Frequently asked questions

Short answers for install, permissions, sync, licenses, and troubleshooting. Still stuck? Reach out.

What does Clean Reader do?

It extracts the article from a page using rules you define (often by clicking elements), then shows a clean reading view. You can tune themes, merge paginated posts, export Markdown, sync settings, and save offline copies.

Do I need to write CSS selectors?

No. You can build site rules by pointing at fields on the live page. Advanced users can still refine matches when needed.

Why does the extension need access to websites?

To read the current article DOM, apply your rules, and optionally fetch images or video for offline save. Media often lives on separate CDN domains, so broad host access is required for those features to work reliably.

Is my reading history uploaded?

No. Page content stays on your device unless you export it, save offline, or choose a sync feature that only syncs configuration (rules/templates/settings)—not full article bodies to our servers.

What is the difference between Google Drive sync and server cloud sync?

Google Drive sync (free) stores config in Google’s app-data folder under your account. Server cloud sync is a complimentary licensed feature that may change or stop; prefer Drive or local backup for long-term portability.

Is Plus a subscription?

No. Plus is a one-time purchase that unlocks extras such as hiding the extension credit. See Pricing on the homepage and the Refund Policy for payment details.

How do I activate a license?

Buy from the link in the extension options, then paste your license key there to activate. Device/instance limits may apply.

Can I use Clean Reader offline?

Reading mode works on pages you already have open. Offline save writes a local archive with media when you choose a folder. Network is still needed to open new articles or sync.

Does it work with Obsidian?

Yes. You can copy Markdown or write into a vault according to the Obsidian settings in the extension.

A site’s layout changed and extraction broke. What now?

Open the rule editor on that page and update the fields. Site HTML changes often; rules are meant to be adjusted over time.

How do I back up or move to another browser?

Use full backup import/export in the extension, or enable Google Drive sync so rules and templates follow your Google account.

How do I delete my data?

Uninstall the extension or clear its storage for local data. Disconnect Google and manage app data in your Google Account for Drive sync. For server-side config tied to a license, email us—see the Privacy Policy.

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