Help & FAQ

Where is my library saved?

Without signing in, your guest library stays in this browser. It does not sync to another browser or a display. Download a backup before clearing browser data, switching computers or leaving a private browsing session.

If you have a prototype account, choose Sign In in the app. Check which account is shown before editing or restoring books. Guest books and account books are separate; signing in does not automatically move your guest library into the account.

Wait for a successful save before reloading. A cloud save does not confirm that a physical display has received the change. On a shared computer, use the account menu to sign out when finished.

How do I import a CSV?

1. In the app, choose Import Books, then Choose CSV file. Use a CSV with Title and Author columns, or expand Or paste CSV text directly.
2. Read the preview and check the book count and titles. If the file is rejected, correct it and choose it again. Do not proceed until the preview describes the file you intend to import.
3. Choose Import all to my library. Review the result and any unmatched or failed entries before trying again.

Cancel lookup works before saving starts. Closing the import window does not stop an import that is already saving. Cancellation is not an undo for books already saved.

How do I back up or restore my library?

Open Export & backup in the app, select Backup (full library), then Download full backup. Check that the file was saved. A shareable book list or CSV is not a full backup of your display preferences.

Restore from backup replaces the library and saved display preferences in its destination. Save the current data first and read the confirmation. Account backups come from the cloud and can only be restored to the same signed-in account. Sign-in credentials and display pairing are never restored.

If a cloud restore is interrupted, use Check restore status before starting another restore. If backup or restore is unavailable, keep your existing files and contact the person coordinating your prototype test; do not clear browser data or repeatedly submit the restore.

What if I forget my password?

1. Choose Sign In, then Forgot password?, and enter your account email.
2. Open the newest reset email and follow its link. Enter a new password only on the Redefined Spines reset form.
3. Wait for Password updated, then return to the app and sign in with the new password.

This changes your Redefined Spines app password, not your email password. Never send anyone your password or reset link. Reset links expire and cannot be reused after completion.

Email delivery is limited during prototype testing. If no message arrives, check spam and contact your prototype coordinator. A request acknowledgment alone does not prove an email was delivered.

How do I connect or change my display?

Display pairing currently requires a prototype account and a display prepared for you by the prototype coordinator. Pairing needs confirmation on both sides; a display ID alone is not enough.

Arrange pairing, Wi-Fi changes and recovery with your prototype coordinator. Self-service factory reset and ownership transfer are not available. Do not use a library backup to try to restore pairing or transfer a display to another account.

These browser instructions do not establish that a physical display is ready. Keep your existing display setup until your coordinated test is ready.

Why does the app mention saved files or an unknown version?

The app may open from saved browser files when a fresh copy cannot be confirmed. That message is not confirmation that a cloud save or display update succeeded. Keep a backup, reconnect and check the app again before making further changes. If it persists, contact your prototype coordinator before clearing site data.

Why doesn't Redefined Spines show real book cover art?

Goodreads, Audible, and Kindle are owned by Amazon, which has direct contracts with publishers to display cover art as part of its book sales operations. We sell hardware, not books, so those licenses don't extend to us.

Until we reach the scale to negotiate similar agreements with publishers, our templates render your books with beautiful typography that captures the spirit of fine bookmaking without copying any specific publisher's design. We think you'll love it — and your shelf will look more like a curated personal library than a copy of someone else's cover art.

How do I add books to my library?

Search by title or author, or use Add a book manually when you already know the details. For a longer list, use Import Books to choose a CSV or paste titles. Catalog matches can be incomplete or incorrect: review the titles and authors, and check the result before importing again. The pasted-title flow is currently browser-only; do not rely on it for account or display sync.

Trademark and copyright policy

Book titles and author names are factual descriptions of works in our users' libraries; we don't claim ownership of those marks. Cover art and other design elements remain the property of publishers and rights-holders.

If you believe we're displaying something we shouldn't be, please report a concern. We respond within 5 business days.

Can I use the app? Is it invite-only?

The web app is open to try right now — build your shelf, no account needed; your library saves in your browser. Account access is limited during prototype testing. A signed-in account supports cloud library saves; connecting a display requires separate assisted setup. Request access and we'll let you in as we expand.

How do I get in touch?

Send a note via the contact form. For trademark or copyright concerns specifically, the same form routes to the right inbox.