Index Card - Frequently Asked Questions

We do our best to build reliable, user-friendly, intuitive products that help restore a sense of child-like wonder to your life. In short, products that we would want to use! Unlike Compu-Global-Hyper-Mega-Net, we're a small shop and without a team of marketing flacks and code monkeys it's possible we missed something.

If something isn't obvious to you, your first stop should be the Tutorial Project. In addition to being a handy overview of Index Card features and concepts, it's also an example of the RFT output. Yep. The tutorial was actually created with Index Card. Chances are what you want to know is right in there. If you still have questions, or absolutely refuse to read documentation try the following list:

Who is Index Card intended for?
Index Card will assist in writing, structuring, and managing a large project by allowing you to work in small easily manageable chunks. Whether you are a novelist, screen writer, academic researcher, comic writer, or journalist, Index Card can help you get it out of your brain and on to the page.

How do I rearrange cards?
When in the corkboard view, you can move a card by touch-and-hold (the card will grow to indicate it's selected), then drag it to the desired location. Other cards will automatically align to their new position. Very similar to how you organize titles in the Apple iBooks app.
Index Card File Sharing

In the outline view, touch the "Edit" button to enter edit mode. You can then drag rows reorder them using the Row reorder control (three horizontal lines on the right side of the row).

Why do the cards snap to a grid? Why can't I place them randomly on the corkboard?
A key feature of Index Card is the ability to compile your cards into a single long document. In order for this to work, your cards must have a clearly defined sequential order so that your document flows as intended on export.

If you are looking for arbitrary placement of items, or card chaos as I like to call it, rest assured there's an app for that. It's just not in the cards for Index Card.

Where are my exported files?
Use iTunes to access exported projects via your computer. See iPad: About File Sharing for the official directions, straight from Apple.
Index Card File Sharing

Can Index Card import documents?
Index Card can import projects in the .indexcard file format created by the Index Card app, and also collections exported from the Scrivener Mac OS X app. iPad applications such as Mail and Dropbox will give you the option to "Open in..." when they encounter a .indexcard file. Selecting the Index Card app from the list will automatically launch the app and import the project.
Index Card File Sharing

How do I rename a project or stack?
When viewing a project (or contents of a stack), tapping its name on the toolbar will bring up the iPad keyboard and allow you to rename it.

How do I change the color / label for a project?
When creating a new card, or editing an existing card, you can change the label for a card by tapping it. You will need to rotate your iPad to portrait, otherwise it may be hidden by the keyboard.
Label Selection Popover

Is there a limit to the number of cards or projects I can have?
The number of cards or projects you can have in Index Card will vary depending on the amount of space and/or memory available on your device. Index Card does not impose a hard limit on the number of cards or projects allowed.

How do I turn the cork background (or other feature) ON / OFF?
Most of Index Card setting options, including the cork background, can be controlled through the settings popover. Access it by touching the gears button on the toolbar.
Index Card Settings

Is there a version of Index Card for my Mac or Windows computer?
Index Card was built from the ground up for iPad. I highly recommend that Mac OS X users check out Scrivener by Literature & Latte which has the ability to sync with Index Card for iPad.

How do I sync projects with Scrivener?
Starting with Scrivener 2.0, you can sync projects with Index Card. This includes the title, synopsis, and order of cards in your project. The folks at Literature & Latte have put together a fantastic video on how to sync Scrivener with Index Card for iPad. You can also find printed instructions in the Index Card for iPad section of the Scrivener User Manual.

How do I backup or retrieve projects if I upgrade or restore my iPad?
If you have been exporting projects as .indexcard files, you can reimport them via the iPad Mail or Dropbox apps. Otherwise, you could try Restore from Backup: If you have been synching your device, this is an option that could restore your information as iTunes backups include Application settings, preferences, and data. Note that restore is a device-level operation that will return your iPad to the state of its last synch.

Does Index Card work with an external monitor or projector?
Using the Apple Digital AV Adapter accessory, your iPad 2 has video mirroring capability. You can connect to any HDMI compatible display and it will mirror anything your iPad 2 has on screen. This includes Index Card.

Can I get an educational discount?
Volume pricing for Index Card has been enabled via the iTunes App Store. It allows educational institutions who purchase multiple copies of the same app at once to receive a discount. Learn more about the App Store Volume Purchase Program.

How do I request a new feature or report a bug?
We appreciate your purchase of Index Card and will do our best to respond to your requests. Please use our Support Form to get in touch with us. Even if we can't get back to you right away, we do read all the requests we receive.

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