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 Everything you need to know to use our app effectively
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Getting Started
Getting Started
**Question: How do I create my first timer?**
**Answer:**
Creating a timer in PictoTimer is simple! Follow these steps:
Tap the "+" button on the main screen
Choose a photo for your timer:
- Select "Choose Photo" to pick an image from your photo library
- Or tap "Take Photo" to capture a new image with your camera
Set the timer duration using the time picker (you can set timers from seconds up to 24 hours)
Choose a reveal style:
- **Photo Reveal**: Image gradually reveals from top to bottom
- **Pixelate**: Image starts pixelated and becomes clear over time
- **Puzzle**: Image assembles piece by piece
- **Clock Face**: Traditional clock overlay with your photo in the background
Optionally customize the alert sound that plays when the timer completes
Tap "Save" to create your timer
Your timer will appear on the main screen, and you can tap it anytime to start it!
Using Timers
Using Timers
**Question: How do I start, pause, and stop a timer?**
**Answer:**
Once you've created a timer, using it is straightforward:
**To Start a Timer:**
- Tap on any timer card from the main screen
- Tap the "Start Timer" button
- The timer will begin counting down, and your photo will start revealing based on the style you selected
**To Pause a Timer:**
- While a timer is running, tap the pause button
- The timer will pause, and you can resume it later by tapping the play button
**To Stop a Timer:**
- Tap the stop button to cancel the timer
- The timer will reset, and you can start it again from the beginning
**Live Activities:**
When a timer is running, you'll see it on your Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island (on supported devices). This lets you monitor your timer's progress even when the app is in the background or your phone is locked.
Features & Customization
Features & Customization
**Question: What reveal styles are available, and how do they work?**
**Answer:**
PictoTimer offers four unique reveal animation styles to make your countdown timers visually engaging:
**Photo Reveal** - The classic style where your image gradually reveals from top to bottom as time passes. Perfect for a clean, simple visual countdown.
**Pixelate** - Your image starts heavily pixelated and becomes progressively clearer as the timer counts down. Great for building anticipation!
**Puzzle** - Watch your image assemble piece by piece like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece appears as time elapses, creating a fun, interactive experience.
**Clock Face** - A traditional analog clock overlay appears over your photo, with clock hands that move as time passes. The clock fades away to reveal your full image when time is up.
You can choose a different reveal style for each timer, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite! You can also edit existing timers to change their reveal style at any time.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
**Question: Why isn't my timer working, or why can't I see my photos?**
**Answer:**
Here are some common issues and solutions:
**Timer Not Starting:**
- Make sure you've selected a photo for your timer (timers require an image)
- Check that your device is running iOS 17.0 or later
- Try force-closing and reopening the app
**Can't Access Photos:**
- PictoTimer needs permission to access your photo library. Go to Settings > PictoTimer > Photos and select "All Photos" or "Selected Photos"
- For camera access, go to Settings > PictoTimer > Camera and enable access
**Timer Not Showing on Lock Screen:**
- Live Activities require iOS 16.1 or later
- Make sure you haven't disabled Live Activities in your iPhone settings
- Check Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) to ensure Live Activities are enabled
**Timer Stops When App Closes:**
- Timers continue running in the background and appear on your Lock Screen via Live Activities
- If the timer stops, it may be due to iOS background app limitations. The timer should resume when you reopen the app
**Alert Sound Not Playing:**
- Check your device's volume settings
- Make sure your device isn't in Silent Mode (or that Silent Mode allows sounds)
- Verify that the app has permission to play sounds (this is usually automatic)
If you continue experiencing issues, try restarting your device or reinstalling the app.
Privacy & Requirements
Privacy & Requirements
**Question: What are the app requirements, and how is my data handled?**
**Answer:**
**Device Requirements:**
- iOS 17.0 or later
- iPhone 12 or newer
- Sufficient storage space for photos (photos are stored locally on your device)
**Privacy & Data:**
PictoTimer is designed with your privacy in mind:
- **All data is stored locally** - Your timers and photos are stored only on your device. Nothing is uploaded to the cloud or shared with third parties.
- **No data collection** - We don't collect, track, or transmit any personal information, usage data, or analytics.
- **Photo access** - The app only accesses photos you explicitly choose to use in timers. We never scan or access your entire photo library without your permission.
- **Camera access** - Camera access is only used when you choose to take a new photo for a timer. The app doesn't record or store any video.
- **No internet required** - PictoTimer works completely offline. No internet connection is needed to use any features.
**Permissions Explained:**
- **Photos**: Required to select images from your library for timers
- **Camera**: Required to take new photos for timers (optional - you can use only existing photos if preferred)
You have complete control over your data. If you delete the app, all your timers and associated photos are removed from your device.
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