Product
Journal
A block-based journaling platform with rich text, images, links, and context-aware writing modes. Encrypted storage with client-derived keys, deterministic entitlements, and no hidden data processing.
Problem
Journaling should not require trust
Most journaling apps store your entries in plaintext on their servers. Your private thoughts become their data asset. Sync requires trusting a vendor with your unencrypted content. Billing models are opaque. Data retention policies are vague or absent.
Journal exists because private writing should remain private by architecture, not by policy.
Editor
Block-based writing
The editor is built on three block types that can be freely composed and reordered within an entry. Entries are stored as structured JSON, not flat text.
Paragraph blocks
Rich text with character-level formatting spans: bold, italic, underline, highlight with custom colours, and inline links. Blocks split on double-newline and merge on backspace.
Image blocks
Paste or drag-drop images directly into an entry. Images are stored as encrypted blob references with optional captions. No external hosting or third-party image services.
External link blocks
Save URLs with a title and optional notes. Platform-specific icons for YouTube, Spotify, GitHub, Wikipedia, and others. HTTPS only.
Writing modes
Contextual writing modes
Journal supports two reflective frameworks: Reflective and Faith-based. You select your preferred framework in settings. The available writing modes adapt accordingly.
The underlying data structure remains the same — only the prompts and contextual framing differ. Journal does not assume or infer a worldview. The choice is explicit and can be changed.
Reflective framework
Secular and philosophical reflection
Designed for secular or broadly philosophical reflection.
General
Open-ended writing without specific framing.
Reading
Notes and reflections on what you are reading.
Gratitude
Structured gratitude practice with contextual prompts.
Reflection
Guided reflection on experiences and decisions.
Creative
Freeform creative writing without constraints.
Faith-based framework
Faith-informed reflective practice
Designed for reflective practices grounded in faith traditions. Includes all reflective modes, plus:
Prayer
Contemplative writing within a faith-based reflective context.
Discernment
Structured decision-making through deliberate writing in a faith-informed framework.
Features
What you get
Rich text formatting
Bold, italic, underline, highlight with colour palette, and inline links. Formatting is stored as span metadata, not embedded markup.
Encrypted sync
End-to-end encryption using a client-derived key. The server stores ciphertext — it cannot read entries, formatting, or images.
Encrypted storage
Entries are encrypted with a client-derived key before storage. The server holds ciphertext only and cannot read your content. Offline edits sync when connectivity returns.
Calendar view
Visual timeline of your writing. Navigate entries by date with a calendar interface.
Word patterns
See how specific words appear across your journal over time. Spot recurring themes in your writing.
Search by meaning
Find entries related to an idea — even if you used different words.
Contextual prompts
Each journal mode surfaces relevant writing prompts when an entry is empty. Prompts adapt to your chosen mode and worldview setting.
Undo and redo
Full undo and redo support. Every block operation, formatting change, and content edit is reversible.
Progressive web app
Install on any device. Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile without an app store.
Deterministic billing
Subscription state is a state machine. No ambiguous entitlements. No hidden charges.
Mobile
Use Journal on your mobile device
Journal is designed to work smoothly on modern mobile browsers. Whether you are writing at your desk or reflecting on the move, your entries are accessible on your phone with the same structured editor and contextual writing modes.
There is no separate mobile account. Your journal stays in sync across devices.
Install to your home screen
Journal can be installed directly to your device for a standalone app experience — no browser interface.
Android: Open Journal in Chrome and select “Add to Home Screen.”
iPhone: Open Journal in Safari, tap Share, then choose “Add to Home Screen.”
No separate download required
Journal runs securely in your browser. There is no need to install from an app store to begin writing.
The same block-based editor is available on mobile: paragraph, image, and link blocks, contextual writing modes, structured formatting, and search tools.
Your entries remain encrypted and accessible wherever you sign in.
Security posture
Privacy architecture
Journal is designed so that compromising the server does not compromise your data. Encryption keys are derived client-side using PBKDF2-SHA256 (600,000 iterations) from a recovery key you control. The derived key encrypts a random AES-GCM-256 data encryption key. Raw keys are never transmitted to the server.
The full entry structure — blocks, formatting spans, image references, link metadata, tags, and mode — is encrypted as a single payload before storage. The server holds ciphertext only, with no ability to decrypt or index the content.
Keys are non-recoverable by design. If you lose your recovery key, your encrypted data cannot be decrypted — not by you, and not by Arkive. There is no password reset, no admin override, and no backdoor.
Architecture
How it works
Journal is a progressive web application built on a block-based content model. Each entry is a typed array of blocks — paragraphs, images, and external links — stored as structured JSON, not flat text. Paragraph blocks carry character-level formatting spans as explicit metadata ranges rather than embedded markup.
An account is required. Entries are encrypted client-side with a key derived from your recovery key and stored on the server as ciphertext. The server cannot read entry content, formatting, or images. Offline edits are queued locally and synced when connectivity returns.
Authentication uses OAuth 2.0 with Google and Microsoft identity providers. No passwords are stored. Session tokens are short-lived JWTs. Subscriptions are managed through Stripe with a deterministic state machine. Entitlements are derived from subscription state, not stored independently.
Intended audience
Who this is for
Journal is for people who want a structured, private writing practice without trusting a third party with their content.
It is particularly suited for individuals who value data ownership, security-conscious professionals, therapists recommending journaling to clients, people with an active reflective or contemplative practice, and anyone who has been burned by a cloud service changing its privacy policy.
Data control
Your data. Your control.
Journal is designed so that you control your data.
- You can export your data at any time.
- You can delete your account and all associated data.
- Deletion is immediate and permanent. There is no soft-disable or retention window.
- Arkive does not read or analyse journal content.
Pricing
Free to use with an account. One paid plan for multi-device sync, discovery tools, and advanced export. No hidden upgrades.
Questions?
Straightforward answers about privacy, billing, data handling, and how Journal works.
Start writing
Journal is available now. Free with an account — your entries are encrypted and securely stored. Paid plan unlocks multi-device sync, calendar, word patterns, search by meaning, and custom prompts.