Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

1. Where should I begin?

Start by creating one Woodland, then add a single item you use often and assign its real-world Location. We recommend starting with a single drawer, wardrobe, or storage bin. Once you are comfortable with saving and finding, gradually expand. Follow our Getting Started Roadmap for a smooth onboarding path.

2. What is the difference between Woodlands, Locations, and Items?

• Woodland: Organizes broad physical territories (e.g., Home, Office, Storage Room).
• Location: Specific storage spots within a Woodland (e.g., Closet, Top Shelf, Tool Box).
• Item: The physical belongings you want to track. For example: Woodland “Home” → Location “Pantry / Wire Rack” → Item “Spare AA Batteries”. You don’t need deep nesting unless it truly helps you locate items.

3. Are Category and Location required when adding an item?

No. The item name is the only required field to save a record. Category and Location can be added or updated later as your organization evolves. Check the form for any required fields before saving.

Finding and Organizing

4. Why can’t I see an item in my list even though I know it exists?

First, open Overview, tap the filter bar, and clear all active filters. Then search for a keyword from its name. Also verify whether a specific Woodland, Location, or Category is currently selected. If the item was deleted, check Trash in More; if you held a farewell ceremony for it, check the Memory Forest tab.

5. How should Category, Tags, and Location divide the work?

• Category answers: “What kind of item is it fundamentally?” (e.g., Electronic Accessories)
• Location answers: “Where does it physically live?” (e.g., Study / Desk Drawer)
• Tags answer: “Under what lifestyle themes do I want to find it?” (e.g., #travel, #backup)

6. Are the fields in the item form always the same?

Not necessarily. Available fields adapt dynamically based on the category template or current view. Fill in only what is useful for you. When using Continuous Add mode, some fields may remain populated while others reset; review your details before each save.

7. Will expiration dates send automated notifications?

Date fields help you record and monitor deadlines. Whether automated push notifications are sent depends on your current app version, system notification permissions, and category alert settings. Always verify alerts in the item details and maintain your own calendar for critical expirations.

Memories and Item Lifecycles

8. What is the difference between Delete and Farewell?

• Delete (Trash): Removes accidental entries or discarded test records. Stored in Trash for 30 days before permanent cleanup.
• Farewell: A mindful ritual for beloved belongings that have completed their life purpose. Moves the item to the Memory Forest, preserving its photos, stories, and companionship timeline without cluttering your daily active inventory.

9. What is the “Memory” tab?

The Memory tab on the bottom navigation bar is your peaceful sanctuary for retrospective appreciation. It houses your Memory Forest (farewell archive, Today’s Reunion, Moments in Time) and your Memory Handbooks (custom digital scrapbooks). See Memory Forest System.

10. Should I delete items I am temporarily not using?

No, you do not need to delete them. If an item is out of season or paused while you contemplate decluttering, put it into Item Hibernation. It quietly hides from your daily browse view without deleting any data, and can be awakened with a single tap whenever needed.

Backup, Sync, and Recovery

11. If I enable iCloud Sync, do I still need manual backups?

Yes, we strongly recommend manual backups at key milestones. iCloud Sync keeps devices updated with current changes in real time (including deletions). A Backup is an independent, frozen snapshot file that you can safely restore at any future point. See Backup vs. Sync Strategy.

12. Why can’t I enable iCloud Sync?

Navigate to More > Data Management > iCloud Sync and check the diagnostic status. Sync availability depends on your Apple ID sign-in status, network connection, iCloud Drive storage capacity, and subscription status. Follow the on-screen prompts; do not attempt to resolve sync issues by resetting your data.

13. Will restoring from a file wipe my existing records?

The import preview clearly outlines what will happen before you confirm. MononoMori’s merge-based restore preserves existing records—items missing from the backup file are not deleted from your device. You can preview additions and matching records before committing, and an automated recovery snapshot is created before import.

14. Can a CSV spreadsheet restore my entire forest?

No. A CSV spreadsheet is designed for text-based inventory, printing, and asset valuation in Excel or Numbers. It does not include original photos, attachments, or relational structures, and cannot replace a true Forest Backup (.monomori package).

15. If some data seems missing, should I reset immediately?

Never reset impulsively. Clear your filters, check the Trash and Memory Forest, and review sync status first. If another device still displays your complete data, immediately create and export a backup from that device. “Reset Local Data” and “Reset iCloud Data” in Data Tools are permanent administrative actions, not troubleshooting steps.

Device and Feedback

16. What devices and iOS versions are supported?

Please consult MononoMori’s current App Store product page in your region for official compatibility requirements. Typically, iOS 17.0 or later is recommended.

17. How can I submit feedback or report an issue?

Open More > Support & Stories > Send Feedback. Describe your device model, iOS version, app build, exact reproduction steps, and any error prompts shown. Please do not include passwords or sensitive personal documents in screenshots.

18. What if I can’t find the answer here?

Use the manual table of contents to browse specific feature guides, or visit More > Support & Stories inside the app. Button labels and layouts may evolve slightly across updates; follow the on-screen instructions on your device.

Memory Handbooks and Moments in Time

19. What is the difference between Memory Forest and Memory Handbook?

• Memory Forest: An archive that automatically honors items that have bid farewell, recording their reasons, dates, and Moments in Time.
• Memory Handbook: A creative digital scrapbook where you handpick photos, text, stickers, and active or past items into themed booklets (e.g., travel diaries, home renovations). See Memory Handbook Starter Guide.

20. Does adding an in-stock item to a Handbook remove it from the Forest?

No. The item appears as a visual element on your handbook canvas. It remains perfectly safe in its Woodland and Location.

21. Why does the free version prevent creating another Handbook?

The free plan includes 1 Memory Handbook with up to 5 pages. When reaching this allowance, a friendly upgrade notice will appear. Your existing handbook and pages are never deleted.

22. Do “Moments in Time” (Year Rings) only appear after farewell?

No! Items currently in your active Woodlands also accumulate Moments in Time (check-ins, reflections, location changes). Upon farewell, that complete lifetime journey is preserved seamlessly in the Memory Forest. See Memory Forest & Moments in Time.

23. Is deleting a Handbook the same as deleting a single page?

No. Deleting an entire handbook from the shelf moves it to the Handbook Recycle Bin. Deleting a single page permanently removes its canvas layout and cannot be undone via Undo. Always verify your selection before confirming.

24. Can exported PNG or PDF files be restored into editable handbooks?

No. Exported PDFs and PNGs are finished presentation files suitable for reading, printing, or sharing. They do not contain editable canvas structures. Keep your active handbooks safe within the app using regular Forest Backups and iCloud Sync.