Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick answers to common questions about Focusly.
General Questions
What is Focusly?
Focusly is an AI-powered study companion that helps students learn more effectively. It provides 8 intelligent learning modules including note summarization, question generation, flashcard creation, exam preparation, revision planning, language practice, memorization tools, and NSW HSC Software Engineering practice.
Who is Focusly for?
Focusly is designed for:
- High school students (Years 9-12)
- University/college students
- Language learners
- NSW HSC Software Engineering students
- Anyone looking to study more effectively
How much does Focusly cost?
Check the focusly.one homepage for current pricing information.
Is there a free trial?
Check the website for information about free trials or demo access.
Can I use Focusly on mobile?
Focusly is optimized for desktop browsers. While it can be accessed on mobile devices, some features may have limited functionality on small screens. We recommend using a desktop or laptop for the best experience.
Account & Access
Do I need to verify my email?
Yes, email verification is required to access all features. Unverified accounts can log in but cannot use learning modules.
How do I verify my email?
- Check your inbox for email from
noreply@focusly.one - Click the verification link
- Your account will be verified immediately
I didn't receive the verification email. What do I do?
- Check your spam/junk folder
- Wait a few minutes for delivery
- Request a new verification email
- Add
noreply@focusly.oneto your contacts
See: Email Verification Troubleshooting
How do I reset my password?
- Click "Forgot Password" on login page
- Enter your email address
- Check email for reset link
- Click link and create new password
See: Password Reset Guide
Can I change my email address?
Currently, email addresses cannot be changed after account creation. You would need to create a new account with the desired email address.
Can I have multiple accounts?
While technically possible, it's recommended to use one account per person. Outputs cannot be transferred between accounts.
How do I delete my account?
Contact support for account deletion requests. Note that this action is permanent and cannot be undone.
Features & Modules
How many modules does Focusly have?
Focusly offers 8 core learning modules:
- Notes Summariser
- Question Generator
- Practice Mode
- Flashcard Maker
- Exam Creator
- Revision Planner
- Language Practice
- Memorisation Studio
Plus the NESA Software Exam module for NSW HSC students.
See: Features Overview
Which module should I use?
It depends on your goal:
- Condense notes → Notes Summariser
- Test knowledge → Question Generator or Practice Mode
- Memorize facts → Flashcard Maker or Memorisation Studio
- Prepare for exams → Exam Creator
- Plan study schedule → Revision Planner
- Learn languages → Language Practice
- HSC Software Engineering → NESA Software Exam
See: Features Overview
Can I use multiple modules together?
Absolutely! Modules are designed to complement each other:
- Summarize notes → Create flashcards → Practice with questions
- Generate questions → Practice mode → Exam preparation
- Vocabulary building → Flashcards → Language conversation
How accurate is the AI?
The AI (powered by GPT-4o-mini) is highly capable but not perfect. Always:
- Review generated content for accuracy
- Verify facts against source materials
- Use AI output as a study aid, not absolute truth
- Combine with traditional study methods
Can I edit AI-generated content?
Currently, outputs cannot be edited within Focusly. However, you can:
- Download outputs and edit locally
- Regenerate with different parameters
- Copy and paste into your own documents
Are there limits on how much I can generate?
Check your account type for specific limits. Limits may include:
- Number of outputs per day/month
- Maximum input size
- Number of questions per generation
- Storage space
Using Modules
What file formats can I upload?
Supported formats:
- PDF (text-based, not scanned images)
- TXT (plain text)
- MD (Markdown)
- JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
Not supported:
- DOCX (Word documents - copy and paste instead)
- Images (JPG, PNG - use OCR first)
- Scanned PDFs (use OCR to convert to text)
Why won't my PDF upload?
Common reasons:
- PDF is a scanned image (no text layer)
- File is too large (>10MB)
- PDF is password-protected
- Corrupted file
Solutions:
- Use text-based PDFs only
- Convert to TXT file
- Copy and paste text directly
How long does AI generation take?
Typical generation times:
- Summaries: 5-15 seconds
- Questions: 10-20 seconds
- Flashcards: 10-20 seconds
- Exam questions: 15-30 seconds (longer, higher quality)
- Revision plans: 10-20 seconds
Times vary based on content length and complexity.
What happens if generation times out?
If generation times out:
- Your content may be too long - try shorter input
- Try again (temporary server issue)
- Reduce number of questions/cards requested
- Simplify the request
Can I save outputs for later?
Yes! All outputs are automatically saved to your account. You can:
- View them anytime in the Saved Outputs sidebar
- Organize into folders
- Download for offline access
- Delete when no longer needed
See: Managing Outputs
Outputs & Organization
Where are my outputs saved?
Outputs are saved to folders in the Saved Outputs sidebar (right side of workspace). They're automatically organized by subject or can be placed in custom folders.
See: Folder Organization
Can I download my outputs?
Yes! You can download outputs in various formats:
- PDF (formatted, printable)
- TXT (plain text)
- CSV (for flashcards → Anki, Quizlet)
- JSON (structured data)
See: Managing Outputs
Can I share outputs with classmates?
Yes, by downloading and sending files:
- Download output in desired format
- Share via email, cloud storage, or messaging
- Recipient opens the file
Note: Don't share account credentials.
How do I organize my outputs?
Outputs are organized in folders:
- Subject folders: Automatically created by subject
- Custom folders: Create your own for projects, exams, etc.
- Labels: Name each output descriptively
See: Folder Organization Guide
Can I delete outputs?
Yes, but deletion is permanent:
- No undo function
- No trash/recycle bin
- Cannot be recovered
Recommendation: Download important outputs before deleting.
See: Managing Outputs
Is there a storage limit?
Check your account type for storage limits. If you reach limits:
- Delete old/unnecessary outputs
- Download and remove completed work
- Archive materials locally
Study & Learning
How do I get the best results?
For quality outputs:
- Use well-structured, clear input content
- Provide sufficient material (500+ words)
- Be specific with focus/instructions
- Choose appropriate difficulty level
- Select the right module for your goal
Can Focusly help me cheat on exams?
No. Focusly is designed as a study aid to help you learn, not cheat:
- Use it to prepare, not during exams
- Review AI outputs - don't copy blindly
- Combine with traditional study methods
- Follow your institution's academic integrity policies
Is using Focusly considered plagiarism?
Using Focusly for:
- ✅ Study and review - Perfectly fine
- ✅ Practice questions - Allowed
- ✅ Understanding concepts - Encouraged
- ❌ Submitting AI output as your own work - May violate policies
Always check your institution's policies on AI use.
How should I use Focusly in my study routine?
Recommended workflow:
- Learn content through lectures/textbooks
- Summarize with Notes Summariser
- Create flashcards for key terms
- Test yourself with Question Generator
- Practice with Practice Mode
- Plan revision with Revision Planner
- Prepare for exams with Exam Creator
Can Focusly replace my teacher/textbook?
No. Focusly is a supplement, not a replacement:
- Use alongside lectures and textbooks
- Verify AI-generated content
- Ask teachers for clarification
- Use multiple learning resources
Technical Questions
Which browsers are supported?
Fully supported:
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
Limited support:
- Mobile browsers (some features may not work)
- Older browser versions
Tip: Keep your browser updated for best performance.
Do I need to install anything?
No! Focusly is entirely web-based:
- Access through any modern browser
- No downloads or installations required
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
- Cross-device sync automatic
Why is Focusly slow?
Possible causes:
- Slow internet connection
- Too many browser tabs open
- Outdated browser
- Large file uploads
- Server busy (peak times)
See: Troubleshooting - Performance
Does Focusly work offline?
No, Focusly requires an internet connection:
- AI generation needs server connection
- Account sync requires internet
- Outputs stored in cloud
Offline workaround: Download outputs for offline study.
Is my data backed up?
Outputs are stored on Focusly's servers. Best practice:
- Regularly download important outputs
- Store backups locally or in cloud storage
- Don't rely solely on Focusly for critical data
See: Managing Outputs - Backup
Privacy & Security
Is my data private?
Yes:
- ✅ Outputs are private to your account
- ✅ Data encrypted in transit (HTTPS)
- ✅ Not shared with third parties
- ✅ No public profiles or sharing
See the privacy policy for full details.
Can others see my work?
No:
- Outputs are private by default
- No social features or public profiles
- Only you can access your account
- Sharing only via manual download/export
Is it safe to upload my notes?
Yes, uploaded content is:
- Kept private to your account
- Used only for generating your outputs
- Encrypted in transit
- Not used to train AI models (check terms)
How secure is my account?
Security measures:
- Password-based authentication
- HTTPS encryption
- Email verification required
- Password reset via email
You should:
- Use a strong, unique password
- Don't share account credentials
- Log out on shared devices
- Keep email account secure
Billing & Subscription
How do I cancel my subscription?
Check the website or account settings for subscription management.
Can I get a refund?
Refund policies vary. Check the terms of service or contact support.
Do you offer student discounts?
Check the website for current promotions and student pricing.
What payment methods are accepted?
Check the website for accepted payment methods.
Language Practice Specific
How many languages are supported?
Language Practice supports major languages including:
- Spanish, French, German, Italian
- Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean
- Arabic, Portuguese, Russian
- And many more
You can also type in custom languages.
Can I practice speaking?
Language Practice includes a Conversation mode where you chat with AI in your target language via text. Audio/voice features may be added in the future.
Is the grammar feedback accurate?
The AI provides generally accurate grammar feedback, but:
- Always cross-reference with textbooks
- Consult language teachers for verification
- Use multiple language resources
- AI may occasionally make mistakes
NESA Software Exam Specific
Is this only for NSW students?
The NESA Software Exam module is designed for NSW HSC Software Engineering students, but anyone learning Python and SQL can benefit from it.
Does it cover the full syllabus?
The module provides practice aligned with the NSW HSC Software Engineering syllabus, including Python and SQL. It's a practice tool, not a complete curriculum replacement.
Can I run code in the browser?
Yes! The module includes an interactive code editor where you can:
- Write Python code
- Write SQL queries
- Run code instantly
- See results and errors
- Get instant feedback
Support & Help
How do I get help?
Self-help resources:
- This FAQ
- Troubleshooting Guide
- Feature-specific guides
- Tips & Best Practices
Contact support:
- Check website for support options
- Include: account email, issue description, steps tried
How do I report a bug?
Report bugs by:
- Contacting support
- Describing the issue in detail
- Including browser/OS information
- Providing screenshots if relevant
- Noting error messages
Can I request new features?
Yes! Feature requests can be submitted via:
- Support contact
- Feedback form (if available)
- Community forums (if available)
Is there a user community?
Check the website for:
- User forums
- Social media groups
- Discord/Slack communities
- Study groups
Future Plans
Will new modules be added?
Focusly is actively developed. Check for announcements about:
- New modules
- Feature enhancements
- Improvements to existing modules
Will there be a mobile app?
Check the website for information about planned mobile apps or improved mobile web experience.
What features are coming soon?
Follow Focusly's:
- Website announcements
- Social media
- Email newsletters
- Update logs
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn't answered here:
Check specific guides:
Contact Support:
- Email or contact form
- Include as much detail as possible
Community Help:
- User forums
- Study groups
- Classmates using Focusly