Create your first note

1. Pick a tool#

For a browser-only start, open privatenote.ai. If you prefer an installed tool, use the Chrome extension or editor extension. The CLI and MCP server require Node.js 18 or later.

2. Create a test note#

Enter a harmless message such as “PrivateNote test — no real credentials.” Keep burn after reading enabled and choose a short expiry.

npx privatenote-cli --expire 15m --output-url-only < demo.txt

For the CLI alternative, create demo.txt yourself with the dummy message. Its contents become the note body, rather than a downloadable attachment.

3. Copy and open the link#

Copy the full link, including everything after #. Open it in a separate browser profile or private window to test the recipient experience. Reveal the note and confirm that the message matches exactly.

4. Verify the lifecycle#

• Reload after reveal. A read-once note should no longer reveal its content.
• Create a second note for expiry testing. Leave it unopened until its lifetime has passed, then verify access is refused.
• Use a new note for each test. A consumed link cannot serve as a fresh test fixture.

Keep going#

Follow your tool’s guide for passwords, sign-in, defaults, and troubleshooting. Use the four-tool test checklist for a structured acceptance run.