# Own Dictionary - Support & Help Center
Welcome to Own Dictionary Support! We're here to help you get the most out of your personal dictionary app.
## Quick Links
- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
- [Account & Sign In](#account--sign-in)
- [Adding & Managing Words](#adding--managing-words)
- [Cloud Sync](#cloud-sync)
- [Categories & Organization](#categories--organization)
- [Search & Filters](#search--filters)
- [Settings & Customization](#settings--customization)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [FAQ](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Contact Us](#contact-us)
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## Getting Started
### Welcome to Own Dictionary!
Own Dictionary is your personal vocabulary learning companion. Build your custom dictionary, organize words by categories, and sync across all your devices.
### First Steps
1. **Download the App:** Available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad
2. **Create an Account:** Sign up with email, Google, or Apple
3. **Add Your First Word:** Tap the + button to get started
4. **Explore Features:** Try search, categories, and dark mode
### System Requirements
- **iOS:** 13.0 or later
- **Devices:** iPhone, iPad
- **Internet:** Optional (app works offline)
- **Storage:** Minimal (< 50 MB)
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## Account & Sign In
### Creating an Account
**Option 1: Email & Password**
1. Tap "Sign Up"
2. Enter your email and password
3. Verify your email (check spam folder)
4. Start building your dictionary
**Option 2: Google Sign-In**
1. Tap "Continue with Google"
2. Select your Google account
3. Authorize Own Dictionary
4. You're ready to go!
**Option 3: Apple Sign-In**
1. Tap "Continue with Apple"
2. Use Face ID or Touch ID
3. Choose email visibility option
4. Start using the app
### Sign In Issues
**Forgot Password?**
1. Tap "Forgot Password" on login screen
2. Enter your email address
3. Check email for reset link
4. Create a new password
**Can't Sign In with Google/Apple?**
- Ensure you're using the same account
- Check internet connection
- Update to latest app version
- Try signing out of your Google/Apple account and back in
**Account Not Recognized?**
- Verify you're using the correct email
- Check if you signed up with a different method
- Contact support if issue persists
---
## Adding & Managing Words
### Adding a New Word
**Standard Add:**
1. Tap the + button (bottom right)
2. Fill in word details:
- Word (required)
- Definition (required)
- Example sentence (optional)
- Synonyms (optional)
- Antonyms (optional)
- Personal notes (optional)
- Category (optional)
3. Tap "Save"
**Quick Add Mode:**
1. Tap the + button
2. Switch to "Quick Add" tab
3. Enter just word and definition
4. Tap "Quick Save"
5. Perfect for capturing words on the go!
### Editing Words
1. Tap on any word in your list
2. Tap the edit icon (pencil)
3. Update any fields
4. Tap "Save"
### Deleting Words
**Single Word:**
- Swipe left on any word
- Tap the trash icon
- Confirm deletion
**Multiple Words:**
1. Long press on a word (future feature)
2. Select multiple words
3. Tap delete icon
### Marking Favorites
- Tap the star icon on any word
- Access all favorites via the filter menu
- Quick access to important words
---
## Cloud Sync
### How Cloud Sync Works
Your words automatically sync to the cloud when you're signed in and online. This keeps your dictionary safe and accessible across all devices.
### Auto-Sync Features
✅ Automatic backup of all words
✅ Real-time sync across devices
✅ Works in background
✅ No data loss
### Managing Sync
**Enable/Disable Auto-Sync:**
1. Go to Profile
2. Find "Auto Sync" toggle
3. Turn ON (green) or OFF (grey)
**Manual Sync:**
- Pull down to refresh on home screen
- Sync happens automatically when changes are made
**Sync Status:**
- Green checkmark: Synced to cloud
- Grey circle: Local only (waiting to sync)
### Offline Mode
You can use Own Dictionary completely offline:
- Add, edit, and delete words offline
- All changes save locally
- Sync happens automatically when back online
- No internet required for core features
### Sync Troubleshooting
**Words Not Syncing?**
1. Check internet connection
2. Ensure auto-sync is enabled
3. Sign out and sign back in
4. Update to latest app version
**Duplicate Words After Sync?**
- Contact support with details
- We'll help resolve sync conflicts
---
## Categories & Organization
### Available Categories
Own Dictionary includes 10 predefined categories:
📋 **General** - Everyday words and common vocabulary
💼 **Business** - Professional and corporate terminology
💻 **Technology** - Tech, IT, and digital terms
☀️ **Daily Use** - Words for daily conversations
🎓 **Academic** - Scholarly and educational vocabulary
⚕️ **Medical** - Health and medical terminology
✈️ **Travel** - Travel and tourism vocabulary
🍽️ **Food & Drink** - Culinary and dining terms
🎨 **Art & Culture** - Creative and cultural vocabulary
⚽ **Sports** - Athletic and sports terminology
### Assigning Categories
**When Adding a Word:**
- Select category from dropdown in "Optional Details"
- Default is "General" if none selected
**Updating Category:**
1. Edit the word
2. Change category in dropdown
3. Save changes
### Filtering by Category
1. Tap the filter icon (top of home screen)
2. Select a category
3. View only words in that category
4. Tap "Show All" to reset filter
---
## Search & Filters
### Using Search
1. Tap search icon or search bar
2. Type any keyword
3. Results update instantly
4. Search includes:
- Word names
- Definitions
- Examples
### Advanced Filtering
**By Status:**
- All Words
- Favorites Only
- By Category
**Combining Filters:**
1. Apply category filter
2. Use search within filtered results
3. Mark favorites for quick access
---
## Settings & Customization
### Dark Mode
**Enable Dark Mode:**
1. Go to Profile screen
2. Tap "Theme" toggle
3. Switch between light and dark
4. Changes apply instantly
**Benefits:**
- Easier on eyes at night
- Saves battery (OLED screens)
- Modern, elegant appearance
### Account Settings
**View Profile:**
- Email address
- Sign-in method
- Account creation date
**Sign Out:**
1. Go to Profile
2. Tap "Sign Out"
3. Confirm action
4. Your data remains in the cloud
**Delete Account:**
1. Go to Profile
2. Tap "Delete Account"
3. Confirm deletion
4. ⚠️ This permanently deletes all data
---
## Troubleshooting
### App Crashes or Freezes
1. Force quit the app
2. Restart your device
3. Update to latest iOS version
4. Update to latest app version
5. If persists, contact support
### Can't Add Words
- Check if you're on the latest version
- Ensure sufficient device storage
- Try signing out and back in
- Contact support with details
### Sync Not Working
1. Check internet connection
2. Verify you're signed in
3. Enable auto-sync in Profile
4. Pull to refresh on home screen
5. Restart the app
### Dark Mode Issues
- Go to Profile and toggle theme
- Restart the app
- Update to latest version
### Performance Issues
**App Running Slowly?**
- Close other apps
- Restart device
- Clear app cache (reinstall if needed)
- Ensure iOS is up to date
### Lost Data
**Can't Find Your Words?**
1. Ensure you're signed in with correct account
2. Check if auto-sync was enabled
3. Look in "All Words" (remove filters)
4. Contact support - we may be able to help recover data
---
## Frequently Asked Questions
### General Questions
**Q: Is Own Dictionary free?**
A: Yes! Own Dictionary is completely free with no ads or in-app purchases.
**Q: Do I need an account?**
A: You can use the app without signing in, but cloud sync requires an account.
**Q: How many words can I add?**
A: Unlimited! Add as many words as you need.
**Q: Does it work offline?**
A: Yes! All features work offline. Sync happens when you're back online.
**Q: Is my data safe?**
A: Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure Firebase storage.
### Account Questions
**Q: Can I use the same account on multiple devices?**
A: Yes! Sign in with the same account on all your devices.
**Q: Can I change my email?**
A: Currently, you need to create a new account. Export your words first.
**Q: What happens if I forget my password?**
A: Use "Forgot Password" on the login screen to reset it.
**Q: Can I switch between sign-in methods?**
A: Each method creates a separate account. We recommend sticking with one method.
### Features Questions
**Q: Can I add images to words?**
A: Not yet, but it's on our roadmap!
**Q: Can I share my dictionary?**
A: Export feature coming soon. Currently for personal use only.
**Q: Can I create custom categories?**
A: Not yet, but we're considering this for future updates.
**Q: Is there a desktop version?**
A: Currently iOS only. Web version planned for the future.
### Data & Privacy
**Q: Who can see my words?**
A: Only you! Your dictionary is completely private.
**Q: Do you sell my data?**
A: Never. We don't sell or share your personal information.
**Q: Where is my data stored?**
A: Securely in Firebase (Google Cloud) with encryption.
**Q: Can I export my words?**
A: Contact support, and we can provide an export of your data.
**Q: What happens when I delete my account?**
A: All your data is permanently deleted within 30 days.
---
## Tips & Tricks
### Maximize Your Learning
🎯 **Use Examples:** Add real sentences to remember context
📝 **Add Personal Notes:** Include memory tricks or usage notes
⭐ **Mark Favorites:** Focus on words you're actively learning
📂 **Organize by Category:** Group words by subject or purpose
🔍 **Search Often:** Quick access beats scrolling
### Best Practices
1. **Be Consistent:** Add words regularly, even just 2-3 per day
2. **Review Favorites:** Revisit starred words weekly
3. **Add Context:** Examples help retention more than definitions alone
4. **Use Categories:** Organize for easier retrieval
5. **Quick Add:** Capture words immediately when you encounter them
### Study Strategies
- **Review Before Bed:** Better retention when studying at night
- **Category Focus:** Study one category at a time
- **Create Associations:** Use personal notes for memory tricks
- **Regular Review:** Visit your dictionary daily for 5 minutes
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## Feature Requests & Feedback
We love hearing from our users! Your feedback helps us improve.
### Suggest a Feature
Email us at support@aivora.com with:
- Feature description
- How it would help you
- Any examples or mockups
### Report a Bug
Help us fix issues faster:
1. Describe what happened
2. Steps to reproduce
3. Device and iOS version
4. Screenshots (if possible)
### Leave a Review
Love Own Dictionary? Please rate us on the App Store!
- Tap Profile → "Rate App"
- Or search "Own Dictionary" in App Store
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## Contact Us
### Email Support
**Email:** support@aivora.com
**Response Time:** Within 24-48 hours
**Available:** 7 days a week
### What to Include
- Your account email (if applicable)
- Device model and iOS version
- App version (check Profile screen)
- Detailed description of issue
- Screenshots if relevant
### Social Media
- **Twitter:** @OwnDictApp (coming soon)
- **Instagram:** @owndictionary (coming soon)
- **Website:** https://aivora.com/own-dictionary
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## Updates & Changelog
### Version 1.0.0 (Current)
- Initial release
- Personal dictionary with unlimited words
- Cloud sync with Google, Apple, Email sign-in
- 10 smart categories
- Dark mode
- Search functionality
- Quick add mode
- Offline support
- Swipe actions
### Coming Soon
- Custom categories
- Image attachments
- Audio pronunciations
- Flashcard mode
- Export functionality
- Widget support
- Apple Watch app
- More languages
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## Legal & Policies
- [Privacy Policy](PRIVACY_POLICY.md)
- [Terms of Service](#) (Coming Soon)
- [Licenses](#) (Coming Soon)
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## About Own Dictionary
**Version:** 1.0.0
**Developer:** Aivora
**Category:** Education
**Last Updated:** January 13, 2026
Own Dictionary is built with ❤️ to help you master vocabulary and expand your language skills. Whether you're a student, professional, or language enthusiast, we're here to support your learning journey.
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**Need More Help?**
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us at support@aivora.com
We're here to help! 🚀
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*Own Dictionary Support Page v1.0*
*Last Updated: January 13, 2026*