How to use apps to compile, maintain, and manage the things you’re passionate about

WRITTEN BY SHAUN MCGILL

YOU WOULD THINK that managing collections, no matter what they are, would be a straightforward part of any tech product or software. It feels as though it fits within the natural database structure of many apps and operating systems, but the choices are surprisingly varied and at times overly complex and hard to use. It can make finding the best way to catalog your collections a time consuming process, but we can help with that as we detail a variety of methods that will suit collections of different types. The choice will be yours as to if you want an all–in–one solution that can manage many different aspects of your life or tools that are aimed at particular objects or areas of collection, but there is definitely enough choice for anyone to find a solution. If you are working with collections where timeliness will be a factor, you will want to look at solutions that can work on Macs, iPads, iPhones, and even the Apple Watch. For some collections, flexibility, and also security, will be a deciding factor.

Multiple choice

Searching for “collection” in the iOS or Mac App Stores will bring back a huge list of apps, many of which are games, so you will need to tweak your search. Try using “manage your collections” and the results will be much more specific to your requirements. The next step is the hardest bit, however, because the choice is almost endless.

A. BIG AND SMALL

Some collection apps are created by big developers and others by one single developer, so you will need to choose which is best for you. There is no guarantee as to which option is likely to be in business longer.

B. MANAGE THE COSTS

Some apps can get very expensive either initially or through in–app purchases. Don’t presume that just because an app is expensive that it will be more complete, because this is not always the case in any app genre.

C. SEARCH AND GO

You can try searching for your chosen topic of interest rather than just collection apps. This can bring back options that offer many extra features, such as the ability to retrieve more information online while you build your collection database.

D. CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS

There are many apps available that focus in on one area of collecting and this can work for very specific items, but if you have multiple collections you may want to look elsewhere. Try as many apps as you can.

Capture your collection

To show the detail of each object, the best method is to snap your own photos and use them so that you are listing the exact item in your collection. The condition of each piece is important when creating a collection so try to avoid stock images.