> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.samplevault.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Browser Access

> Use Sample Vault from any browser tab — what works, what doesn't, and how to get in

## Overview

Sample Vault runs in any modern browser as well as the desktop app. Sign in at [samplevault.ai](https://samplevault.ai) on any computer, click **Open app**, and the Library, Deep Search, Sound Profile, Similar Samples, AI Assistant, and Quick Actions come up against your cloud library — same UI, no install.

<Note>
  Browser access is included on **Home Studio** and **Professional Suite**. Demo Room and Lifetime users see an upgrade prompt at sign-in. To try the experience without an account, open [samplevault.ai/demo](https://samplevault.ai/demo).
</Note>

## What works in the browser

The web tab is the same React app as the desktop window, so almost everything ports over:

* **Library** — every filter, Sound Profile, tags, collections, sorting, the [extended search bar](/core-features/search-syntax), and the Map, Circle, and Scatter views
* **[Deep Search](/core-features/search-modes)** — search by name or by describing the sound
* **[Similar Samples](/core-features/similar-samples)**, **[Quick Actions](/core-features/quick-actions)**, and the **[AI Assistant](/core-features/ai-assistant)** — Fast, Smart, and Creative chats plus workspaces and chat history
* **Audio playback** with the [Waveform Visualizer](/core-features/waveform-visualizer) and [Tempo / Key Lock](/core-features/link-tempo-key)
* **Library edits** — favorites, tags, collections, sample edits, and chat actions all sync back to your other devices

## What's desktop-only

A few things need the OS or the local file system, so they only run in the desktop app. Each one shows a clear "desktop app required" prompt in the browser instead of failing silently:

* **Library scanning** — adding directories, watching folders, rescanning, deleting samples from disk
* **Local analysis** — BPM, key, and Sound Profile extraction
* **Deep Tagging** — runs against samples on disk before they're uploaded
* **Local-disk samples** — files that exist on your disk but haven't been uploaded to cloud storage are not visible in the browser library
* **Ableton Link** — uses your local network
* **Always-on-top pin** and **global shortcuts** — managed by the OS

## How to tell you're in browser mode

* A **globe pill** in the title bar marked "Browser mode". Hover it for the full list of what's available and what isn't.
* The processing bar under the title bar reads "Analysis suspended — resume in the desktop app".
* The Library status dialog opens with a one-line "X samples waiting — resume in the desktop app" verdict instead of a live processing view.

## Requirements

* A current Chromium, Firefox, or Safari browser.
* An active internet connection — every query goes to your cloud library; the browser tab can't work offline.
* A **Home Studio** or **Professional Suite** subscription. The browser tab uses the same account as the desktop app — sign in with the email tied to your subscription.

## Performance

The web tab is slightly slower than desktop because every read is a round-trip to your cloud library, where desktop reads from local disk. The difference is most noticeable on filter-heavy panels and very large libraries. Search and Sound Profile filtering stay responsive at every library size.

## Troubleshooting

### "Subscription required" at sign-in

Browser access needs a Home Studio or Professional Suite plan. Open the [pricing page](https://samplevault.ai/pricing) to upgrade, or keep using the desktop app on Demo Room / Lifetime.

### Some samples are missing in the browser

Only samples that have been uploaded to cloud storage are visible in the browser. Open the desktop app, right-click a directory, and choose **Upload samples to the cloud**. Missing files appear in the browser as soon as the upload finishes. See [Adding & Managing Samples](/get-started/adding-samples#the-processing-pipeline) for the full pipeline.

### Browser feels much slower than desktop

A small slow-down is expected — every read goes over the network. If pages are taking several seconds, check your connection, then reload the tab. Heavy filter combinations on very large libraries (200k+ samples) can take a second or two to resolve; refining the query usually brings it back down.

### Drag-to-DAW doesn't work in the browser

Most DAWs accept drops from the desktop app but not from a browser tab. If your DAW rejects the drag, right-click the sample and choose **Copy to clipboard** instead, then paste into the DAW. For full drag-to-DAW support, use the desktop app.