FAQs - Collectify™ Collectors’ Edition

*PLEASE VISIT OUR TUTORIAL SECTION FOR MORE COMPETE INFORMATION.

What are the latest versions of Collectify™ software and how do I download?

You can download the latest versions via these links: Collectors' Edition Download

How can I import my object images into Collectify™ ?

Digital cameras and scanners are the two most common ways to create digital images. Scanners are still commonly used to create digital images of drawings, photographic prints and other paper documents. However, most digital cameras can take the place of a scanner – and they are much faster. Collectify™ works directly with these devices – simply connect your digital camera or scanner to your computer and click one of the Scan buttons sprinkled throughout Collectify™ (e.g. in the Media module). You can also click the Import button to bring an image (that is stored elsewhere on your hard drive) into Collectify™ . Collectify™ will accept virtually any image in almost any format. You can even store audio and video in Collectify™ . Of course, images can also be imported from a CD-ROM, DVD, thumb drive, or even in an email attachment.

Where is the save button in Collectify™ ?

There is no Save button, because Collectify™ automatically saves your changes as you work. Whenever you make changes in Collectify™ , such as adding a new object or updating an address for a contact, that information is immediately saved to your computer’s hard disk. Should your computer suddenly turn off (due to a power failure, for example), all the changes you have made in your collection will be saved, except perhaps for those made in the few seconds before the computer turned off.

Everytime I log into Collectify™ it asks me for my registration number. How do I enter my registration number and make it stick?

It most likely happens after a reboot of Windows. You will need to Right click on the program icon and select "Run As Administrator", re-enter the registration key, and then it should stick. It needs to be Run as Administrator to store the registration key properly.

What kind of Collection templates are within the software?

Here is a listing of the different collection templates we offer: Animation Art - Automata - Arms, Armor and Militaria - Audio and Video - Books - Carpets, Rugs, Tapestries and Textiles - Cars and Motorcycles - Clay, Porcelain and China - Coins - Collectibles and Memorabilia - Comics - Consumer Electronics and Appliances - Dolls - Fashion - Fine Furniture - Fine Wines and Spirits - Glass - Jewelry - Manuscripts - Maps - Medals and Decorations - Musical Instruments - Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture - Photographs - Posters - Prints - Scientific instruments - Silver - Stamps - Toys and Models - Watches and Clocks.

Each collection type is supported with specific collection type fields with editable drop-downs for our client user to add specific fields we have not already included. As far as we know this is a unique feature not offered by competitors. Also other collection types not set up by Collectify are easily customized by our client user - also a unique feature.

I have my collection information on a spreadsheet. Can I upload into Collectify™ ?

If you are currently documenting your collection in Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, other database files or text files, simply use our Import Wizard to map all your data directly into Collectify™ .

My collection doesn’t fit into any of the collection types that Collectify™ offers. How can I create my own collection type?

In the menu bar located at the top of the software click Tools. Select Collection Type Manager. In the Collection Type Manager screen, click the New… button and the Collection Type Editor will open. Use this editor to personalize a Collection Type that suits your needs. You can give your Collection Type a meaningful name and a unique icon. You can also personalize the New Object Wizard (see next FAQ), select the fields that are most relevant to your collection type, and much more.

How do I share a collection?

Here are a few ways to share a collection. Run a report and send a copy of the resulting PDF file to whomever you wish. This allows you to send as much detail as you want. Create a slideshow of a virtual catalog and send the resulting slideshow file to any Windows based computer. Normally, this will show an image of the object, if available, and the data normally visible on the Quick View screen. Create a backup of the database and e-mail it or, if it is too large, upload it to a file sharing site.

My report is too large to email. What can I do?

Run a report and send a copy of the resulting PDF file to whomever you wish. This allows you to send as much detail as you want. Create a slideshow of a virtual catalog and send the resulting slideshow file to any Windows based computer. Normally, this will show an image of the object, if available, and the data normally visible on the Quick View screen. Create a backup of the database and e-mail it or, if it is too large, upload it to a file sharing site.

How can I run Collectify™ on my Mac?

There are two options available. The first is to subscribe to Collectify™ Cloud. You can use the Microsoft Remote Desktop App to access the Collectify™ Cloud. If you prefer not to use the Cloud version, the alternate option is to use a Windows emulation software and a copy of Microsoft Windows. These include Parallels and VMware Fusion. Remember, a copy of Microsoft Windows is still required. Please contact your local Apple retailer for system requirement information.

I have a new computer or I want to upgrade my windows system. How do restore Collectify?

This is an easy process. First, you MUST first perform a backup of your collection. A backup is esssential in order to restore your collection after you make the change. (See backup instructions below in the next FAQ). From there, you will need to download the latest version of Collectify on your new computer or windows edition found here: Collectors' Edition Download After you need to perform a restore of your collection (see FAQ instructions for restore below). Then you are done!

How do I backup a Collection?

To backup your Collection:

Go to the File menu and select Backup... The Backup Database Wizard dialog will open. Click Next to arrive at the Database to Backup page, from the list, select the name of the database you wish to backup. Click Next. On the Destination Folder and File page you may change the location where the file will be saved or change its name by clicking on Browse. Otherwise, to accept the defaults, click Next. If you have previously backed up this collection you will likely receive a message that the file already exists, if you don’t wish to overwrite your previous backup, click No and then click Browse, change the file name and Click Next. The Backup Wizard will display moving blue bars. When it completes, click the Finish button to exit the Wizard. You may also wish to copy the backup file (e.g. Your_collection.cbk) to an external drive/CD/Flash drive for safekeeping in the event of a computer failure.

How do I restore my collection?

To restore your collection:
Go to the File menu and select Restore. The Restore Database Wizard dialog will open.Click Next. From the Source Folder and File page click Browse. The Restore Database dialog will open. Navigate to your backup file (.cbk) Select the file. Click Open. Click Next. If the database already exists in the current location, you will be asked to overwrite it. When the restore is complete, click Finish to exit the Wizard.
You should now see the database on the Open Screen.

FAQs - Collectify™ Home Inventory

How do I get organized to create a home inventory?

Jamie Novak, formerly Collectify's Chief Organizing Officer, offers great tips on how easy it is to get started on your home inventory. She'll walk you through manageable strategies to help you get organized and find the time to do your inventory in twenty minute intervals. See for yourself.

Is there an inventory size limit?

No. You may add as much data as you wish to your inventory. You are only limited by the size of your hard disk. Remember, the more data and media files you store in Collectify™ Home Inventory, the larger your inventory file will be.

How do I backup and restore an inventory database?

To Backup: If you already have an inventory open, select File, Close first. Then from the login screen, select the database and click on the Backup button. Follow the prompts to save the .hbk file. Make a note of where the file is being saved if you need to copy it to an external drive, network drive or device.
To Restore: If your Collectify™ Home Inventory backup file (.hbk) is on an external drive, copy it to the local drive. Select File, Restore from the program menu. Follow the prompts to select the backup file to restore (.hbk)

How do I save my inventory?

Collectify™ Home Inventory automatically saves your changes as you work. Whenever you make changes in your inventory, such as adding a new object or importing an image, that information is immediately recorded to your computer's hard disk. Should your computer suddenly turn off (eg. due to a power failure), all of the changes you have made in your database will be saved, except perhaps for those made in the few seconds before the computer turned off.

Does my inventory automatically backup online?

Only if you subscribe to Collectify™ Cloud. Backups on the Cloud version are done on an hourly basis. Your data can never be lost.

Is Collectify™ Home Inventory compatible with Windows 10/8/7?

Yes, but you may need to install it using the Windows Compatibility Troubleshooter.

I just placed an order. Where is my registration key?

Your registration key was sent to you via e-mail within 1-2 business day after you placed your order. It starts with HI-1000-01. If you need further help, please contact customer support via email at info@collectify.com

Can I run Collectify™ Home Inventory on my Mac?

Why can’t I open my report file or preview my report?

To open a report for preview, you need a PDF application installed, such as Adobe Reader. Go to www.adobe.com to download their free software.