# Know where files live: local, synced, and cloud-only

Check where a file's bytes exist before relying on search, editing or offline access. A visible filename does not always mean its content is available on this Mac.

| File state | What to check |
| --- | --- |
| Local file | Open it and confirm its content and path. |
| File in a synced folder | Check the provider's sync state after saving. |
| Cloud-only placeholder | Download through the provider before expecting offline content. |

## Locate a saved note

Save in Notes, then choose **Reveal saved note**. Finder selects the Markdown file. Read its full destination rather than assuming that the visible folder name identifies a particular disk or sync service.

Ouros search uses configured locations. A missing result can mean that the folder is outside that selection; it does not prove the file was deleted. Search by filename and inspect the folder directly if needed.

## Check availability

Open an important file while connected. If you need it offline, use the sync provider's download or keep-local control and verify it opens without fetching content. Provider icons, hydration and conflict handling belong to that provider; Ouros does not promise a separate sync engine for ordinary files.

For notes with audio, confirm the linked WAV files are available too. Downloading only the Markdown file does not make an external recording available.

After editing, check both the local content and the provider's completed sync state. Keep conflicting versions until you have compared and merged them. Continue with [offline and recovery](/docs/terminals-and-files/offline-and-recovery).