Getting Started with Your Library

At its heart, Zenspire helps you organize a dedicated library of images. Understanding how this library works is key to getting the most out of the app.

What is Zenspire’s Library?

Zenspire’s library isn’t a proprietary database that hides your files. Instead, it’s:

• A Standard Folder on Your Mac: The library is simply a root folder on your computer that contains your image files and any subfolders you create.
• Real Image Files: The images within this library are your actual jpg, png, etc., files. Zenspire doesn’t convert them into a special format or lock them away.
• Directly Accessible: You can always browse your Zenspire library, its folders, and image files directly in Finder, just like any other folder on your Mac.

You’re in Control: Choosing Your Library Location

Zenspire gives you complete control over where this main library folder resides:

• Use an Existing Folder of Images: Already have a well-organized collection of images? You can point Zenspire to use that existing folder as its library. Zenspire will then scan and index its contents.
• Start with a New or Empty Folder: Prefer to start fresh or dedicate a new space? You can choose any empty folder (or create a new one) anywhere on your Mac – be it in your Documents, Pictures, an external drive, or a specific project directory.
• Use the Default Location: If you prefer not to specify a custom folder, Zenspire defaults to using a location within the user’s macOS Library (typically found in ~/Library/Containers/com.bitbebop.Zenspire/). This is a convenient option if you want Zenspire to manage everything neatly within its own space.

You can set or change your library location in Zenspire’s Settings.

How Zenspire Works with Your Library

• Direct Management: When you create, rename, or delete folders using Zenspire’s interface, these actions directly modify the actual folders on your disk within your selected library location.
• Image Imports: When you add images to Zenspire (for example, by dragging them from Finder into a folder in the app), the image files are copied into the corresponding folder within your Zenspire library. This ensures your library contains its own organized set of images.

Keeping Your Library in Sync: Best Practices

While your Zenspire library consists of standard files and folders accessible via Finder, it’s important to manage its structure thoughtfully for the best experience with Zenspire’s features.

Important: Managing Your Library

To keep your Zenspire metadata (like Favorites, Quick Save, and Collections) accurate, it’s best to manage your library’s folders and images from within the Zenspire app.

Modifying files or folders directly in Finder (e.g., renaming or moving items within your Zenspire library folder) can cause the app to lose track of these items and their associated metadata. While Zenspire syncs with the file system, external changes may not always be perfectly reconciled with existing app data.

By managing your structure and images through Zenspire, you ensure that both the file system structure and Zenspire’s metadata about your library stay perfectly aligned.