Aide de vCollection

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Sharing Data

Using Dropbox

Using a cloud service like Dropbox allows you to share vCollection between two computers. Note that this system does not allow you to use vCollection on both computers at the same time as you might end up with duplicate data.

To install vCollection in the Dropbox folder, choose this folder during installation by clicking the Other location... button, or if you have already installed vCollection, move the vCollection folder to the Dropbox folder. On a Mac with a recent macOS, to move an item outside the Applications folder, you need to hold down the cmd key during the drag and drop. Otherwise only an alias will be created instead of moving the folder.

Using FileMaker

vCollection is compatible with FileMaker Pro 18 (or later) which includes sharing functions.

FileMaker Pro needs to be installed on each computer that uses vCollection. vCollection should only be installed on the main computer that will host the database and play the role of the server. To share data with other users, you need to open the vCollection.vcl file (located inside the vCollection folder) using FileMaker, with the FileMaker sharing feature enabled.

See FileMaker Help for details on sharing files.

Using the Cloud

We offer a cloud service for those who wish to access their collections remotely. You can find more information about this option on the vCollection web page.

Using the Finder

The procedure is the same as for recovering data using Finder. See the previous chapter for the step-by-step procedure.

Sharing between Computers and iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad)

Data contained in vCollection can be transferred from a computer (Mac or PC) to an iPhone or iPad, and vice versa. To do this, the iOS device must be connected to the computer via a Lightning (or USB-C) to USB or USB-C cable, depending on your devices. This cable is usually provided with the iOS device.

macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and earlier

Transfer is done via iTunes software, as with other file sharing between computers and iOS devices. iTunes is installed by default on recent Macs. Otherwise, you must download it from Apple's website.

  • 1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac via a USB cable.

  • 2. Launch iTunes and click on the name of your iPhone or iPad.

  • 3. In the main window, click on the Apps menu. Depending on your Mac version, window and tab names may differ.

  • 4. Scroll down to the bottom of the window to File Sharing.

  • 5. Under File Sharing, you have two columns: Apps and Documents. Under Apps, click on vCollection..

  • 6. The file containing the data is called vCollection200.vcl. The number 200 indicates the version of vCollection on iOS and may be different from 200. It is important to note it, as it will be used in step 8.

  • 7. Now, locate the vCollection.vcl file on your Mac. It should be in Applications/vCollection.

    vCollection.vcl

  • 8. Duplicate vCollection.vcl (on your desktop, for example). Rename it to vCollection200.vcl (see step 6).

  • 9. Drag vCollection200.vcl onto vCollection in iTunes, replacing the existing file. You should find the same data on your iPhone or iPad as on your computer. You can, beforehand, back up the vCollection.vcl file located on iOS to your computer.

  • Transfer of this file can be done in both directions.

macOS 10.15 Catalina and later

If you are using macOS 10.15 Catalina or later, the connection between Mac and iOS devices is done directly via Finder, without going through iTunes. Simply connect your iPhone or iPad via a USB cable to your Mac to see it appear in the sidebar of windows, as shown in the screenshot below.

iPad Pro connected to macOS Catalina

After connecting your iOS device, click on its name, then on Files > vCollection, as shown in the screenshot above. Then repeat steps 6 to 9 from the previous paragraph.

Windows

To transfer vCollection data between iPhone/iPad and Windows, you need iTunes for Windows. After downloading and installing it, the procedure is the same as for macOS 10.14 and earlier.

Exporting Data

To export vCollection data, go to File > Export Records from the menu bar, then choose to export the current record or the found records, as well as the export format (Excel, FileMaker, or tab-delimited text). Check the Export images and/or Export documents boxes as needed, then click OK. If you choose the FileMaker export format, images and documents are exported by default and are embedded in the file. If you export to Excel, images and documents will be grouped into subfolders located in the same place as the Excel file.