep link if available (notes://, x-apple-reminder://, addressbook://, calshow:)

Group results by data source. If there are many results, show the top 5 per source and mention how many total matches exist.

If $ARGUMENTS is empty, ask the user what they want to search for.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/summary

Summarize the alto.index data source: $ARGUMENTS

Valid sources: notes, reminders, contacts, calendar, messages, granola, voice-memos, safari-bookmarks, safari-history

Steps:
1. Check if `~/Documents/alto-index/$ARGUMENTS/` exists
2. If it exists, count the files and read the CLAUDE.md if present
3. Provide a summary:
   - total number of items
   - folder/list breakdown (for notes and reminders)
   - date range of content
   - notable items or patterns

If $ARGUMENTS is empty or invalid, list the available data sources with file counts.

Keep the summary concise - a few bullets per source, not a full dump.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/today

Build a daily briefing from alto.index data. Today's date should be determined from the system.

Read the following in parallel to build the briefing:

1. Reminders due today: search `~/Documents/alto-index/reminders/` for files with `due_date` matching today
2. Notes modified today: use Glob to find `~/Documents/alto-index/notes/**/*.md` and check which have today's date in `modified` frontmatter
3. Granola meetings today: look for files matching `~/Documents/alto-index/granola/{today's date}*.md`
4. Calendar events today: check `~/Documents/alto-index/calendar/` for today's date folders
5. Voice memos today: check `~/Documents/alto-index/voice-memos/index.md` for today's recordings
6. Safari history today: check `~/Documents/alto-index/safari-history/{today's date}.md`

Present the briefing in this format:

```
# Today - {date}

## Calendar
{events or "no events synced yet"}

## Reminders Due
{due reminders with deep links, or "none due today"}

## Notes Updated
{recently modified notes with deep links}

## Meetings
{granola meetings or "none"}

## Messages
{recent conversations or "none"}

## Browsing
{safari history highlights or "none"}
```

Include deep links (notes://, x-apple-reminder://, addressbook://, calshow:) so the user can click through to native apps. Keep it concise - one line per item.

---

## /claude/altoindex/commands/voice-memos

Work with Voice Memos synced to `~/Documents/alto-index/voice-memos/`.

If $ARGUMENTS is provided, search the index for that query.

If no arguments:
- read `~/Documents/alto-index/voice-memos/index.md` for the full recording list
- show total count, date range, and most recent recordings
- show total storage size

If the voice-memos folder doesn't exist, tell the user to enable Voice Memos sync in alto.index.

---

## /claude/readme

# alto.index Claude Plugins

Claude Code plugin marketplace by [alto.index](https://altoindex.com).

## Install

In Claude Code, go to Browse Plugins > Add marketplace from GitHub and enter: `altoindex/claude-plugins`

## Commands

- `/altoindex:today` - daily briefing across all sources
- `/altoindex:search [query]` - search across all sources
- `/altoindex:summary [source]` - summarize a data source
- `/altoindex:notes [query]` - browse or search Apple Notes
- `/altoindex:reminders [list]` - browse Apple Reminders
- `/altoindex:calendar [date]` - browse Apple Calendar events
- `/altoindex:messages [contact]` - browse iMessage conversations
- `/altoindex:contacts [name]` - look up a contact
- `/altoindex:safari [query]` - browse Safari bookmarks and history
- `/altoindex:meetings [query]` - browse Granola meeting notes
- `/altoindex:voice-memos` - browse Voice Memos recordings

Also auto-invokes when you ask about your personal data naturally.

## Requirements

- [alto.index](https://altoindex.com) macOS app installed and synced
- data exported to `~/Documents/alto-index/`

---

## /extension/readme

# AltoIndex Claude Desktop Extension

Connect Claude to your Apple Notes, Mail, Calendar, Reminders, and Messages through AltoIndex.

## Privacy Policy

https://altoindex.com/privacy

## Prerequisites

1. **AltoIndex app** installed and running on macOS
2. MCP server started from within the app (Integrations tab)
3. **Claude Desktop** application

## Installation

### From Claude Desktop (when available in directory)

1. Open Claude Desktop Settings > Extensions
2. Search for "AltoIndex"
3. Click Install

### Manual Installation

1. Download the extension from https://altoindex.com/extension
2. Open Claude Desktop Settings > Extensions
3. Click "Install Extension" and select the downloaded file

## Usage Examples

### Example 1: Find meeting notes

Ask Claude: "Search my notes for anything about the Q4 planning meeting"

Claude will use the `search` tool to find relevant notes:
```
Using search tool with source="notes" query="Q4 planning meeting"
```

Result: Claude returns matching notes with previews and can read full content on request.

### Example 2: Check recent activity across all apps

Ask Claude: "What have I been working on in the last few days?"

Claude will use the `get_recent` tool:
```
Using get_recent tool with limit=20
```

Result: Claude shows your most recently modified notes, reminders, calendar events, and messages.

### Example 3: Read a specific note

Ask Claude: "Read my note called Project Ideas"

Claude will use the `read` tool:
```
Using read tool with source="notes" id="Project_Ideas"
```

Result: Claude returns the full content of the note including any metadata.

## Available Tools

| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `list` | List items from notes, reminders, messages, or events |
| `search` | Search for content within a specific source |
| `read` | Read the full content of a specific item |
| `get_metadata` | Get counts and last sync times for each source |
| `get_recent` | Get recently modified items across all sources |

All tools are read-only and do not modify your data.

## Architecture

```
Claude Desktop <--(stdio)--> bridge.js <--(HTTP)--> AltoIndex MCP Server (localhost:8743)
```

The extension bridges Claude Desktop's stdio protocol to AltoIndex's local HTTP server.

## Troubleshooting

**"Cannot connect to AltoIndex"**
- Make sure AltoIndex app is running
- Check that MCP server is started (green indicator in the Integrations tab)
- Verify port 8743 is not blocked

**No data returned**
- Ensure you've synced your data sources in AltoIndex
- Check that export folder is configured in AltoIndex settings

## Support

- Email: hi@altoindex.com
- Website: https://altoindex.com

---

## /guides/claude-code-with-apple-notes

# Claude Code with Apple Notes

Unlock the power of AI with your Apple Notes

## Getting Started

1. Install alto.index: Download alto.index from the Mac App Store and grant it Full Disk Access permission in System Settings.

2. Connect Apple Notes: Open alto.index and click "Connect" next to Apple Notes. The app will begin syncing your notes to ~/Documents/altoindex/notes/

3. Wait for Initial Sync: The first sync may take a few minutes depending on how many notes you have. Each note is converted to markdown with attachments preserved.

4. Open Claude Code: Launch Claude Code and navigate to your alto.index folder:
   ```
   cd ~/Documents/altoindex
   ```

5. Start Querying: You can now ask Claude Code to search, analyze, and work with your notes using natural language!

## Real-World Examples

### Finding Design Notes

You: give me links to design notes on interior design

Claude: I'll search for interior design notes specifically...

Found links to interior design notes:
- Interior/Chairs - notes://showNote?identifier=3717bf51-b5ab-4cff-8bcd-e2cf75493a6d
- Interior Inspirations - notes://showNote?identifier=2064fba0-1f20-49dc-b349-5c1c6fc8f655

### Music Collection Search

You: find me ukulele songs I want to learn

Claude: I'll search for ukulele songs in your notes...

Here's a list of ukulele songs you want to learn:
- Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish
- L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole
- Dream a Little Dream
- Fly Me to the Moon
- And 20+ more songs with tabs and tutorials!

### Data Analysis

You: can you plot number of notes created by day in the past 90 days?

Claude: I'll analyze the notes to plot creation dates over the past 90 days...

Summary Statistics:
- Total notes: 267 notes
- Active days: 79 out of 91 days (87%)
- Daily average: 2.93 notes overall
- Most productive day: May 13, 2025 (14 notes)

### Travel Information

You: find my flights

Claude: I'll search for flight-related information...

Found your recent flight:
- JFK-WAW (New York to Warsaw)
- LOT Polish Airlines boarding pass
- Link: notes://showNote?identifier=b0307087-b161-428f-834f-ec24e684cfe9

## Pro Tips

- Use Native Links: alto.index preserves Apple Notes links. You can open any note directly in Apple Notes using the notes:// URLs that Claude Code finds.

- Folder Structure: Your notes maintain their folder structure from Apple Notes, making it easy to navigate: ~/Documents/altoindex/notes/[folder]/[note-title].md

- Search Patterns: Claude Code uses regex patterns for searching. Use the pipe symbol (|) for OR searches: "design|architecture|interior"

- Attachments: Images and files from your notes are saved alongside the markdown files, maintaining the full context of your notes.

## Common Commands

- find all notes about [topic]: Search for notes containing specific keywords
- show me notes created this week: Filter notes by creation date
- analyze my note-taking patterns: Get insights about your note-taking habits
- open notes://showNote?identifier=[id]: Open a specific note in Apple Notes app

---

## /guides/claude-desktop-with-apple-notes

# Claude Desktop with Apple Notes

Connect Claude Desktop to your Apple Notes using MCP

## Getting Started

1. Install alto.index: Download alto.index from the Mac App Store and sync your Apple Notes to ~/Documents/altoindex/notes

2. Install Claude Desktop: Download Claude Desktop from https://claude.ai/download if you haven't already.

3. Configure MCP Server: Edit your Claude Desktop configuration file to add the filesystem MCP server. The config file is located at:
   ```
   ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
   ```

4. Add Filesystem Configuration: Update your claude_desktop_config.json with this configuration:
   ```json
   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "filesystem": {
         "command": "npx",
         "args": [
           "-y",
           "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
           "/Users/[YOUR_USERNAME]/Documents/altoindex"
         ]
       }
     }
   }
   ```
   Replace [YOUR_USERNAME] with your actual macOS username.

5. Restart Claude Desktop: Quit and restart Claude Desktop to load the new configuration. You'll see the filesystem tools appear in Claude's interface.

## Available Read-Only Tools

Claude Desktop will have access to these read-only filesystem tools to explore your exported notes:

- read_file: Read a single note file
- read_multiple_files: Read multiple notes at once
- search_files: Search across all your notes
- list_directory: Browse note folders
- directory_tree: View folder structure
- get_file_info: Get note metadata

Note: alto.index exports are read-only. Claude can explore and analyze your notes but cannot modify them.

## Real-World Examples

### Search for Music Notes

You: search files about ukulele in notes

Claude: I'll search for ukulele-related content in your notes...

Found 41 files mentioning ukulele, including songs like "Birds of a Feather", "L-O-V-E", and "Dream a Little Dream".

### Read Specific Notes

You: show me my interior design notes

Claude: Let me search for interior design related notes...

I can then read specific files you're interested in.

### Analyze Note Patterns

You: how many notes do I have about travel?

Claude: I'll search for travel-related content across your notes...

You have 87 notes related to travel, including trip planning, flight details, and destination research.

## Pro Tips

- Natural Language: Just ask Claude naturally - it will automatically use the right tools. You don't need to specify tool names.

- Multiple Operations: Claude can chain multiple operations together, like searching for notes and then reading the most relevant ones.

- Pattern Matching: The search tool supports regex patterns for more complex searches across your notes.

- Privacy First: All processing happens locally on your machine. Your notes never leave your computer.

## Troubleshooting

### Tools not appearing?

- Make sure you've restarted Claude Desktop after editing the config
- Check that the path in your config matches your alto.index folder
- Verify the JSON syntax is correct (no trailing commas)

### Permission errors?

- Ensure Claude Desktop has file system permissions
- Check that alto.index has synced your notes successfully
- Try using the full path without ~ shorthand

---

## /changelog

# Changelog

Track the evolution of alto.index

## Version 1.21 (February 2026)

- Kindle: Export your Kindle books with highlights and notes
- Apple Books: Export your books with annotations and highlights

## Version 1.20 (February 2026)

- New logo
- Reminders: Fully redone with support for URLs and attachments

## Version 1.19 (January 2026)

- Granola: Export your meeting notes and transcripts to markdown

## Version 1.18 (January 2026)

- UI Refresh: A cleaner, more native look

## Version 1.17 (November 2025)

- Fix issue with MCP server location
- MCP server always shows green when running

## Version 1.15 (September 2025)

- Add troubleshoot functionality for Apple Notes connection

## Version 1.14 (August 2025)

- Small update to Messages date format

## Version 1.13 (August 2025)

- First version of MCP server and Claude Desktop Extension

## Version 1.12 (August 2025)

- Incremental sync now also supports Notes deletion

## Version 1.11 (August 2025)

- Proper incremental sync for Notes and Messages
- Background sync is live now

## Version 1.10 (July 2025)

- Making code more robust for edge cases

## Version 1.9 (July 2025)

- Improve design for configuration cards
- Improve how incremental syncs work

## Version 1.8 (July 2025)

- If Contacts connection is enabled Messages export will use contact names

## Version 1.7 (July 2025)

- Add Settings tab with ability to select terminal app

## Version 1.6 (July 2025)

- New "Today" tab to show latest resources

## Version 1.5 (July 2025)

- Support for Voice Memos export

## Version 1.4 (July 2025)

- Add support for converting browsing history and bookmarks into markdown files

## Version 1.3 (July 2025)

- Fix Messages sync issue

## Version 1.2 (June 2025)

- Add support for Calendar: export all calendar events as markdown files

## Version 1.1 (June 2025)

- Add support for Reminders export

## Version 1.0 (June 2025)

- Initial release
- Apple Notes: Export all your notes with attachments and formatting
- Messages: Transform iMessage conversations into markdown

---

## /claude-extension

# Claude Desktop Extension

Connect Claude to your Apple Notes, Mail, Calendar, Reminders, and Messages through AltoIndex.

## Download

Download the extension package: [altoindex-extension.mcpb](/extension/altoindex-extension)

## Installation

1. Download the extension file above
2. Open Claude Desktop Settings > Extensions
3. Click "Install Extension" and select the downloaded file
4. AltoIndex tools will be available automatically

## Prerequisites

- AltoIndex app installed and running on macOS
- MCP server started from within the app (Integrations tab)
- Claude Desktop application

## Usage Examples

### Find meeting notes

Ask Claude: "Search my notes for anything about the Q4 planning meeting"

### Check recent activity

Ask Claude: "What have I been working on in the last few days?"

### Read a specific note

Ask Claude: "Read my note called Project Ideas"

## Available Tools

- list: List items from notes, reminders, messages, or events
- search: Search for content within a specific source
- read: Read the full content of a specific item
- get_metadata: Get counts and last sync times for each source
- get_recent: Get recently modified items across all sources
- get_stats: Get counts and totals for each source

All tools are read-only and do not modify your data.

## Troubleshooting

**Cannot connect to AltoIndex**
- Make sure AltoIndex app is running
- Check that MCP server is started (green indicator in the Integrations tab)
- Verify port 8743 is not blocked

**No data returned**
- Ensure you've synced your data sources in AltoIndex
- Check that export folder is configured in AltoIndex settings

---

## /claude-plugin

# Claude Plugin

Install the alto.index plugin to let Claude work with your synced macOS data directly.

## Install

1. Open Claude Code or Claude Cowork
2. Go to Browse Plugins > Add marketplace from GitHub
3. Enter: `https://github.com/systemoperators/claude-plugins`
4. Click Sync, then install the **altoindex** plugin

## What it does

The plugin teaches Claude about your synced data in `~/Documents/alto-index/`. It knows the folder structure, frontmatter format, and deep links for every data source. Ask Claude about your notes, reminders, calendar, messages, or contacts naturally - no special syntax needed.

Every item includes native app deep links so Claude can reference the original note, reminder, event, or contact directly.

## Commands

- `/altoindex:today` - daily briefing across all sources
- `/altoindex:search [query]` - search across all sources
- `/altoindex:summary [source]` - summarize a data source
- `/altoindex:notes [query]` - browse or search Apple Notes
- `/altoindex:reminders [list]` - browse Apple Reminders
- `/altoindex:calendar [date]` - browse Apple Calendar events
- `/altoindex:messages [contact]` - browse iMessage conversations
- `/altoindex:contacts [name]` - look up a contact
- `/altoindex:safari [query]` - browse Safari bookmarks and history
- `/altoindex:meetings [query]` - browse Granola meeting notes
- `/altoindex:voice-memos` - browse Voice Memos recordings

## Auto-invoked skill

The plugin also includes a background skill that activates when you ask about your personal data. No command needed - just ask naturally:

- "what did I write about X in my notes?"
- "do I have any reminders about Y?"
- "find Z in my contacts"
- "what meetings did I have last week?"
- "what was I browsing yesterday?"

## Requirements

- alto.index macOS app installed and synced ([download from Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alto-index/id6746674846?mt=12))
- at least one data source connected and synced in alto.index
- data exported to `~/Documents/alto-index/`

## Source

Plugin source code: https://github.com/systemoperators/claude-plugins

---

## /docs

# Documentation

Learn how to use alto.index effectively

## Resources

- [Claude Plugin](/claude-plugin): Install the Claude Code / Cowork plugin
- [Claude Extension](/claude-extension): Install the Claude Desktop extension
- [Guides](/guides): Step-by-step tutorials for AI tools
- [FAQ](/faq): Common questions about alto.index
- [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting): Solutions to common issues
- [Changelog](/changelog): See what's new in alto.index

## Support

Contact support at support@altoindex.com

---

## /faq

# FAQ

Common questions about alto.index

## What is alto.index?

alto.index is a macOS app that connects your Apple apps (Notes, Mail, Messages, Safari, and more) and exports their content as markdown files. This makes your data instantly accessible to AI tools like Claude.

## How does alto.index work?

alto.index connects directly to the databases used by Apple's native apps on your Mac. It reads your data, converts it to markdown format, and saves it to a local folder on your computer. The app runs in the background and continuously syncs new content.

## Is my data secure?

Yes! alto.index works entirely on your local machine. Your data never leaves your computer, and we don't have access to any of your content. All processing happens locally on your Mac.

## Where are my files stored?

Your exported files are stored in ~/Documents/altoindex/ on your Mac. Each app has its own subfolder (e.g., notes, mail, messages).

## Can I use the exported files with AI tools?

Yes! The markdown files are perfect for use with AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, or any other tool that accepts text input. You can reference your notes, emails, and messages in your AI conversations.

## Does alto.index support attachments?

Yes, alto.index preserves attachments from Apple Notes and other apps. Images and files are exported alongside your markdown files in organized folders.

## How often does alto.index sync?

alto.index runs in the background and checks for new content every few minutes. You can also trigger a manual sync at any time from the app.

## What macOS version do I need?

alto.index requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later.

## Can I exclude certain content from syncing?

Currently, alto.index syncs all content from connected apps. We're working on adding filtering options in a future update.

## How do I get support?

You can reach our support team at support@altoindex.com. We typically respond within 24 hours.

---

## /guides-2

# Guides

Learn how to get the most out of alto.index

## Available Guides

- [Claude Code with Apple Notes](/guides/claude-code-with-apple-notes): Learn to use Claude Code AI assistant with your Apple Notes exports
- [Claude Desktop with Apple Notes](/guides/claude-desktop-with-apple-notes): Connect Claude Desktop to your notes using MCP filesystem

## Coming Soon

- ChatGPT Integration: Use your exported data with ChatGPT custom instructions
- Data Analysis Guide: Analyze patterns in your notes, emails, and messages
- Automation Workflows: Build powerful automations with your exported data

---

## /mcp

# AltoIndex MCP Server

AltoIndex includes a built-in MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that lets you access your personal data directly from Claude Desktop.

## Quick Start

1. **Start the MCP server**
   - Click the play button next to "mcp" in the footer or home screen
   - Server runs on port 8743

2. **Install Claude Desktop extension**
   - Download: https://altoindex.com/dxt
   - Double-click the .dxt file to install
   - AltoIndex tools appear automatically in Claude Desktop

3. **Use your data in Claude**
   - Search your notes, messages, emails, and calendar
   - Ask questions about your personal information
   - All data stays local on your Mac

## Available Tools

When the MCP server is running, these tools are available in Claude Desktop:

- **search_notes** - Search across all your Apple Notes
- **search_messages** - Find conversations in iMessage
- **search_emails** - Search your Apple Mail
- **search_calendar** - Find events and meetings
- **echo** - Test tool to verify connection

## How It Works

1. AltoIndex exports your app data to markdown files
2. The MCP server reads these files when Claude requests them
3. Claude can search, analyze, and answer questions about your data
4. Everything happens locally - no data leaves your Mac

## Troubleshooting

**Server won't start?**
- Check that no other service is using port 8743
- Try restarting AltoIndex

**Tools not showing in Claude Desktop?**
- Make sure the MCP server is running (green dot)
- Reinstall the .dxt extension
- Restart Claude Desktop

**Tools not finding data?**
- Run a sync first (click refresh button)
- Check that export folder is configured
- Verify files exist in ~/Documents/alto-index/

## Security & Privacy

- MCP server only accepts connections from localhost
- No data is sent to external servers
- All processing happens on your Mac
- You can stop the server anytime

## Learn More

- MCP Documentation: https://modelcontextprotocol.io
- AltoIndex Docs: https://altoindex.com/docs
- Support: hi@altoindex.com

---

## /privacy

# Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 2024

## Overview

alto.index is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we handle your data when you use our macOS application.

## Data Collection

alto.index operates entirely on your local machine. We do not collect, store, or transmit any of your personal data to our servers. All processing happens locally on your Mac.

## Local Data Processing

alto.index reads data from your Apple applications (Notes, Mail, Messages, Safari, Contacts, Reminders, Calendar) and converts it to markdown files stored locally on your computer. This data never leaves your device.

## What We Don't Do

- We don't collect your personal information
- We don't access your exported files
- We don't track your usage patterns
- We don't share any data with third parties
- We don't use analytics or tracking tools

## App Permissions

alto.index requires certain system permissions to function:
- Full Disk Access: to read Apple app databases
- Files and Folders: to save exported markdown files

These permissions are used solely for the app's core functionality and no data is transmitted externally.

## Data Storage

Your exported files are stored in ~/Documents/altoindex/ on your Mac. You have full control over these files and can delete them at any time.

## Updates

When we update alto.index through the Mac App Store, no personal data is transmitted. Updates are handled entirely by Apple's App Store infrastructure.

## Contact Information

The only time we may receive information from you is if you contact us for support at support@altoindex.com. We use this information solely to assist you and do not share it with anyone.

## Children's Privacy

alto.index is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any information from children.

## Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

## Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at support@altoindex.com.

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## /tos

# Terms of Service

Last updated: December 2024

## Agreement to Terms

By downloading and using alto.index for macOS, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the application.

## Eligibility Restrictions

You cannot use alto.index if you reside and pay taxes in the State Sponsors of Terrorism. This includes Russian Federation, Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria.

You cannot use alto.index if you reside in the states supporting or ignoring the war in Ukraine. In addition to the states listed above, this list also includes Serbia, Bolivia, and Nicaragua.

## License

alto.index grants you a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the software on any Mac that you own or control. The license is for personal, non-commercial use only.

## Description of Service

alto.index is a macOS application that exports data from Apple's native apps (Notes, Mail, Messages, Safari, Contacts, Reminders, Calendar) to markdown files on your local computer. All processing occurs locally on your device.

## User Responsibilities

- You are responsible for maintaining the security of your device
- You are responsible for any data you export using alto.index
- You must not use alto.index to violate any laws or regulations
- You must not reverse engineer or modify the application

## Intellectual Property

alto.index and all associated content, features, and functionality are owned by alto.index and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

## Disclaimer of Warranties

alto.index is provided "as is" without any warranties, express or implied. We do not warrant that the app will be error-free, uninterrupted, or meet your specific requirements.

## Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, alto.index shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use or inability to use the application.

## Data and Privacy

alto.index processes all data locally on your device. We do not collect, store, or have access to any of your personal data. For more information, see our [Privacy Policy](/privacy).

## Updates and Changes

We may update alto.index from time to time through the Mac App Store. We may also modify these Terms of Service. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

## Termination

You may stop using alto.index at any time by deleting the application. We reserve the right to terminate or suspend access to the app for violations of these terms.

## Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

## Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at support@altoindex.com.

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## /troubleshooting

# Troubleshooting

Solutions to common issues

## alto.index can't access my Apple Notes

Make sure you've granted Full Disk Access to alto.index in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access. This is required to read Apple Notes database.

## Sync seems stuck or not working

Try these steps:
- Click "Sync All" to trigger a manual sync
- Check if the app is running in the menu bar
- Restart alto.index from the menu bar
- Check ~/Documents/altoindex/ to see if files are being created

## Some notes are missing

alto.index syncs all notes from your local Apple Notes database. If notes are missing:
- Ensure the notes are downloaded locally (not just in iCloud)
- Open Apple Notes and wait for all notes to sync
- Run a manual sync in alto.index

## Attachments aren't showing up

Attachments are exported to subfolders next to your markdown files. Look for folders named after your notes. Large attachments may take time to process.

## Permission denied errors

This usually means alto.index doesn't have the necessary permissions. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and ensure alto.index has:
- Full Disk Access
- Files and Folders access
- Automation permissions (if prompted)

## App crashes on startup

Try these solutions:
- Delete the app and reinstall from the Mac App Store
- Reset permissions in System Settings
- Check if you have enough disk space
- Contact support with crash logs

## Still need help?

If you're still experiencing issues, please contact our support team at support@altoindex.com with:
- Your macOS version
- alto.index version (from the About menu)
- Description of the issue
- Any error messages you see

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