Release channels & updates
StoryFolder ships frequent updates with new features, fixes, and improvements. By default the app checks for them automatically and offers to install when ready.
How does auto-update work?
Every time you launch StoryFolder, it checks our update server. If a new version is available:
- You'll see a notice (in the About window and as a banner).
- Click Download Update to fetch it. The app keeps running while it downloads.
- When the download finishes, click Restart Now to install. The app relaunches and you're on the new version.
You can also check manually from About → Check for updates.
What are the release channels?
StoryFolder has two channels:
- Beta (default, recommended) — stable, public releases. This is what most users should be on.
- Alpha — early access to unreleased features. Updates more frequently. Expect occasional rough edges.
How do I switch channels?
- Open Preferences (Cmd+, / Ctrl+,).
- Switch to the Updates pane.
- Pick Beta or Alpha.
- The next update check will pull from the new channel.
Should I switch to Alpha?
Switch to Alpha if:
- You want to try new features before they're stable.
- You're happy reporting bugs and helping us shake out edge cases.
- You don't rely on StoryFolder for time-sensitive client work.
Stick with Beta if:
- You're using StoryFolder professionally and need stability.
- You'd rather wait until features are proven.
You can switch back to Beta any time — your projects are forward and backward compatible across releases.
Can I delay an update?
Yes — just don't click Restart Now until you're ready. The download persists across sessions; you can keep working and install when convenient.
Will updates change my files?
No. Updates change the app itself, never your local data or projects.
Will updates change pricing or features?
We sometimes ship new pricing tiers or roll Pro features down to Free (or vice versa). If your plan's feature set changes, we'll communicate clearly via email. You'll never be silently downgraded.
How do I know what's in an update?
In-app release notes are on our roadmap. For now, recent release notes live on the StoryFolder blog.
What if an update breaks something?
Send us your logs and a description of the bug — we can roll your local install back to the previous version while we fix the issue. See Send us your logs.