docs / experimental
Experimental features
Some features ship before their design is settled — clearly labeled, off the beaten path, and honest about how settled they are. They live in Settings → Experimental, each wearing its level.
The two levels
| Level | The contract |
|---|---|
| beta | The design is mostly settled. We make a real effort to keep behavior and data formats compatible between versions, and the feature is likely to graduate out of Experimental — though nothing is guaranteed until it does. |
| alpha | No guarantees, use at your own risk. Behavior and data formats may change incompatibly between versions — we may support transitioning older formats, or may not — and the feature may be removed entirely. Alpha features stay hidden until you turn on Show alpha features, which explains this contract before it takes effect. |
Features can move up (alpha → beta → a regular feature), and any experimental feature can be pulled at any level. Release notes always say when either happens.
Experimental now
Review Discussion graduated in 0.34 (a regular feature now, on for everyone, with its toggle in Settings ▸ General ▸ Reviewing), and Margin Notes moved up from alpha to beta in 0.35 — the levels working as intended.
Trying them
Open Settings → Experimental. Beta features are listed right there; alpha features appear after you turn on Show alpha features and accept what alpha means (the switch only exists while something is actually at the alpha level). Each feature has its own enable switch. Alpha features are never on by default; a beta feature can be — Margin Notes is — and then the first use introduces it, with a Turn Off button right in the introduction.
Reading this on the Mac where PullMark (0.28.1+) is installed? Open Settings → Experimental now.
Feedback
Experimental features change because of what early users report. Open an issue — Help → Report a Bug… pre-fills your version.