— the most frequent inquiries, answered here once, so we can talk about something more interesting the next time we meet.
Paste a link from any supported recipe website, or share directly to Basil from Safari, Instagram, or YouTube. The app parses the ingredients, steps, and hero photograph — and files the recipe into your archive in a single tap. If a site isn't supported, Basil gives you a clean blank template to type the recipe in yourself.
Signed, The Editors
A companion browser extension is in the kiln — see our Extension page for a preview. For now, Basil lives happily on your iPhone and iPad, where most home cooks actually stand while they cook.
Signed, The Editors
Your recipes synchronize automatically across every iPhone and iPad signed into the same Apple ID. There's nothing to configure. Leave one device on the counter and another on the couch — both will agree on what's for dinner.
Signed, The Editors
Yes — and quietly. Tag the allergens relevant to your household, and Basil will flag them on every recipe before the pan is hot. It's a small safety net that runs in the background without pestering.
Signed, The Editors
You can plan a day, a week, or a month. Drag recipes onto the calendar, and Basil will assemble a grocery list organized by aisle — de-duplicated across overlapping recipes. It's the closest thing we've made to a personal sous-chef.
Signed, The Editors
Basil is free. There is no subscription. There are no ads. There has never been a plan to add one. If we ever need to charge for something, you'll know — and it will be for a very specific reason.
Signed, The Editors
Your recipes, plans, and lists sync through your own iCloud account — not through any server we own. We do not sell, share, or mine your data. If you delete the app, your copies on our side disappear with it. See our Privacy page for the full account.
Signed, The Editors
Not yet. Basil is currently an app for the person cooking dinner, not an app for the person building other apps. That said — if you have a specific use case, write us. We read everything.
Signed, The Editors
Unanswered
Didn't see your question?
Write to us at the Correspondence desk — we read every letter, and answer most of them within a day or two.
Now available
The shortest answer is yes — try Basil free— on the App Store.