App Overview
- Packing lists
With this app, you can create as many totally customized packing lists as you desire. You can keep track of what's packed and what's not with check marks, as well as sub-total numbers for each category. Each item in the list can also be described with several attributes: number, weight, value, person, bag and note.
- Sample lists
Several examples of typical packing lists have been provided within the app (four for Packing and eight for Packing Pro). Feel free to look over them for ideas and suggestions.
- Templates
Use any of the Sample Lists, or any of your own existing lists, as a template to create a new packing list. This is a quick and easy way for getting started on your own new personalized list.
- Master Catalog
Packing has an extensive Master Catalog containing over 400 items and to-do tasks, while Packing Pro has over 800. This catalog is organized in a 3-level tree structure (Categories, Types, and Items) which makes item location much easier. The Master Catalog is also 100% customizable, as well.
Home / Front Page
- iPhone vs. iPad
Since both Packing & Packing Pro are universal apps, they will both run well on either the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. For the iPhone & iPod touch, only one screen can be displayed at a time, so most of the action will be forward and backward, screen by screen, branching out from the home page. The iPad, though, has a bigger screen and can support two panes at the same time. Most of the menu navigation will occur on the left pane, while the details (packing lists, catalog entries & info) will be shown on the right. Much of the editing and other actions will occur in popover windows. Besides these differences, the workflow for these apps will be the same across all devices.
- Layout & overview
The home page is where you arrive once the app is completely loaded for the first time. On the iPad, this will appear as a menu list on the left. The first item is "My Lists", which will head a group of all of your existing packing lists. Tap on any of them to enter the specified packing list detail page, tap on the plus icon to create a new list, or see #4 below to edit one. In the second grouping you'll find "Master Catalog", "Settings" and "Info" (in Packing Pro, these three menu items can be accessed via tab buttons on the bottom).
- Create a new list:
Once you tap the plus icon on the home page and enter the "Create New List" page, you will be presented with seven options:
- "from an existing packing list"
Tap on this, then choose a packing list from a list of your previously created packing lists. Once tapped, you will be asked to name the new list and give it a departure date. Either of these can be edited in the future. "Save" this list and start making any modifications to it that you like.
- "from a sample packing list"
Tap on this, then choose from an option of four included sample packing lists (eight in Packing Pro). Again, you will be asked for a name and departure date for this new list. "Save" this list and start making any modifications to it that you like.
- "from scratch"
Tap on this to create a blank packing list. Once again, you will be asked for a name and departure date for this new list. Tapping "Save" will actually create the list and bring you to the packing list detail page, where you can start building the list.
- "restore a deleted packing list"
Tap on this if you have second thoughts about one of your previously deleted packing lists and you want to bring it back. If you want to permanently delete any of the lists on the "Restore Deleted" screen, just swipe it from left to right, or tap the "Edit" button to bring up the deletion controls.
- "import list from Contacts"
Tap on this to create a new list by importing from Contacts. See below for more details.
- "import list from iTunes" (*Pro feature)
Tap on this to import (or export) a list via iTunes' File Sharing. (*minimum iOS 4.0 required)
- "with Expert help" (*Pro feature)
Tap on this to quickly and 'automajically' make a list based on the following attributes:
- # of male adults
- # of female adults
- # of children
- # of days of trip
- Temperature (cold / mild / hot)
- Destination (domestic / international)
- Food preparation (by others / by self)
- Wash (by machine / by hand)
Set the attributes as desired and "Create" the list. Name it, give it a departure date, save it, and then refine it on the packing list detail screen in any way you see fit.
- Edit lists:
On the home page, if you press the "Edit" button, you can do the following things to your packing lists:
- sort lists
In Edit mode, just touch the three bars to the right of your target list and drag it up or down to manually sort its order.
- delete lists
Tap the red icon to the left of the target list, then tap on the "Delete" button to delete it (it's also sent to the "Restore Delete" lists screen, which functions similarly to a trash can). Also, in normal, non-edit mode, you can swipe to delete these lists as well.
- rename, reset departure date & leave a note
Tap on the name of the target list to directly edit its name, or tap on the blue arrow to enter the "Edit List Info" screen. Feel free to edit the list name here, as well as the departure date (by tapping on the "(TBD)" or date button) and an optional note. "Save" any changes you make, or tap "Lists" (or outside of the popover on an iPad) to cancel the edit.
- "Master Catalog":
Tap on "Master Catalog" to access the catalog management pages (see below).
- "Settings":
Tap on "Settings" to access the settings page. Also found there is "Import / Export" & "Customized Design" (Pro feature).
- "Info":
On the home page, tap on "Info" to access all the app and feedback information in one place. On the iPad, you will see this, along with the home menu, on app startup, or by tapping "Info" on the menu. App info includes in-app Instructions, What's New (update history), Credits and (for Packing), Packing Pro Feature & In-app Upgrade Options (see below), while Feedback info includes options to contact the developer directly, conveniently tell your friends about the app (via email, Facebook or Twitter), gift this app, leave a review or rating on the iTunes App Store, visit QuinnScape's website, Facebook page or Twitter page, or visit the "Other Apps by Quinn" page on the iTunes App Store.
Packing Pro Special Features
Packing Pro is a super-enhanced version of the basic Packing app. Besides all the great functions and flexibility of Packing, Packing Pro also features an improved layout for more organized work, a huge Master Catalog for easier packing list creation, twice as many sample lists, an Expert list generation tool, app design customization options, a Smart Search function, landscape orientation support for easier typing & viewing and packing list file sharing & out-of-app editing via email and iTunes' File Sharing.
- Superior Layout & Navigation (iPhone / iPod touch)
One of the most obvious differences between Packing and Packing Pro is the improved layout & navigation of Packing Pro. You will notice a tab bar at the bottom of the screen, which divides the app into four distinct function groupings:
- Lists: View and manage your packing lists.
- Catalog: View and manage the Master Catalog.
- Settings: Access the app-wide settings, as well as Import / Export & Customer Design (Pro feature).
- Info: Easily access app info, instructions & feedback options.
- Huge Master Catalog
Packing Pro has an extensive Master Catalog containing over 800 items and to-do tasks -- double the size of Packing's catalog -- and includes five extra task-oriented and family-friendly categories: To Do (mid-trip), To Do (post-trip), Babies, Kids & Pets.
- Twice as Many Sample Lists
Packing Pro, in addition to the four Sample Lists included in the basic Packing app, now offers four more: for couples, for families, for business trips and for camping trips.
- Expert List Generation Tool
The Expert list generation tool is a powerful function that 'automajically' helps you create a packing list tailored to your specific needs. It employs the following attributes:
- # of people (male adults, female adults, children)
- # of days
- Temperature (cold / mild / hot)
- Destination (domestic / international)
- Food prep (by others / by self)
- Wash (by machine / by hand)
Based on all of the above factors, the Expert tool will generate a highly customized list that you can then use as a starting point for even greater personalization.
- Customized Design
Another fun and appealing feature that Packing Pro offers is the ability to modify the entire look and feel of the app. No longer are you locked into the dull, gray-scale Apple-standard colors of other typical apps. Now you have complete control over the following:
- Themes
Easily spice up your packing experience with a single touch by choosing one of several pre-configured sets of pleasing color, font and layout combinations. Pick one to match your next trip, or further customize any to fit your our personality.
- Layout
Choose how, and what, information is displayed on your packing list detail screen. Newly added options include showing or hiding notes, person & bag icons and number pads. (newly improved!)
- Colors & Textures
Pick your own favorite colors for the top bar, background, table cells and text colors. Combine them with background textures for extra effect. Change them whenever you like to match your current mood. (newly improved!)
- Font
Choose between several options for better readability, space management, or simple personal preference.
- Smart Search
Using Smart Search is an easy & intuitive way to find the item, type or category you want, be it located in a packing list or the Master Catalog. Selection takes you to the correct spot in the list, or to the Master Catalog's multi-selection page, or helps add the item directly to your list. If no matching item is found, you can directly create one and add it to your list from here.
- Landscape Orientation
Landscape orientation support (on the iPhone/iPod touch) allows you to tilt your device length-wise to view longer list & item names, as well as use the larger keyboard for easier & much more comfortable typing.
- Packing List File Sharing (*new!)
Now you can share packing lists with family, friends and fellow travelers via email (import/export) and iTunes' File Sharing. With email, you can send your list across the room or around the world. (*minimum iPhone OS 4.0 required)
- CSV Import / Export (*new!)
Export your packing list, edit it on a PC w/ Excel, Numbers, Google Docs, etc., and then re-import it back into the app. You can also copy-and-paste your PC-based list into a blank template and load it into the app for mobile use. See below for more info. (*minimum iPhone OS 4.0 required)
For a more extensive, organized and enjoyable packing experience, consider Packing Pro today! Now, with IN-APP PURCHASING SUPPORT (see below), you can save money by downloading content and features directly from within the Packing app (instead of buying the whole Packing Pro app from scratch). Choose between upgrading your Master Catalog to Pro-level (400 extra items), or acquire Pro-level features (all of the above except the Pro-level catalog), or a full combo. The choice is yours!
Packing List Management
- Packing list overview:
The packing list detail screen can be accessed from the home page by tapping on any of the packing lists there. A typical packing list will have several Categories, each filled with several Items. Each Category can be expanded and collapsed by tapping the little green triangle to the left of each Category name. Between the triangle and the name, there is an editable icon. To the right of each Category name, there are two numbers: the first represents the number of Items checked off within that Category, and the second shows the total number of Items in that Category. Thus, '3/5' means that 3 of the 5 Items in that Category have been checked off, or 'packed' already, and '8/8' means that all 8 Items in this Category have already been packed. To the far right, there's a plus icon for adding new items to the category.
Each Item has a row that contains a check box on the left, then a Type name (in a lighter color), then the actual Item name, and finally the number of these Items (this Item-line layout can be adjusted with Packing Pro). Items can be checked or unchecked by tapping the check box, or edited by tapping on the name.
- Add Items to a packing list:
To add new Items to a packing list, either tap the plus icon or tap on "Edit". If it's a new list created from scratch, just tap on "Add Item in New Category".
- Direct / Pick / Search
In Edit mode, at the bottom of each Category grouping, you will see three options: Direct, Pick & Search. Direct allows you to type in a new item directly on the list. Search will let you search for an item to add (Pro feature). Tapping on Pick will bring you to a screen listing all the Master Catalog Types of that Category. To the left of each name, you'll see a small empty circle. Tapping it will fill it with red -- this means that you have selected it and ALL of the Items it contains. Tapping it again will clear it. Tap on the name of any Type to move on to the Item list screen. Tapping circles or names here will select or deselect the Item. When an Item is selected here, a number pad will also appear on the right. It indicates the number of that particular Item that will be added to your list. This number comes from the Master Catalog's record for this Item. Tapping + or - will adjust the amount placed in the basket. If you return to the Type list page, you may notice a half-filled red circle -- this means that one or some of the Items of this Type have been chosen, but not all of them. Tapping it will clear all of these Items from your temporary basket. Grayed-out, italicized names indicate that that particular Item, or all of the Items within that Type or Category, are already on the packing list (this safeguards against duplicate-item entry). When you've chosen everything you want, be sure to "Save" it to your actual packing list.
- "Add Item to New Category"
If you're starting out with a blank list (from scratch), or your current list doesn't yet have a particular Category, then press "Add Item to New Category" (at the bottom of the list). You will be taken to a screen listing all of the Categories in your Master Catalog. To the left of each name, you'll see a small empty circle. Tapping it will fill it with red -- this means that you have selected it and ALL of the Types and Items it contains. Tapping it again will clear it. Tap on the name of any Category to move on to the Type list screen, where you can do the same as above. Tap on the name of any Type to move on to the Item list screen. Tapping circles or names here will select or deselect the Item. When an Item is selected here, a number pad will also appear on the right. It indicates the number of that particular Item that will be added to your list. This number comes from the Master Catalog's record for this Item. Tapping + or - will adjust the amount placed in the basket. If you return to the Type or Category list page, you may notice a half-filled red circle -- this means that one or some of the Items and/or Types of this Type or Category have been chosen, but not all of them. Tapping it will clear all of these Types and/or Items from your temporary basket. Grayed-out, italicized names indicate that that particular Item, or all of the Items within that Type or Category, are already on the packing list (this safeguards against duplicate-item entry). When you've chosen everything you want, be sure to "Save" it to your actual packing list.
- Delete Items:
- swipe to delete
In normal (not Edit) mode, feel free to swipe your finger from left to right across any Item to bring up a "Delete" confirmation button. Delete it, or cancel the action by tapping elsewhere on the list.
- edit mode delete
To delete Items, you can also tap the "Edit" button at the top of the page. Red icons will appear to the left of each Item. Tap one, then tap the "Delete" confirmation button to actually delete it, or cancel the action by tapping elsewhere on the list. When finished, please tap "Done".
- Delete Categories:
To delete whole Categories, first tap "Edit", then tap the red icon to the right of the Category name. A popup will ask you to confirm the action, as it could affect quite a few Items on your list.
- Edit Items: (newly improved!)
You can edit any Item on your list at any time (in both normal and editing mode). Just tap on the name, and you will be taken to the "Item Detail" screen. There, you will see the following attributes:
- Type name: Modify it however you wish.
- Item name: Modify it however you wish.
- Number: Represents the number or amount of this Item that you wish to pack.
- Weight: Choose between kg/g and lb/oz, and enter the weight of the Item.
- Value: Choose your native currency, and enter the value of the Item.
- Person: Choose the person that this Item belongs to or is associated with.
- Bag: Choose the bag where this Item is or will be packed.
- Note: Add any kind of note here, for your reference.
Please remember that any changes you make here to the Type or Item will not affect its naming or placement in the Master Catalog. Also, the Weight, Value, Person, Bag and Note attributes are optional.
- Edit packing list Category names, icons & Master Catalog linkage (newly improved!)
To edit the name, icon and/or Master Catalog linkage of a Category on your packing list, first tap "Edit", then tap on the name of the target Category. Modify the name as you wish, and feel free to replace the default icon with another from the provided list. To link this packing list Category to a different one in the Master Catalog, tap on the "Linked to:" name, choose a Master Catalog Category from the list, and "OK" it. Tap "Done" to save it. Please note that changes made here will only appear on your current packing list, and will not affect the Master Catalog in any way.
- Sorting packing list Items
There are many ways to sort the Items on your packing list. The default method is by hand (manual). Just tap on "Edit" and drag and drop Items wherever you want (even into different Categories). For more powerful sorting, tap on the gear icon at the top of the page, then tap on "Sort". The first row has three options:
- "Show All": Will show everything on your list (no automatic sorting)
- "Show Unpacked": Will only show Items that are not yet packed (no check marks)
- "Show Packed": Will only show Items that are already packed (have check marks)
The second row has three more options:
- "Sort Manually": No automatic sorting done.
- "Sort by Type": Automatically sorts all Items (within their own Categories) alphabetically by Type. Items with the same Type will also be sorted alphabetically.
- "Sort by Item": Automatically sorts all Items (within their own Categories) alphabetically, regardless of the Types of each Item.
Please note that when using "Sort by Type" or "Sort by Item", sorting will be automatic and in real time, so you will not be able to manually drag and drop Items. Also, sorting Items by packed or unpacked status may also disrupt any manual ordering of Items that you may have done. If it is important to you to order Items exactly as you wish, then please use the "Show all" and "Sort Manually" settings. If, however, these other sorting options are of use to you, then please feel free to use them.
- Sorting packing list Categories:
If you wish to alter the order of the packing list Category groups, then please first enter "Edit" mode, then scroll to the bottom of the list and tap on "Reorder List Categories". Drag and drop the List Categories into whatever order you wish, and the result is saved automatically.
- Other packing list functions:
There are several other special functions on the packing list page. Tap on the gear icon at the top to reveal:
- Check all;
Tap on this to add check marks next to every Item on your list (meaning that everything is 'packed')
- Clear all;
Tap on this to remove all check marks from your list (everything has been 'unpacked')
- Open All (new)
Tap on this to open, or expand, all of the categories on your list.
- Close All (new)
Tap on this to close, or collapse, all of the categories on your list.
- "Total" (for Weight & Value)
Takes you to a screen with totals and subtotals of the weight and value of all of the Items on your packing list. This can be very useful for weight-critical camping or mountaineering trips, as well as for avoiding excess and/or overweight baggage fees. The value totals can also come in handy if you are ever unfortunate enough to lose your luggage or have it stolen, especially with insurance claims.
- Smart Search (*Packing Pro feature)
Helps you find the item, type or category you want, be it located in a packing list or the Master Catalog. Selection takes you to the correct spot in the list, or to the Master Catalog's multi-selection page, or helps add the item directly to your list. If no matching item is found, you can directly create one and add it to your list.
- List Sharing (*new)
Tapping this icon will bring you to a page with lots of options. You can email a text version of your list for easy print out. This email will also have an attached file which you could re-import into your app (or someone else's) via the Mail app on your iOS device*. You can also export this list as a record in the Contacts app for sharing with other apps or devices ("app-to-app or device"). Additionally, you can export this list as a file into the iTunes' shared folder ("device-to-computer")*. Besides sharing lists, you can also trade advice, achievements & tips with your family, friends & other travelers via email, Facebook or Twitter.
* Packing Pro or Packing w/ Pro-level in-app upgrade & minimum iOS 4.0 required for email attachment import and iTunes shared folder import/export
Master Catalog Management
- Master Catalog overview
The Master Catalog contains over 400 items and to do tasks in the Packing app, and over 800 in Packing Pro. It is organized in a three-level tree structure: Categories, Types, and Items. You can add, delete, rename and reorder any Category, Type or Item that you want. To view and/or edit the Master Catalog directly, just tap on "Master Catalog" on the home page, or tap on the "Catalog" tab on the bottom in Packing Pro.
- Add Categories / Types / Items
You can add new Categories, Types and Items by tapping "other (user defined)" near the bottom of the list (in either normal or edit mode). Just type the name you want & hit return to directly add it to the list. If you want to change the default icon (if it's a Category) or details (if it's an Item), tap the blue arrow to enter the detail page. Make the changes you want and press "Done" to save it. If it's a new Category, be sure to populate it with one or more Types, and then create several new Items for each of those new Types.
- Delete Categories / Types / Items
There are two ways to delete things in the Master Catalog:
- swipe to delete
In normal mode, simply swipe your finger across the target name from left to right, then tap "Delete" to confirm the deletion. To cancel the action, just tap anywhere else.
- edit mode delete
Tap "Edit" at the top to enter edit mode, then tap the red icon to the left of the name. Tap "Delete" to confirm the deletion, or tap elsewhere to cancel the action.
Be very careful when deleting Categories or Types from the Master Catalog, as all of their associated Types and Items will also be deleted with that action.
- Edit Categories /Types / Items
To edit the name of any Category, Type or Item, first enter editing mode by tapping "Edit", then tap on the target name. Just edit it the way you want directly on the list & hit return to save it. If you want to change the icon (if it's a Category) or details (if it's an Item), tap the blue arrow to enter the detail page. Make the changes you want and tap "Save" to save it and return to the original list.
- Edit Item Details (new!)
Navigate through the Master Catalog's Categories, Types & Items screens to get to an individual Item's detail screen ("Edit Catalog Item"). There, you will see the following attributes:
- Category: Modify it if you wish to move or copy the Item to another Category (see below).
- Type: Modify it if you wish to move or copy the Item to another Type (see below).
- ITEM: Modify it however you wish.
- Weight: Choose between kg/g and lb/oz, and enter the weight of the Item.
- Value: Choose your native currency, and enter the value of the Item.
- Number: Represents the number or amount of this Item for this record.
- Person: Choose the person that this Item belongs to or is associated with.
- Bag: Choose the bag where this Item should or will be packed.
- Note: Add any kind of note here, for your reference.
The Weight, Value, Person, Bag and Note attributes are all optional. Please remember that any changes you make here are changes to the Master Catalog. Adding this item to a packing list after these changes have been made will carry over these details along with the item itself. Afterwards, if wished, they can still be overridden within the packing list.
- Move / Copy Types / Items
To move or make a copy of any Type, first enter editing mode by tapping "Edit", then tap on the target Type. For Items, just go to that Catalog Item's detail page (see above). Tap on the Category or Type name to enter a screen listing all of the current alternate options. Pick one and "OK" it, or hit "Back" to return to the previous screen. If the target is an Item, and you've chosen a different Category for it, be sure to choose an appropriate Type as well. Once ready, tap "Save" and pick one of the options: "Move it" to remove the Item or Type from its current location and add it to the new one, or "Copy it" to leave the Item or Type in its current location, while creating a duplicate in the new location.
- Sort Categories / Types / Items
To sort a Category, Type or Item, first enter editing mode by tapping "Edit", then drag and drop the names however you wish. Tap "Done" to save your changes.
- "Clone a Category" (new!)
Easily make a copy of any existing Category you wish. Give it a unique name, like "Clothes (husband)" and use it in any of your packing lists.
- Restore deleted Categories
To restore / recover a previously deleted Master Catalog Category, tap on "restore deleted category" on the "Categories" page. Tap on any Category there to undelete it and return it to the Master Catalog. If you want to permanently delete any of these Categories, either swipe to delete it or enter editing mode to delete it.
- Restore previous Master Catalogs
To restore / recover a previously replaced Master Catalog, tap on "restore Master Catalog" on the "Categories" page. Tap on any Master Catalog listed there to make it the current Master Catalog. The previous Master Catalog will now show up on this list, with a date when it was replaced (today) and how many Categories and Items it contains, for future reference. If you want to restore the default Master Catalog (from the most current version), tap on "default Master Catalog". If you want to permanently delete a Master Catalog, either swipe to delete it or enter editing mode to delete it.
Import / Export Content
- Import / Export overview:
Accessed via the "Settings" page, this Import / Export function allows you to do several things:
- copy packing list Categories from one packing list to another
- quickly build a modular list from scratch
- backup your lists and catalogs outside of the actual app
- copy packing lists & Master Catalogs (and their Categories) between Packing & Packing Pro
- copy any of the above between other iPhones, iPod touches & iPads (*with the help of one of several available free, 3rd-party apps)
- use iTunes' File Sharing to move list files between your device & computer (*Packing Pro & minimum iOS 4.0 required)
- attach list file to an email, and re-import it back into the app (*Packing Pro & minimum iOS 4.0 required)
As you can see, this function greatly expands the reach & mobility of your data. It does so by borrowing space in your Contacts app. All exported data (except for email attachments & iTunes' File Sharing files) is stored there under names starting with ".Packing..." or ".Pack...", so they will appear out of your way, at the bottom of your Contact list. Feel free to delete them after you've made your transfer, either from within the app or in Contacts, but please don't directly alter any of the data from within Contacts. You can also keep this data in Contacts as a form of long-term backup. The following instructions describe the 'Contacts' way of importing & exporting, as used by the "list-to-list", "app-to-app" and "device-to-device" options on the Import / Export "Choose Type" screen. Please see further below for the "device-to-computer" (iTunes' File Sharing) and "device-to-anywhere" (export as email attachment) methods.
- Packing lists / list Categories:
- Exporting
From the "Import / Export" page, choose "Export packing list / category". Tap on your target packing list, and then choose to export either the entire packing list, or part of it (one of its Categories).
- Importing
From the "Import / Export" page, choose "Import packing list / category". As you can see, there are several details about each record here: packing list or list Category name, date exported, # of Categories & Items (for packing lists) and packing list origin (for list Categories). Tap on anything under "Packing Lists" to import that list into your app. Tap on anything under "Packing List Categories" to import a particular list Category. You will be asked to choose a packing list destination for this imported packing list Category. If the name of your imported packing list or list Category matches an existing one, you will be presented with these options:
- rename imported category (or list)
- rename existing category (or list)
- replace old with imported
- cancel
Choose one, change the name, if necessary, and continue your work.
- Permanent delete
If you want to permanently remove any of these records from the "Item to Import" list, you can swipe to delete, or just tap "Edit", delete them, and tap "Done". You can also remove them from within Apple's Contacts app, but it is much easier and clearer to do it from here.
- Master Catalog / Categories:
- Exporting
From the "Import / Export" page, choose "Export catalog / category". Choose to export either the entire Master Catalog, or part of it (one of its Categories).
- Importing
From the "Import / Export" page, choose "Import catalog / category". As you can see, there are several details about each record here: Master Catalog or Category name, date exported, # of Categories & Items (for Master Catalogs) and # of Types and Items (for Categories). Tap on anything under "Master Catalog Categories", and it will be added to your Master Catalog. Tap on anything under "Master Catalogs" and it will replace your current Master Catalog with this new imported one. Your former Master Catalog can still be found (and restored) from the "Restore Catalog" page found via the "Edit Master Catalog" option on the home page.
If the name of your imported Category matches an existing one, you will be presented with these options:
- rename imported category
- rename existing category
- replace old with imported
- cancel
Choose one, change the name, if necessary, and continue your work.
- Permanent delete
If you want to permanently remove any of these records from the "Item to Import" list, you can swipe to delete, or just tap "Edit", delete them, and tap "Done". You can also remove them from within Apple's Contacts app, but it is much easier and clearer to do it from here.
- Sharing content between apps:
To transfer data between apps (i.e., Packing to Packing Pro, or vice versa), first export your desired content from one app, then open the other app and import it (see instructions above for how to import and export content).
- Sharing content between devices:
To transfer data between devices (i.e., iPhone to iPhone, iPod Touch to iPhone, iPhone to iPad, etc.), first export whatever you want from the first device. It will be stored in Contacts. Then, open another, 3rd party app to copy or sync that particular 'contact' to the other device. Currently, there are several free apps that can help you do this, such as "Mover" and "Bump". Alternatively, you could use iTunes to sync your address book contacts (including this just-exported packing data) first to the computer, and then to the second device. After that, open your Packing/Packing Pro app on the second device and import the transferred data.
- Out-of-app, out-of-device backup
All of this 'exported' data now is stored in Apple's Contact app. You'll be able to re-import it in case anything happens to your Packing / Packing Pro app. Since the data is stored in Contacts, it could automatically get backed up to your computer every time you do an iTunes sync (if set to do so in iTunes). This is, in essence a double-redundant backup. If anything were ever to happen to your iPod Touch / iPhone, you could simply 'restore' it, and all of your 'backed up' Packing / Packing Pro content, via iTunes.
- "device-to-computer" (*new Packing Pro feature)
This method uses iTunes' File Sharing feature, available with iOS 4.0 and above. Tap "Export a list" to save one of your files to a folder that is accessible by your computer through iTunes. Connect your device to your computer, open iTunes, click on your device (under 'Devices' in the left menu), and then on the 'Apps' tab. Scroll down to File Sharing and click on Packing / Packing Pro to reveal the list file in the Documents pane. Save it to your computer, or Add another ".packinglist" formatted file to that directory. Once added, you'll be able to import and open it in your app by just clicking on its name on the "iTunes' File Sharing" screen.
- "device-to-anywhere" (*augmented feature)
This method allows you to export a packing list as both a text list and attached files (in the Packing/Packing Pro-specific ".packinglist" format and CSV format). To import it, you'll need Packing Pro or Packing + Pro-level Features (or Full), as well as iOS 4.0 or above. Just open the email on your device's Mail app, scroll down to the bottom of the text list, tap the attachment, and choose either Packing or Packing Pro. Feel free to share your lists with any of your family, friends or traveling companions.
- Out-of-app, out-of-device editing via CSV (*new Packing Pro feature)
CSV (Comma Separated Values) is a common file format for transferring & using data between different platforms and applications. By exporting a CSV-format packing list from the app, either via email attachment or iTunes File Sharing, you'll be able to edit it on a computer with Windows' Excel, Mac's Numbers, Google Docs, or other similar applications. With a full keyboard & copy & paste, you'll be able to easily edit your list or convert a previous, PC-based one into the right format for import back into the app.
Though common, CSV does have its quirks. While every app-exported list should be importable by the following three apps (and most others as well), saving them there can sometimes be a problem:
- for Numbers: When done, 'Export' the file as 'CSV' in 'Unicode (UTF-8)' format
- for Google Docs: When done, from the file detail editing page, choose 'File', 'download as' and 'CSV (current sheet)'
- for Excel: When done, choose 'Save as', 'Other file type' and 'Unicode'. Then, you'll need to rename the '.txt' extension to '.csv'
Besides the above, be sure to maintain the original file's column number & header items, list only one item or task per line, and include values for at least the "ITEM" & "CATEGORY" fields for each item (other fields are optional). Feel free to export a blank list ('from scratch') as a template into which you can cut & paste your existing, computer-based packing list -- no retyping necessary! To import it back into the app, just attach it to an email or use iTunes' File Sharing.
- .packinglist vs .csv formats
The .packinglist file preserves all of your in-app formatting, but can only be used within the app itself. The .CSV file can be edited outside the app with Excel, Numbers, Google Docs, etc, but at the cost of some minor formatting losses. Such losses include category icons, category-catalog matches, person/bag icons/colors and weight/value units, though many of these should be matched automatically for you upon import.
In-app Purchasing (*Packing Feature)
In-app purchase options are available via the Info page of the Packing app. Now, you can cheaply and easily upgrade to a Packing Pro-level Master Catalog, Pro-level feature set, or the full Pro-level combo (catalog + features). The Pro-level catalog includes over 400 additional items, while the Pro-level feature set includes an Expert list-generation tool, design customization, easy tab bar navigation, more samples, Smart Search function, landscape orientation support for typing & viewing and packing list file sharing & out-of-app editing via email and iTunes' File Sharing. Once purchased, it's yours forever, and can be restored on other devices you may have under your iTunes account.
(*minimum iOS 4.0 for email attachment import and iTunes' File Sharing)
Feedback, Contact & Website Info
Please feel free to send me any comments, questions or suggestions about this or any of my other apps. If you have experienced any problems or errors, describe them to me and I'll try to fix them as soon as possible. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Also, free free to visit my website, Facebook or Twitter pages for more information about this and all of my other apps:
Keep on Packing!
Credits
Programming & design: Quinn Genzel
Consulting & testing: Ai-wei Chao
ShareKit (MIT open source license):
- http://getsharekit.com/license
App icon & splash screen: Jon Wilcox
Other icons (under Creative Commons Attribution license):
- TGW (theworkinggroup): blog.twg.ca
- Joseph Wain/Glyphish: www.penandthink.com
Copyright © 2008-11 Quinn Genzel
All rights reserved
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