Help / v1

Help and common questions

Answers about how FragranceDecode works, what it does and does not do, and how to manage your data.

Local mode vs. cloud account

Do I need an account?: No. FragranceDecode works fully without an account. All your ratings, wear logs, journal notes, and wardrobe data stay in your browser and are never sent anywhere.
What does a cloud account add?: An optional cloud account lets you back up your personal data and access it across devices. It does not unlock extra features or content — the full catalog is available to everyone.
What data does local mode store?: Local mode stores ratings, wear logs, shelf states, and journal notes in your browser's localStorage. Data is only on your device and is lost if you clear browser storage.
Can I switch between local and cloud?: Yes. You can sign in and import your local data into the cloud at any time. The import previews what will change before writing anything. You can also export all cloud data back to a local file.

How do I sign in?: FragranceDecode uses email one-time passwords (OTP). Enter your email address, receive a link, and tap it to sign in. No password to remember or forget.
The sign-in link expired. What do I do?: OTP links expire after a short window for security. Return to the sign-in page and request a new link.
I signed in on a new device but my data is not there.: Your local data lives in your previous browser. Sign in and use Account → Import to bring local data into your cloud account, then it will be accessible everywhere.
How do I sign out?: Go to Account and use the sign-out option. Your cloud data remains intact; your local browser data is unaffected.

What does import do?: Import reads a FragranceDecode local backup file (or your current browser data) and merges it into your cloud account. You see a preview of what will be added, changed, or skipped before anything is written.
Will import overwrite my cloud data?: Import uses merge rules — it does not silently overwrite. Items already in your cloud account are compared; conflicts are shown before you confirm.
What if the catalog version in my backup does not match?: Import requires the backup to reference the current catalog version. If yours is older, refresh the page and try again.

What is a conflict?: A conflict happens when the same fragrance has different data in your local browser and your cloud account — for example, you updated a rating offline while your cloud copy already had a newer version.
How are conflicts resolved?: FragranceDecode applies deterministic rules: for ratings and shelf states, the most recently updated version wins. If that cannot be determined safely, you are shown the conflict before confirming.
Can I lose data in a conflict?: The goal is to never silently discard data. The import preview shows every conflict and the outcome. Wear logs are merged rather than replaced.

How do I export my data?: Go to Account → Export to download a complete copy of your cloud data as a JSON file. This file can be re-imported later or opened in any text editor.
What does the export include?: The export includes your fragrance states (ratings, shelf status), wear logs, and profile settings. It does not include free-text journal notes stored only locally.
Can I export local (non-cloud) data?: Yes. The Wardrobe and Journal pages have local export options. These create a backup file of your browser data.

How do I delete my cloud data without deleting my account?: Go to Account → Delete cloud copy. This removes your sync data from FragranceDecode's servers but keeps your account active and your local browser data intact.
How do I delete my account entirely?: Go to Account → Delete account. This permanently deletes your account and all associated cloud data. It cannot be undone. Your local browser data is unaffected.
How long does deletion take to propagate?: Account and cloud data deletion is immediate on the FragranceDecode servers. Encrypted backups may persist for up to the stated backup retention period before expiry.
Can I re-register after deleting my account?: Yes. Account deletion removes your data but does not block your email from being used again to create a new account.

Does FragranceDecode authenticate bottles?: No. FragranceDecode cannot authenticate a bottle, seller, or listing. Batch-code decoding checks a documented format and may estimate a manufacture date — it does not prove a product is genuine.
Why is decoding unavailable for some brands?: Batch decoding requires a documented, source-backed rule for that brand. Where no defensible rule exists, decoding is intentionally not offered rather than guessing.
What does 'observational' evidence mean?: Observational evidence is community-reported and lacks official source confirmation. It is labeled and held at a lower confidence tier. It does not constitute a verdict.
I think a claim is wrong. How do I report it?: Use the Report button on any guide claim. Include the claim ID, what you believe is wrong, and any supporting sources. The editorial team reviews all reports.

How do I report an error in a fragrance dossier?: Use the 'Prepare a sourced correction' link on any fragrance page. This opens the editorial studio where you can document the correction with a source.
How do I suggest a fragrance for the catalog?: Use the 'Request this fragrance' form accessible from the catalog page. Requests are prioritized by demand and evidence availability.
How long does a correction take?: Corrections are reviewed in the order received. High-risk factual errors (e.g. incorrect authentication claims) are expedited. Most corrections appear in the next catalog edition.