First Launch
Welcome Screen
When you first open TCG Archivist, you'll see the welcome screen with options to sign in or create an account.
Account Setup (Required)
TCG Archivist requires you to sign in to use the app. Your account provides:
- Cloud backup of your collection
- Multi-device sync - access your collection on multiple devices
To sign in or create an account:
- Follow the prompts to create a new account or sign in to an existing one
- Complete the authentication process
Anonymous Sign-In Error
If you receive an "anonymous sign-in" error, make sure you have filled in both the username and password fields before clicking Sign Up. Leaving these fields blank will trigger this error.
Database Sync
After signing in, the app may prompt you to sync the card database:
- When prompted with "Database Update Available", tap Sync now
- Wait for the sync to complete (this may take a few minutes depending on your connection)
- You'll see a progress indicator showing the sync status
What's being synced? The app downloads a comprehensive database of Magic: The Gathering cards
Home Screen Overview
After setup, you'll arrive at the Home screen with two main tabs:
Cards Tab (Default)
- Collection Value - Total collection value with trend chart
- Card Count - Number of unique cards owned
- Recent Additions - Scrollable list of your most recently added cards
Decks Tab
- Deck Library - All your created decks
- Deck Info - Name, format, card count, and color identity for each deck
- Quick Access - Tap any deck to view and edit it
Navigation
The home screen provides:
- Cards/Decks Toggle (top center) - Switch between collection and deck views
- Profile Avatar (top left) - Access account settings
- Search Icon (top right) - Open search
- Add Button - Green Plus Icon near collection value. Add cards via scanning import
Next Steps
You're ready to start building your collection! Learn how to add cards in Adding Cards.