How it works
Which computers keep your archive, how it comes in, and how it goes out.
Your family’s computers
One computer runs the archive. Other computers in the family can help it: keep a copy that takes over, keep an encrypted backup, or lend a graphics card.
- MainRosa’s PCRuns the archive. Everyone signs in to this one.
- StandbySam’s PCA copy that takes over when the main one is off.
- BackupNell’s storage boxAn encrypted copy at a relative’s house. They can read nothing.Your printed recovery kit is the only key.
- AI helperTheo’s gaming PCA computer with a graphics card that finds faces. It holds no photographs.
Add a relative’s computer with a code from the Computers section.
What the main computer needs
- Always onA computer that is on most of the day, or could be.
- Storage spaceRoom for your photos and videos: plan on 1 TB or more.
- Graphics card — optionalFaces, pets, photo search and transcribing run without one, just slower. A card makes them fast.
- Docker — optionalIf you’re familiar with it, run it that way.
Adding your photos
From your phone, your computer, or an old print.
- Share from your phonePick photos in the Hearthkeep app or share them from your camera roll.
- From your computerDrag files onto the page, paste them in, or pick them.
- Scans and recordings tooOld prints, documents and voice recordings all have a home.
Leaving
Take everything with you, at any time, for nothing: your whole archive is one file and one folder, and both open without us.
What’s in the file and the folder
archive.dbPeople, dates, stories and who can see what1.4 GB
mediaEvery photo and video, exactly as added48,210 files · 612 GB
Any computer or disk you choose