A little help.
And you’re on your way.

Getting started

During initial setup, choose Restore my data to recover a previously backed-up space. The backup list opens only for this action.

To start a new space, continue setup without selecting a backup. A page then introduces Free with ads, Premium and Family. You can change your plan in settings. Automatic backups are included in subscriptions.

Albums, documents and notes

Photos and videos go in Albums. Files are in Documents, and notes have their own Notes tab. Create folders to organise them.

Use the view menu to switch between lists and thumbnails. Each folder has its own view. On touch devices, a two-finger gesture adjusts thumbnail size. Touch and hold, or use a secondary click on compatible devices, to access available actions.

Access and protection

Set up your passcode and access recovery in security settings. Quick biometric unlocking is optional and depends on the device.

If you forget your passcode, choose Forgot code? and follow the steps. OS Studio does not know your passcode and cannot decrypt your space for you.

Importing

Écrin keeps the original files supplied during import, with their available metadata. They are not replaced by the thumbnails displayed in the app. Some information depends on what the source app or Apple picker provides.

To import a photo or file, use the add button in the relevant space. If a required permission was previously denied, iOS may ask you to enable it in Settings instead of showing another request.

Photo and video

Available settings depend on the camera, lens and mode in use. A resolution supported by the main lens may not be available with other lenses.

Écrin remembers the last compatible setting. After taking a photo or finishing a video, you return to where you opened the camera.

Backups and sync

Open Settings → Sync and backups. Turn on automatic backups, then choose On this device, iCloud, or both. Each location shows its own status and last confirmed copy.

Content changes trigger an update. With iCloud enabled, the first copy and retries after interruptions happen automatically when conditions allow. A prepared copy is not yet a confirmed iCloud transfer.

The device copy is available offline, but does not protect against device loss or deletion of app data. iCloud needs a connection, an available account and storage space. iCloud services are included in Premium and Family.

iCloud transfer

Check your connection, available iCloud storage and Apple Account sign-in. Open Écrin and check the iCloud location status: it distinguishes copy preparation from confirmed transfer.

Transfers also depend on the background time allowed by iOS. The app automatically resumes pending operations when conditions allow. Back up now lets you request an immediate update.

If it remains pending, contact support with the displayed status and device model. Do not send your passcodes or private files.

Restoring

In Sync and backups, choose the location and backup to restore. Check its date and content before continuing. Enter the secret used to protect it when it was created.

On a new device, explicitly choose restoration during initial setup to recover the same Écrin space. A local copy alone cannot be accessed from another device.

Restoring an existing personal backup and exporting your own files remain available without a subscription. Creating new backups, manually or automatically and iCloud continuity are included in Premium and Family.

ZIP export

In Settings → Data and storage → Export all my data, choose whether to protect the ZIP with a password, then select its destination.

Files follow your album and folder structure. Originals and available metadata are preserved; additional information may accompany the archive. Anyone with access can read a ZIP without a password.

This export lets you take your files with you. To recover an Écrin space with its configuration, restore a backup.

Shared albums

With Premium or Family, choose which albums to share and whom to invite. Only authorised participants can access those albums; your other content stays private.

Shared album updates use Apple services and require a connection. The Family plan gives Premium features to Family Sharing members without exposing their private spaces to one another.

Apple purchases

Use Restore purchases in the app with the Apple Account used for the purchase. For Family, also check Apple Family Sharing settings.

Restoring purchases reinstates your subscription access. Your photos, documents and notes must be restored separately.

Plans

Free lets you add, view, edit, organise and export your personal photos, videos, documents and notes with no item limit, with banners in the main lists and album grids, including Imports, and occasional full-screen ads after you finish viewing content and return to a main list. Premium removes ads and adds automatic backups, iCloud continuity, shared albums, the decoy space and the access-attempt log. Family includes the same features and lets you share the subscription through Apple. Everyone keeps their own private space. The 14-day trial remains available to eligible users.

Storage on your device and in iCloud is still required. Prices and terms appear before purchase. To manage or cancel a subscription, open your Apple Account settings, then Subscriptions.

Plans

When a trial or subscription ends, you return to Free mode with ads. All your personal files remain stored and accessible: add, view, edit, export and delete, with no item limit. Paid features stop. Your shared albums become private and you leave received shares when connectivity allows access rights to be updated. Resubscribing does not automatically restore shares.

Advertising and privacy

The Free plan shows banners in the main lists and album grids, including Imports, and occasional full-screen ads after you finish viewing content and return to a main list. Viewing an individual photo, video, document or note, passcode entry, the camera, importing, exporting and the lock screen remain ad-free.

In Settings → Privacy → Advertising and tracking, read the information and review your choices when the form is available. Apple permissions remain managed in device Settings. Refusing advertising tracking does not block access to your space and does not activate an ad-free plan. An ad is not guaranteed without connectivity, availability or permission to request one.

You can review your advertising choices in Settings and report an inappropriate ad to the studio. Do not include private files in your report.

Advertising and privacy