vCollection for iPhone
1 Overview
vCollection is an application designed for art collectors and exists in two versions:
Standalone – for Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone.
Cloud – for web browser (multi-device), or as an app for iPad and iPhone.
2 Usage
Open on the cloud
On iPhone, if you have a vCollection Cloud subscription, the app allows you to connect to your online collection via the Open on the cloud button. The URL and login credentials are sent to you by email. The cloud allows you to share your collection in real time or generate a website from vCollection.
Open on my device
If you have not taken out a cloud subscription with us, you can use vCollection locally on your iPhone without any restrictions. However, remember to regularly back up the content of your iPhone or export the vCollection database to another device or location, for example to iCloud.
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
Delete test data
When you first open the local file ("Open on my device" – see Screenshot 1), the app will offer to import some test data to help you get started.
Click on the [User Settings] icon at the bottom left of the "All" window (see Screenshot 2), scroll down to the bottom of the settings window, then click on Delete test data. Data you enter afterwards will not be affected.
Create and delete records
In list view, click on the menu at the bottom left of the window (see Screenshot 3), then on + Add New to create a new record, or on Duplicate to duplicate the active record. Fill in or modify the fields that best describe your item, or create custom fields by clicking on +New custom field. After creating a custom field, click on Other… to enter a label or choose one from the existing list. This list, similar to others in vCollection, automatically recalls previously entered information. You can create as many fields as you wish. Only the first 3 fields are visible in edit mode. Scroll to see hidden fields.
To delete a record, click on -Delete. It is also possible to delete a record in Edit mode via the Delete button at the very bottom of the window (see the paragraph following Edit a record).
Screenshot 3
Screenshot 4
Edit a record
Activate the desired record, then click on the [Edit] button at the bottom left of the record window (see Screenshot 4) to enter edit mode.
Sort records
You can choose a sorting criterion via the [Sort] button, visible by activating the menu. This menu is only visible in list view. To display records as a slideshow or as thumbnails, click on [View] to choose the appropriate mode.
Screenshot 5
Screenshot 6
Search for data
Quick search
In list or thumbnail view, when you click on the [Search] button, you will display the quick search field (see Screenshot 6). Quick search is based on a single criterion and therefore the result may lack relevance. If, for example, you want to display records for a given artist, quick search will give satisfactory results, but if you want to display, for example, paintings by the same artist while omitting drawings, you need to use advanced search. Similarly if you want to display works by two or more artists at once.
Multi-criteria advanced search
To switch to advanced search mode, you must click on the [Search] button as with quick search, but while on a record, not in list or thumbnail view. Here you can enter multiple search criteria, and even create several queries using the +New button. If you need to find records concerning two artists, you can enter the first artist's name in the first query, then click on +New, and enter the second artist's name in the new query.
Display all records
After a search, to display all records, click on the button showing the current record number followed by the total number, at the bottom of the window.
3 User Settings
Display the options panel (or settings) by clicking on the [Settings] button (see Screenshot 2). This button is only accessible on the first window of the local or cloud vCollection file you open.
Enter inventory numbers automatically
By clicking on the name of this option, you can define a prefix, the numbering type (1,2,3… 01,02,03… etc.), and the number from which you wish to start numbering. The Initialize button allows you to renumber all existing records according to the predefined criteria.
Resize images on insertion
Click on the name of this option to set the maximum width and height for inserted images.
Show navigation arrows – displays two arrows when you are on a record or in Slideshow mode.
Show reference in header – displays the reference just below the artist's or author's name.
Update from the cloud
If you have a vCollection cloud subscription, you can use this command to update your local file data (stored on your device) with data you have already entered on the cloud. Records that exist only on your device will not be affected.
Export local copy
It is important to back up your collection regularly. This command allows you to save the local file to another location, for example iCloud Drive.
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Screenshot 8
Change password – allows you to secure access to vCollection with an individual password or change the existing password.
4 Print
vCollection contains a number of predefined print templates. To start printing, first display a record, then click on the [Actions] button (see Screenshot 4), then click on Print. The [Actions] menu allows you to perform other image-related operations, such as viewing them full screen or sending them by email.