Local highlighting vs cloud sync
What ZetaMarker can do without an account versus what requires a Pro trial or subscription with cloud sync enabled.
ZetaMarker works in two modes: local-only (no account) and cloud sync (Pro trial or subscription). Both use the same extension — cloud features unlock after you sign in.
Local-only (no account)
You can use the extension immediately after install:
| Feature | Local-only |
|---|---|
| Highlight web pages | Yes |
| Highlight online PDFs in the extension viewer | Yes |
| Five highlight colors, comments, page notes | Yes |
| Extension sidebar, sort, copy | Yes |
| Theme (System / Light / Dark) | Yes |
| Browser storage on this device | Yes |
Highlights are saved in your browser. They stay on that device until you sign in and sync, or until browser data is cleared.
Note: Local
file://PDFs cannot be highlighted in the extension directly — upload them to the dashboard. See Highlight local PDF files.
Cloud sync (Pro trial or subscription)
Sign in and start a 7-day Pro trial (no credit card required) or subscribe to unlock:
| Feature | Cloud sync |
|---|---|
| Sync highlights across devices | Yes |
| Web dashboard library | Yes |
| Search, labels, starred pages | Yes |
| Export (PDF, Markdown, HTML, TXT) | Yes |
| Upload PDFs to cloud storage (300 MB total) | Yes |
| Open page in dashboard from extension | Yes |
Cloud sync runs automatically when you are signed in and entitled. See Cloud synchronization.
When cloud sync is paused
Cloud sync can pause while local highlighting continues:
- You are not signed in
- Your Pro trial ended or subscription is inactive
- Your account needs a one-time migration update
- A page is in Trash or has a sync conflict
The extension may show: "Your highlights on this page are still saved locally. Only cloud sync is paused."
You can choose Continue without cloud sync on some account toasts to stay in local mode.
Choosing your path
| Goal | Start here |
|---|---|
| Try highlighting quickly | How to highlight — no account |
| Sync across phone, laptop, dashboard | Create your account → Sign in from the extension |
| Compare plans | Pro trial and subscription · pricing |
Related
- Install and pin the extension
- Export your highlights — dashboard only, requires cloud
One account per browser profile
Why the Chrome extension links each browser profile to one ZetaMarker account, and what to do if you see "Another user uses this device."
Privacy and control
How ZetaMarker's page-by-page activation keeps your browsing private, what stays on your device, and what happens when you enable cloud sync.