PN Web OS Access Modes

Understanding the four ways to access PN Web OS and how to switch between them

Understanding the Four Modes

PN Web OS offers four distinct access modes, each designed for different use cases. The primary distinction is whether you need an account or prefer to explore without one.

No Account Required

Try PN Web OS instantly without any signup or commitment. Perfect for exploration and evaluation.

Demo Mode
30-minute educational trial
Free-Instant
Session-only access

Account Required

Create a permanent workspace with data persistence. Your files, settings, and work are saved.

Free Account
Local storage with recovery phrase
Premium
$0.99/mo with cloud sync
New Feature: Mode Switching

If you have a Free Account or Premium account, you can now switch to Demo or Free-Instant mode while keeping your account data safe. This lets you explore different modes or demo the system to others without affecting your saved work.

Demo Mode

30-Minute Educational Trial

Duration
30 minutes
Data
Temporary only
Account
Not required

What is Demo Mode?

Demo Mode is a guided 30-minute trial that introduces you to PN Web OS features and capabilities. It's perfect for first-time visitors who want to understand what the platform offers before committing to an account or subscription.

Best For:

  • First-time visitors exploring PN Web OS
  • Learning the interface and features
  • Quick evaluation before making a decision
  • Demonstrating the platform to colleagues

What Happens After 30 Minutes?

A gentle notification will remind you that your demo session is ending and offer options to:

  • Create a Free Account to save your work
  • Upgrade to Premium for cloud storage and sync
  • Continue in Free-Instant mode (session-only)
  • Start a new Demo session

Note: Demo Mode does not force you to stop or upgrade. The notification is dismissible and meant to be helpful, not pushy.

Free-Instant Mode

Session-Only Access, No Signup

Duration
Current session only
Data
Browser session
Account
Not required

What is Free-Instant Mode?

Free-Instant Mode lets you use PN Web OS immediately without creating an account. Your work persists for the current browser session but is not saved permanently. This mode is ideal for quick tasks, testing, or situations where you don't need to save your work.

Best For:

  • Quick tasks that don't need to be saved
  • Testing and experimentation
  • Privacy-focused users who don't want accounts
  • One-off tasks on public or shared computers

Data Persistence

Your work in Free-Instant mode is stored in your browser's session storage. It will persist:

  • While your browser tab remains open
  • If you refresh the page

Your work will be lost if you:

  • Close the browser tab or window
  • Clear your browser data
  • Switch to a different device or browser

Free Account Mode

Permanent Local Storage with Recovery Phrase

Duration
Unlimited
Data
Local browser storage
Account
Required + recovery phrase

What is Free Account Mode?

Free Account Mode provides a permanent workspace with unlimited local storage at no cost. Your files, settings, and desktop configuration are saved in your browser's local storage and persist across sessions. A recovery phrase secures your account and enables data recovery.

Best For:

  • Daily personal use on a single device
  • Users who want permanent storage without recurring costs
  • Privacy-conscious users (data stays local)
  • Projects and workflows on a primary computer

Data Persistence & Recovery

Your data is stored locally in your browser using IndexedDB and localStorage. It persists:

  • Across browser sessions (even after restarting your computer)
  • Until you manually clear browser data

Recovery Phrase Security

During account creation, you'll receive a 12-word recovery phrase. This phrase is critically important:

  • Write it down and store it securely (paper, password manager)
  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
  • It's the only way to recover your account if you forget your password
  • PN cannot recover your account without your recovery phrase (we don't store it)
Local Storage Limitations

Data is stored only on this device and browser. If you switch devices, use a different browser, or clear browser data, you'll need your recovery phrase to restore access. For automatic sync across devices, consider upgrading to Premium.

Premium Mode

$0.99/Month - Cloud Storage & Multi-Device Sync

Duration
Unlimited
Data
Cloud storage + sync
Account
Required + subscription

What is Premium Mode?

Premium Mode adds cloud storage and automatic synchronization to your PN Web OS workspace. Your files, settings, and desktop configuration are backed up to the cloud and seamlessly sync across all your devices. At just $0.99 per month, it's an affordable way to access your workspace anywhere.

Best For:

  • Multi-device workflows (desktop, laptop, tablet)
  • Professional use and critical projects
  • Users who want automatic cloud backups
  • Access from any device, anywhere

Premium Features

  • Cloud Storage: All your files backed up securely in the cloud
  • Automatic Sync: Changes sync instantly across all devices
  • Encrypted Backups: Your data is encrypted at rest and in transit
  • Priority Support: Get help faster when you need it
  • Version History: Restore previous versions of your files

Pricing & Subscription

Premium costs just $0.99 per month, billed monthly. Cancel anytime with no long-term commitment. Your data remains accessible even if you downgrade to a Free Account (local storage only).

Upgrading from Free Account

When you upgrade from a Free Account to Premium, all your existing local data is automatically uploaded to the cloud. There's no manual migration needed - just subscribe and start syncing.

Switching Between Modes

Flexible access while keeping your data safe

PN Web OS now supports mode switching, allowing users with accounts to explore different modes while keeping their account data safe. This is particularly useful for demonstrations, testing, or simply exploring what other modes offer.

How Mode Switching Works

If You Have a Free Account or Premium Account

You can switch to Demo or Free-Instant mode at any time. Your account data remains completely safe and untouched during this process.

Switching to Demo or Free-Instant Mode:
  1. Look for the mode badge in the top-right corner of your desktop (e.g., "Free Account" or "Premium")
  2. Click on the mode badge to open the mode switcher
  3. Select "Demo Mode" or "Free-Instant" from the dropdown
  4. Confirm your choice - you'll be switched to the selected mode
Returning to Your Account:
  1. Look for the "Switch to Local Account Login" link (typically in the top-right corner)
  2. Click the link to return to the login screen
  3. Log in with your credentials
  4. All your data will be exactly as you left it
Your Data is Safe

Switching to Demo or Free-Instant mode does not delete, modify, or affect your account data in any way. Your files, settings, and workspace remain intact and will be available when you log back into your account.

If You're in Demo or Free-Instant Mode

You can switch between Demo and Free-Instant modes, or create an account to access Free Account or Premium modes.

Switching Between Demo and Free-Instant:
  1. Click the mode badge in the top-right corner
  2. Select the mode you want to switch to
  3. Confirm - your current session data will be lost
Creating an Account:
  1. Click "Start Free" or "Upgrade" button
  2. Choose "Free Account" or "Premium"
  3. Complete the registration process
  4. Save your recovery phrase (Free Account) or set up payment (Premium)
Data Loss Warning

Switching from Demo or Free-Instant to another mode (or between them) will clear your current session data. If you want to keep your work, create a Free Account or upgrade to Premium first.

Visual Guide: Mode Badge & Switcher

Mode Badge: Look for a colored badge in the top-right corner of your desktop. It shows your current mode (e.g., "Demo Mode", "Free-Instant", "Free Account", "Premium").

Mode Switcher: Click the mode badge to open a dropdown menu with available modes. Select a different mode to switch instantly.

"Switch to Local Account Login" Link: If you're in Demo or Free-Instant mode but have an account, this link appears in the interface. Click it to return to the login screen.

Complete Mode Comparison

Feature
Demo
Free-Instant
Free Account
Premium
Account Required
Duration30 minutesCurrent sessionUnlimitedUnlimited
Data PersistenceTemporarySession onlyLocal storageCloud storage
Recovery Phrase
Local Backups
Cloud Sync
Multi-Device Access
Version History
Priority Support
CostFreeFreeFree$0.99/mo
Best ForLearning & evaluationQuick tasksDaily personal useProfessional & multi-device

Data Safety & Persistence

What Happens to Your Data When Switching Modes

Safe: Free Account or Premium → Demo/Free-Instant

Your account data is completely safe. Switching to Demo or Free-Instant creates a temporary session. Your files, settings, and workspace remain untouched in your account storage.

Data Loss: Demo/Free-Instant → Any Other Mode

Switching from Demo or Free-Instant to another mode clears your session data. Save any important work before switching by creating an account or downloading files.

Upgrade: Free Account → Premium

All your existing data is automatically uploaded to the cloud. No data loss, no manual migration needed. Just subscribe and start syncing.

Downgrade: Premium → Free Account

Your data is downloaded to local storage. Cloud sync stops, but your files remain accessible on the device you're using. Other devices will no longer sync.

Browser Data & Clearing Warnings

Both Demo, Free-Instant, and Free Account modes store data in your browser. If you clear your browser data, you may lose access to your workspace:

  • Demo & Free-Instant: Clearing browser data immediately deletes all session data
  • Free Account: Clearing browser data deletes local storage. You can recover using your recovery phrase on the same or different device
  • Premium: Data is in the cloud. Clearing browser data has no permanent effect - just log back in to restore everything