Workflows, Privacy & Cost Guides
Offline and Local-First Spreadsheets vs Cloud-Only Spreadsheets
When Arte Sheets fits best
- Local-by-default browser architecture: open the editor with zero login, keep workbooks in local IndexedDB, and reopen the cached app shell offline.
- Explicit opt-in upgrade path from browser-local workbook to private German EU cloud workbook when real-time collaboration is needed.
- Full .xlsx, .csv, and .tsv import/export ensures your files are never trapped inside a proprietary cloud database.
When Mandatory Cloud-Only Spreadsheets fits best
- Pure native desktop suites (LibreOffice Calc, desktop Excel) handle multi-hundred-megabyte files directly on local SSDs without browser memory caps.
- Cloud-first platforms (Google Sheets, Microsoft 365 OneDrive) auto-sync every keystroke across mobile apps and 100+ simultaneous corporate editors.
Three Spreadsheet Storage Architectures Compared
Not all browser apps are cloud-only. Traditional SaaS spreadsheets stream cell mutations to remote databases on every edit, meaning no account equals no editor. Conversely, Arte Sheets runs its calculation engine, .xlsx parser, and IndexedDB workbook cache right inside your browser—caching only public static JS/CSS/font assets in its Service Worker while keeping private API/billing payloads out of CacheStorage.
When you board a flight or inspect confidential payroll exports at a client site, local browser execution keeps formulas calculating with zero network round-trips.
| Characteristic | Arte Sheets (Local-First Web) | Native Desktop (Calc / Excel) | Cloud-Only SaaS (Google / Rows) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works without creating an account | Yes ($0 anonymous browser mode) | Yes (Calc) / License required (Excel) | No — mandatory account login |
| Default location of new files | Local browser IndexedDB + .xlsx download | Local OS filesystem folder | Vendor cloud servers |
| Works during Wi-Fi / flight drops | Yes (cached Service Worker shell + local IndexedDB) | Yes (100% native OS binary) | Requires Chrome extension sync or fails offline |
| Cross-device live co-editing | Opt-in EU cloud workbooks (live cursors & @comments) | Requires OneDrive / Nextcloud setup | Always on by default |
| Portable .xlsx file backup | One-click worker .xlsx export anytime | Native local file on disk | Manual export from cloud drive |
| Zero-install on borrowed computer | Yes — open URL in any browser | No — requires OS installer rights | Yes — requires account login + 2FA |
Security, Compliance, and Offline Edge Cases to Know
Understanding exact technical boundaries prevents data loss. Because browser-local workbooks in Arte Sheets live inside that specific browser profile’s IndexedDB, clearing site data or switching laptops without exporting .xlsx or saving to My files will not carry local-only workbooks across devices.
Once you sign in and save a workbook to My files (up to 10 files free, 1,000 on Pro), Arte Sheets stores it privately in Hetzner Storage Box (Germany) and syncs delta updates smoothly.
| Scenario | Best Mode in Arte Sheets | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Quick confidential CSV/XLSX audit | Anonymous local browser mode + .xlsx export | Zero bytes uploaded to cloud or AI servers |
| Flight or field site with patchy LTE | Pre-opened /app/ shell + local IndexedDB + .xlsx backup | Service Worker serves UI shell offline; calculations run locally |
| Team budget review with @comments | Signed-in EU cloud workbook (Suggestion mode) | Real-time CRDT sync, role permissions & German GDPR storage |
| Multi-year archival compliance | Download .xlsx copies to encrypted disk backups | Standard OpenXML formulas readable offline for decades |
| AI formula troubleshooting | Pro AI with safe excerpt or hint-only prompt | Data sent to AI only when you explicitly submit an AI request |
Cost of Offline vs Cloud Flexibility
Arte Sheets gives you local browser spreadsheets and up to 10 private EU cloud workbooks for $0—charging only if you upgrade to Pro ($19.99/mo or $179.99/yr) for 1,000 cloud workbooks, 2,000 monthly AI credits, Goal Seek, Macros, and all 62 Academy lessons.
| Solution | Price | Offline Support | Cloud Collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arte Sheets Free | $0 | Browser shell + IndexedDB + .xlsx files | Up to 10 private EU cloud workbooks |
| Arte Sheets Pro | $19.99/mo or $179.99/yr | Browser shell + IndexedDB + .xlsx files | Up to 1,000 private EU cloud workbooks (1 GiB) |
| LibreOffice Calc | $0 | Full native desktop disk | None built in |
| Google Workspace | $14+/user/mo | Chrome Offline extension only | Full Google Drive cloud |
Frequently asked questions
How do I make sure Arte Sheets opens offline before a flight?
Open https://sheets.arte-soft.com/app/ once while online so the Service Worker caches the public application shell, and keep an exported .xlsx backup of critical files on your device.
Do browser-local workbooks sync automatically to another computer?
No. Browser-only workbooks stay strictly inside the browser where they were created. Sign in and save to My files (or export .xlsx) to open a workbook on another device.
Does saving a workbook to Arte Sheets cloud automatically send it to AI?
No. Per the Arte Sheets Privacy Policy, saving to EU cloud storage never shares your workbook with other users or AI providers; AI only processes requests you explicitly send.
When should I use a native desktop app instead of a browser offline shell?
Use native desktop Excel or LibreOffice Calc when working with 100+ MB files, hardware-locked USB tokens, or machines where browser storage is wiped on every reboot.