Setting Up KnotWise on a New or Additional Computer

Whether you are moving to a new computer or adding a second device to your setup, KnotWise is up and running in a few minutes. The exact steps depend on your plan.

On a Sync or Share plan — log in and sync

Your logbook is in the cloud. Install KnotWise on the new computer and log in.

1. Download and install KnotWise from knotwise.app/download — or open log.knotwise.app in your browser to use the web app without installation
2. Log in with your existing account email address
3. KnotWise downloads your full logbook automatically — passages, crew, maintenance, photos and all

On the Free plan — backup and restore

Your logbook is stored locally only. Use the backup feature to move it to the new computer.

On your old computer:

1. Go to Settings → Data Backup
2. Tap or click «Create Backup»
3. Save the ZIP file to a location accessible from the new computer — a USB drive, shared folder or cloud storage

On the new computer:

1. Download and install KnotWise from knotwise.app/download — on the Free plan the desktop app is the way; the browser version needs a trial or a paid plan
2. Complete the initial setup — vessel name is sufficient to proceed
3. Go to Settings → Data Backup
4. Tap or click «Restore Backup» and select the ZIP file
5. KnotWise restores all data immediately

Keeping the old computer

If you keep the old computer, both can run KnotWise simultaneously. On the Free plan, they will not sync — each holds its own local copy. On a Sync or Share plan, both sync automatically to the same cloud logbook.

Up to five devices per account; you will find them under Settings → Devices. How sync behaves across them: Syncing your logbook — advanced guide.

Using KnotWise on an iPad

KnotWise for iPad is a native app. Download it from the App Store — it requires iPadOS 16 or later. Sign in with the same email address you use on your other devices. On the Sync and Share plans, your logbook synchronises automatically.

Using KnotWise on a phone

There is no native iPhone or Android app. Open log.knotwise.app in a mobile browser and add it to the home screen; once you have signed in it runs without a connection and behaves like a native app. It needs a trial or a paid plan — on the Free plan the browser version shows an upgrade screen instead of your logbook.