Authentication Setup

Learn how to authenticate with Journalit services to enable cloud sync, advanced analytics, and community features.

Authentication Overview

Journalit offers two modes of operation:

• Local Mode (Default) - All data stays in your Obsidian vault
• Connected Mode - Enables cloud sync, advanced analytics, and community features

Note: Authentication is optional. Journalit works fully offline, but connecting unlocks premium features for beta testers.

Quick Authentication

Step 1: Start Authentication Process

1. Open Journalit from the ribbon menu
2. If not already authenticated, you'll see an authentication prompt
3. Click "Connect to Journalit Services"

Step 2: Email Registration

1. Enter your email address
2. Click "Send Verification Code"
3. Check your email for a 6-digit verification code
4. Enter the code in Journalit

Step 3: Complete Setup

1. Your account is now connected
2. Cloud sync will begin automatically
3. Access to premium analytics is enabled

That's it! You're now connected to Journalit services.

Detailed Authentication Process

Email Verification Flow

1. Email Entry

Enter your email: [email protected]

2. Verification Code

• Check your inbox for an email from Journalit
• Subject: "Your Journalit Verification Code"
• Enter the 6-digit code (e.g., 123456)

3. Account Creation

• Your account is automatically created
• A secure JWT token is stored locally
• Connection to Journalit services is established

Authentication States

What Authentication Enables

Cloud Sync & Backup

• Automatic backup of your trading data
• Cross-device sync - access data anywhere
• Data recovery in case of vault corruption
• Secure encryption of all synced data

Advanced Analytics

• Portfolio-level analysis across multiple accounts
• Benchmark comparisons with other traders
• Advanced performance metrics and insights
• Custom reporting and analytics

Community Features

• Anonymous performance comparisons
• Community insights and trends
• Beta testing program access
• Priority support and feature requests

MetaTrader Integration

• MT5 trade sync via secure FTP
• Automated trade import
• Real-time position tracking
• Account synchronization

Security & Privacy

Data Protection

• End-to-end encryption for all synced data
• Local-first architecture - your vault data stays local
• Minimal data collection - only essential trading metrics
• GDPR compliant data handling

What We Collect

Synced Data (encrypted):

• Trade entries and outcomes
• Account balances and performance metrics
• Custom fields and preferences

Anonymous Analytics:

• Plugin usage patterns (for improvements)
• Performance benchmarks (anonymous aggregates)
• Error reports and crash logs

Never Collected:

• Personal identifying information
• Broker account credentials
• Detailed trading strategies
• Individual note content

Data Location

• Primary storage: Your local Obsidian vault
• Backup storage: Encrypted cloud storage (AWS)
• Geographic location: EU/US data centers
• Retention policy: Data retained while account active

Authentication Management

View Authentication Status

Check your current authentication status:

1. Settings → Journalit → Authentication
2. View connection status, email, and last sync time

Re-authenticate

If your token expires or you need to re-authenticate:

1. Settings → Journalit → Authentication
2. Click "Sign Out"
3. Click "Authenticate" to start fresh

Change Email Address

To update your registered email:

1. Sign out of current account
2. Authenticate with new email address
3. Contact support to transfer data (if needed)

Troubleshooting Authentication

Common Issues

Verification Code Not Received

• Check spam/junk folder
• Ensure email address is correct
• Wait 60 seconds before requesting new code
• Try with different email provider

"Invalid Token" Error

• Your authentication has expired
• Click "Re-authenticate" in settings
• Complete the email verification process again

Connection Failed

• Check internet connection
• Verify Obsidian can access external URLs
• Try disabling VPN temporarily
• Contact support if issue persists

Sync Issues

• Check authentication status is "Connected"
• Verify last sync timestamp is recent
• Force sync from Settings → Journalit → Sync
• Check for plugin updates

Advanced Troubleshooting

Clear Authentication Data

Settings → Journalit → Authentication → Advanced → Clear Auth Data

Debug Authentication

1. Open Developer Console (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + I)
2. Look for authentication-related errors
3. Share error messages with support team

Manual Token Refresh

Settings → Journalit → Authentication → Advanced → Refresh Token

Getting Help

Authentication Support

Discord Community

• Join our Discord server
• Ask questions in #authentication-help channel
• Get real-time support from the team

Email Support

• Contact: [email protected]
• Include: Your email address and error details
• Response time: Within 24 hours

Common Solutions

1. Try authentication in incognito/private browser
2. Temporarily disable browser extensions
3. Check if your organisation blocks external APIs
4. Restart Obsidian after authentication

Authentication Settings Reference

Available Options

Advanced Settings

• Manual Sync Only - Disable automatic syncing
• Local Mode - Use plugin without any cloud features
• Debug Logging - Enable detailed authentication logs
• Token Management - View and manage authentication tokens