Add Your First Item

Start with One Item You Frequently Look For

The goal of your first entry is not to fill out every available field, but simply to experience saving and retrieving an item. Pick something practical—a spare charger, car key fob, passport, or favorite tool.

If you don’t have a Grove yet, review Create Your First Grove. When recording an item, choosing a Grove and Location is completely optional; if you’re not sure where it will permanently live, just record its name first.

Opening the Add Item Form

1. Tap Forest or Items on the bottom bar.
2. Tap the + (Add) button at the right end of the bottom bar. The add item form opens directly.
3. Fill in the form to add the item by hand. To use AI recognition instead, start from the Forest Eye card at the top of the form (see AI Smart Eye Identification).

If you trigger the add action from inside a specific Grove or Location, that path will be pre-filled automatically. Check the location bar before saving to confirm it matches your intention.

Minimum Required Information

Item Name

Start with the name. The name is the only strictly required field. We recommend using a searchable, descriptive name—e.g., “Black 65W USB-C Charger” rather than simply “Charger”.

Quantity

Quantity defaults to 1. Adjust it if you are tracking consumables like boxes of batteries or matching drinking glasses. If individual items need separate locations or warranties, create distinct records.

Location

Select the Grove and Location if you have set them up. While a specific location makes finding physical items easier later, it is never a blocker to getting started.

Category, Photos, and Notes

Fill in these fields as they appear on your screen. Adding a photo helps visual recognition, but you don’t have to complete everything on day one. Selecting a category may reveal relevant custom fields.

If the main category has subcategories enabled, the category picker or form also offers an optional subcategory. After choosing Books, for example, you can choose Fiction or leave No Subcategory. It shares the main category’s attributes and does not change the item’s physical location. Save the item after selecting it; see Subcategories.

Enriching Details as Needed

The form includes optional sections:

• Tags: For flexible search themes across spaces (e.g., #camping, #travel).
• Its Story: Record sentimental notes, who gifted it, or where you bought it.
• Treasure Box: Attach receipts, warranties, manuals, or serial number photos.
• Expiry & Maintenance: Critical dates for food, cosmetics, or servicing.

Saving and Verifying

1. Verify your item name and assigned location.
2. Tap Plant into Forest (or the save button) at the bottom.
3. Once saved, return to your Grove or Items to confirm your new item appears.

Beginner FAQ

Do I have to create a location before adding an item?

No. You can save an item without a location and assign or update it anytime later.

Why doesn’t my screen match the screenshot exactly?

The form dynamically adapts based on the chosen category, active attributes, and iOS language settings.

What if the form stays open after saving?

Check whether Continuous Planting Mode is toggled on at the bottom of the form. When active, the form remains open so you can quickly enter the next item. See Continuous Add Mode.