App Overview

1. 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, and note.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

1. Layout & overview

   The home page is where you arrive once the app is completely loaded. The first item is "View / Edit My Lists", which will take you to a page with all of your existing packing lists. Once there, tap on any of them to enter the specified packing list detail page, or see #3 below to edit it. The next item down is "View Sample Lists", where you can go to check out the included Sample Lists (four in Packing, eight in Packing Pro). The third item is "Create New List" (see #2 below). The fourth item is "Import / Export Content", while "Edit Master Catalog" is the last item on this list (in Packing Pro, it has its own bottom tab button) -- see "Master Catalog Management" below. On the top bar, there is an "i" on the left for the info page.

2. Create a new list:
   
   

   Once you enter the "Create New List" page, you will be presented with five or six 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 a packing list"

     Tap on this to create a new list by import. See below for more details.

   • "with Expert help" (*Packing 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.

   
3. Edit lists:

   On the "My Packing Lists" 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 and reset departure date

     Tap on the name of the target list to enter the "Edit Packing List" screen. Feel free to edit the list name here, as well as the departure date (by tapping on the "(TBD)" or date button). "Save" any changes you make, or tap "Home" to cancel the edit.

   You can also restore any previously deleted lists from here, as well as create new ones.

   
4. Info screen:

   On the home page, tap on the "i" on the top left of the screen to access all the app and feedback information in one place. 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, leave a review or rating on the iTunes App Store, visit the official website, or visit the 'Other Apps by Quinn' page on the iTunes App Store. When finished, tap "Close" to return to the home page.

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, and landscape orientation support for easier typing & viewing.

1. Superior Layout & Navigation

   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:

   • Packing:  View and manage your packing lists.
   • Catalog:  View and manage the Master Catalog.
   • Design:  Make any design-related changes to the overall app.
   • Help:  Easily access the comprehensive instructions.
   
   
2. 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.

   
3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Colors

     Pick your own favorite colors for the top bar, background, table cells and text colors. Change them whenever you like to match your current mood.

   • Font

     Choose between several options for better readability, space management, or simple personal preference.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Smart Search (*new!)

   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. (*minimum iPhone OS 3.0 required)

7. Landscape Orientation (*new!)

   Landscape orientation support 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. (*minimum iPhone OS 3.0 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

1. Packing list overview:

   The packing list detail screen can be accessed from the "My Packing Lists" 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.

   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.

2. Add Items to a packing list:

   To add new Items to a packing list, first tap on "Edit". You will be given a choice on how you wish to enter Items: one at a time, or multi-entry. If it's a new list created from scratch, just tap on "Add New Category" (default addition method will be 'multi-entry').

   
   • one at a time
     
     
     • "And new .... item"

       In Edit mode, at the bottom of each Category grouping, you will see the line "Add new ... item" (i.e., "Add new Gadget item"). Tapping on it will bring you to a screen listing all the Master Catalog Types of that Category. Choose one to drill down to the Item list for that Type. Pick one, and you'll enter the 'Item Detail' screen. Adjust the number, if desired, and attach an optional Weight, Value or Note to the Item before saving it to your packing list.

     • "Add Item in 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 in New Category" (at the bottom of the list). You will be taken to a screen listing all of the Categories in your Master Catalog. Pick one, and you'll be sent to a listing of all of the Types for that Category. Pick one to move on to the Item list, and then on to the 'Item Detail' page. Modify any attributes you desire, then tap "Save" to add it to your packing list (and return to the packing list detail screen).

     
   • multi-entry
     
     
     • "And new .... item"

       In Edit mode, at the bottom of each Category grouping, you will see the line "Add new ... item" (i.e., "Add new Gadget item"). Tapping on it 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. 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. 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. 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. When you've chosen everything you want, be sure to "Save" it to your actual packing list.

   
3. 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".

4. 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.

   
5. Edit Items:

   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.
   • 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 and Note attributes are optional.

6. Edit packing list Category names & icons

   To edit the name and/or icon 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, then 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.

   
7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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')

   • "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. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or above.

   • Send to Email

     Clicking on the envelope icon will send your packing list to the email app on your device, where you can email it to friends or family, or to a computer for print out. This action will automatically close the app, so be sure that your packing list is ready and saved before you do this.

Master Catalog Management

1. 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 "Edit Master Catalog" on the home page, or tap on the "Catalog" tab on the bottom in Packing Pro.

2. 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 (and, if you want, change the default icon if it's a Category), 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. It's highly recommended to complete your editing of the Master Catalog before creating or working on a packing list. While it is possible to edit the catalog in the middle of making a packing list, it may result in some confusion.

   
3. 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.

4. 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. Enter the new name (and/or change the icon if it's a Category), and tap "Done" to save it and return to the original list.

5. 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.

   
6. 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.

7. 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

1. Import / Export overview:

   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 (*with the help of one of several available free, 3rd-party apps)

   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 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.

   
2. Packing lists / list Categories:
   
   
   • Exporting

     From the "Import or 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 or 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.

3. Master Catalog / Categories:
   
   
   • Exporting

     From the "Import or 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 or 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.

4. 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).

5. Sharing content between devices:

   To transfer data between devices (i.e., iPhone to iPhone, iPod Touch to iPhone, 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" (but not "Bump"). After that, open your Packing/Packing Pro app on the second device and import the transfered data.

6. 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 will automatically get backed up to your computer every time you do an iTunes sync. 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.

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 and landscape orientation support for typing and viewing. Once purchased, it's yours forever, and can be restored on other devices you may have under your iTunes account.

(*minimum iPhone OS 3.0 required for in-app purchasing)

Feedback, Contact & Website Info

Credits

• TGW (theworkinggroup):   blog.twg.ca
  
• Joseph Wain/Glyphish:   www.penandthink.com