Quick Start¶
This guide gets you from zero to a fully automated browser-history backup in under five minutes.
Step 1 — First Launch¶
Start HistorySync. On the first run, a Setup Wizard walks you through the essential settings.
If you installed from source:
Step 2 — Sync Your Browsers¶
On the Dashboard, click Sync Now. HistorySync will:
- Auto-detect all installed browsers on your system.
- Safely read their SQLite history databases using WAL snapshots — the browsers can stay open.
- Import records into the local HistorySync database.
First sync takes longer
If you have years of history across multiple browsers, the first sync may take a minute or two. Subsequent syncs are incremental — only new records are imported.
Selective sync¶
To sync only specific browsers, use the CLI:
Step 3 — Search Your History¶
GUI Search¶
Use the search bar at the top of the History tab. As you type, results appear instantly.
Global Overlay (Spotlight)¶
Press Ctrl+Shift+H from any application to summon the quick-access overlay. Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux (X11). On Wayland, use python -m src.main --quick with a system-level shortcut instead.
Type naturally, or use the Advanced Query DSL:
| Example query | What it finds |
|---|---|
python async |
Pages with those words in title or URL |
domain:github.com |
Only GitHub pages |
after:2024-06-01 domain:arxiv.org |
Papers read after June 2024 |
is:bookmarked tag:work |
Bookmarked pages tagged "work" |
react -tutorial |
React pages, excluding tutorials |
Step 4 — Enable Automatic Sync¶
Go to Settings → Auto Sync and:
- Enable Auto Sync.
- Set your preferred interval (default: 2 hours).
- Enable Launch at system startup so HistorySync starts silently in the background.
From now on, your browser history is continuously merged into one searchable database — automatically.
Step 5 — Set Up Cloud Backup (Optional)¶
WebDAV backup lets you restore your history on a new machine or share it across devices.
- Go to Settings → WebDAV Cloud Backup.
- Enter your WebDAV server URL, username, and password.
- Enable Auto Backup and set an interval.
- Click Test Connection to verify.
See the WebDAV Setup guide for a list of compatible providers with step-by-step instructions.
Step 6 — Tray Mode (Background Operation)¶
Once configured, close the main window. HistorySync minimises to the system tray and continues syncing and backing up silently.
Right-click the tray icon to:
- Open HistorySync — bring the main window back.
- Sync Now — trigger an immediate sync.
- Backup Now — trigger an immediate WebDAV backup.
- Quit — stop the application completely.
Next Steps¶
| What you want to do | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Automate syncs from the terminal | CLI Reference |
| Configure a specific WebDAV provider | WebDAV Setup |
| Customise keyboard shortcuts | Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Export your history to CSV / JSON / HTML | CLI Reference — Export History |
| Understand the security model | Security Architecture |