Overview
The Marvin desktop app gives you Marvin in its own window, separate from your browser tabs. It updates itself, and it has a few extras the web version doesn't, like keeping attachments on your own computer when cloud sync is off. The app icon is Marvin's face, so it's easy to spot in your dock or taskbar.
Screenshot to add: The Marvin desktop app icon (Marvin's face) in the Mac dock and Windows taskbar
Downloading the app
Get the app from amazingmarvin.com/download. It's available for:
Mac: there are separate versions for Apple silicon and Intel Macs. If you have an Apple chip but installed the Intel version, Marvin shows a message saying You're running the Intel version of Marvin. Click it, download Mac (Apple silicon), drag it into Applications and choose Replace. Your data stays synced.
Windows
Linux (AppImage)
Updates
The app checks for updates on its own and downloads them in the background. When an update is ready, a banner appears at the top: A new version of Marvin is ready to install!
Restart to update: Marvin makes a backup, then restarts with the new version.
Watch what's new: see what changed.
Turn off: stop showing this banner.
The X hides the banner until next time you open the app.
To check yourself, open the app's Help menu and choose Check for Updates.
Screenshot to add: The update banner at the top of the desktop app
Local attachments (when cloud sync is off)
Normally, attachments are stored in the cloud. If you've turned cloud sync off and use the desktop app, you can keep attachments on your computer instead:
Open ☰, click Features (or press S), and open the settings for Attachments.
Under Additional Settings, check Local attachments.
These attachments never leave your computer, so you are responsible for backing them up.
Tip: Install updates when they're ready, even if you turned the banner off. Using an old desktop version alongside Marvin on the web or your phone can cause problems.