Comprehensive FAQ

Initial Draft

A complete collection of questions, from basic operations to troubleshooting

Notice on Tutorial Version & App Interface Initial Draft

This guide belongs to the initial draft release. Certain steps or interface elements may differ slightly from the latest App version. We are actively refining and updating all user guides.

Page Overview

Comprehensive FAQ: All Solutions Here 📚

“Questions are the beginning of mastery. We have compiled common questions from users to help you become a master of MononoMori.”

🛠️ Basic Operations

Beginner Questions (⭐)

Q1: What is MononoMori? How is it different from a Notes app?

A: MononoMori is not just a recording tool, but a “Digital Twin” system for managing physical objects.

Core Differences:

  • Structure: Notes are flat text; MononoMori has a logical structure of Space > Location > Item.
  • Relationship: You can link items (e.g., this cable belongs to that camera).
  • Visualization: Items are displayed visually, providing an intuitive “I know exactly where it is” feeling.
  • Data Attributes: Supports fields tailored to item types (Expiry Date, Warranty, etc.).

Q2: How do I delete a Space or Location?

A: To prevent accidental deletion of important data, deletion requires two steps:

  1. Empty First: Ensure there are no items inside the Space/Location. (If there are, move or delete them first).
  2. Long Press: In the list, long-press the target Space card.
  3. Delete: Select “Delete” from the menu.

Tip: If you just want to “hide” it, consider using the “Archive” feature instead of deleting.

Q3: Can I change the category of an item later?

A: Yes, absolutely.

  • Method: Open [Item Detail] -> Tap [Edit] -> Tap the [Category Icon].
  • Note: If you switch to a different category template (e.g., from Book to Food), some specific fields (like ISBN) might be hidden, but the data is preserved in the background.

Intermediate Questions (⭐⭐)

Q4: How do I move items in bulk? (e.g., Moving house)

A: The Batch Move feature is perfect for this.

  1. Enter the Location (e.g., Old Box).
  2. Long Press any item to enter “Selection Mode”.
  3. Tap to select multiple items, or tap “Select All” at the top left.
  4. Tap the “Move” icon in the bottom toolbar.
  5. Choose the destination (New Shelf) using the Drill-Down selector.
  6. Done! Dozens of items moved instantly.

Q5: What happens if I rename a tag?

A: Tag renaming is Global.

  • If you rename #book to #Readings in [Tag Management], ALL items tagged with #book will instantly show #Readings.
  • You verify this in Settings > Tag Management.

🔒 Data & Privacy

Important Questions (⭐⭐⭐)

Q6: Are my photos uploaded to a server? Can developers see them?

A: No. We strictly adhere to a “Privacy First” policy.

  • Storage: Your photos are primarily saved locally on your device.
  • Sync: If iCloud Sync is enabled, they are encrypted and uploaded to your personal iCloud container.
  • Access: Technically, only you (and devices signed into your Apple ID) have the keys to decrypt and view this data. We (the developers) cannot access your data.

Q7: What happens if I delete the app?

A: It depends on your sync settings.

  • Sync ON: Data is safe in iCloud. Reinstalling and logging in will restore it.
  • Sync OFF: Warning! Data is deleted with the app.
  • Recommendation: Always keep iCloud Sync ON, or perform a “Forest Migration (Backup)” before deleting the app.

Q8: How do I transfer data to a new iPhone?

A: It’s automatic and seamless.

  1. On the OLD Phone: Ensure MononoMori sync status is ”✅ Synced”.
  2. On the NEW Phone: Log in to the same Apple ID.
  3. Download MononoMori.
  4. Open the App. Data will appear automatically (might take a few minutes for photos depending on network).

🌳 Advanced Features

Pro Questions (⭐⭐)

Q9: What is the “Memory Forest”?

A: It is a Sanctuary for departed items.

  • Instead of “Deleting” an item (which removes record), using “Farewell Ritual” moves it to the Memory Forest.
  • Benefit:
    • Keeps a record: “I sold that camera in 2023.”
    • Analytics: “I bought 10 shirts but threw away 5.”
    • Sentiment: A gentle way to let go.

Q10: How does “Gardening Mode” work?

A: It allows you to customize the Forest Map.

  1. Enter [Forest Map] tab.
  2. Tap the “Shovel” icon (Gardening Mode).
  3. Drag & Drop trees (Locations) to arrange them (e.g., match your room layout).
  4. Tap “Done”. Your layout is saved.

Q11: Can I export data to Excel?

A: Yes, for inventory management.

  1. Go to Settings > Data Management.
  2. Select “Export Data”.
  3. Choose “CSV Format”.
  4. The file can be opened in Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

Common issues (⭐)

Q12: Why is iCloud Sync not working?

A: Please check the following:

  1. Network: Is Wi-Fi/Cellular stable?
  2. Settings: Is “iCloud Drive” enabled in iOS Settings?
  3. Space: Is your iCloud storage full?
  4. Tactic: Try restarting the device, or toggle “iCloud Sync” off and on in App Settings.

Q13: The camera screen is black during AI Scan!

A: This is usually a permission issue.

  1. Go to iOS Settings > MononoMori.
  2. Make sure “Camera” permission is ON.
  3. If it’s already on, try restarting the app.

Q14: Search is not finding an item I know exists.

A: Search scope matters.

  • Global Search: Searches EVERYTHING.
  • Local Search: If you started search inside a specific Location, it might only search within that location.
  • Filters: Check if any Tags or Status filters are active.
  • Deleted?: Check the “Recycle Bin” in Settings.

💎 Subscription & Pro

Purchase Questions (⭐)

Q15: What is included in MononoMori Pro?

A: Pro unlocks the full potential of your forest:

  • ♾️ Unlimited Items: Break the free limit (e.g., 50 items).
  • 👁️ AI Smart Scan: Unlimited AI recognition.
  • ☁️ 200GB Cloud Sync: Larger sync capacity support.
  • 📊 Advanced Analytics: Charts for item values, category breakdown.
  • 📥 High-Res Export: Full backup with original quality photos.
  • 🎨 Premium Themes: Exclusive icons and color themes.

💡 Lifetime Option: Besides subscriptions, we offer a One-Time Purchase option. Pay once, own forever.

Q16: How do I cancel subscription?

A: Managed by Apple.

  1. Open iOS Settings > Tap your Name.
  2. Tap “Subscriptions”.
  3. Select “MononoMori”.
  4. Tap “Cancel Subscription”.
  • Note: Your data is SAFE. Even after cancelling, we never delete your data. You just lose access to Pro features (like adding new items beyond limit).

Q17: I paid but Pro features are not active!

A: Try “Restore Purchases”.

  1. Go to MononoMori Settings > Premium.
  2. Tap “Restore Purchases” at the bottom.
  3. If that doesn’t work, ensure you are logged in with the Buyer’s Apple ID.

🎨 Collections, Essentials & Everyday Usage

Beginner Questions (⭐)

Q18: Can I use MononoMori to catalog collections, anime merch, or hobby items?

A: Yes, it is designed to be a premier collection organizer. Whether you collect anime figurines, acrylic stands, enamel badges, sneakers, vintage fountain pens, books, or rare trading cards, MononoMori lets you showcase them in a clean visual forest:

  • AI Background Removal: Automatically isolates the item against clean paper cards, creating an official-catalog feel.
  • Specific Shelves & Showcase Boxes: Track exact shelf tiers, drawers, and display cases so you can locate any collectible in seconds.
  • Share Cards: Generate beautiful graphic cards in a couple of taps to share on social media or collector marketplaces.

Q19: Can it manage daily essentials, pantry items, and warranty expiry dates?

A: Yes, MononoMori is an effective home inventory and expiry tracker.

  • Daily Essentials & Consumables: Track counts and restock locations for home supplies, coffee beans, and medications.
  • Gentle Expiry Notifications: Set reminders for cosmetic PAO (Period After Opening), food or pantry expiration dates, and electronics warranty terms. Receive gentle alerts before items expire.

Q20: Is there an Android version available? What devices are supported?

A: MononoMori is currently an iOS-exclusive app optimized for iPhone and iPad. We chose modern Apple native technologies (SwiftUI) and a local-first privacy sandbox with private iCloud synchronization to deliver maximum responsiveness, battery efficiency, and zero server-tracking peace of mind. It supports devices running iOS 17.0 or later. We are actively evaluating Android and Web versions for our future roadmap based on community demand.

Q21: Is MononoMori free to use?

A: Yes, it is completely free to download from the iOS App Store. Core organization features—building custom spaces, creating cards with photos, searching, tags, and item locations—are 100% free to start. You can begin with just one drawer, a shelf, or a favorite collection.

Q22: How does the AI Photo Scan work?

A: Simply point your camera at an item and snap a photo. The on-device and private cloud AI recognizes the item, strips distracting background clutter automatically, and suggests titles and categories. You get a pristine digital card in seconds without tedious typing.

Q23: What is the “Basket” (Packing List) feature?

A: Baskets are dynamic packing lists tailored for specific activities like traveling, camping trips, disaster readiness emergency kits, or shopping runs. You can aggregate items that live in different rooms (e.g. passport from the study, clothes from the closet, chargers from the bedside table) into one unified Basket to inspect what is packed and what is still missing.

Q24: How does MononoMori help minimalists declutter? What is the “Memory Forest”?

A: MononoMori approaches decluttering with mindful compassion. In the Memory Forest, you can record an item’s origin, sentimental photos, and reasons for parting before donating, gifting, or selling it. Even after an object leaves your home, its warmth and memories stay safe in your forest. Letting go does not mean forgetting.

🆘 Support

Contact Us

If you have more questions, we are here to help.

  • Email: [email protected] (Response within 24h)
  • Twitter/X: @MononoMori_app
  • In-App: Settings > Help & Feedback

Let’s build a better forest together. 🌲