Make yourself at home
in your studio log.
Short walkthroughs and practical answers. Learn the essentials, then get back to making.
Five quick guides
Watch at your own pace.These guides cover the essentials. There’s more to explore throughout Claywell, and more on the way.
A few practical answers.
Do I need an account or an internet connection?
No Claywell account is required. Your studio records are stored on your device, and the core tracking features work offline. Opening website links or sending a share through another service may need an internet connection.
Are my records automatically synced between devices?
The current beta stores records locally and does not sync them between devices. Export a JSON backup to keep a separate copy, or import that backup into another installation of Claywell.
How do I protect my records?
Go to Settings → Export & Backup → Save JSON backup. Choose a location outside Claywell, such as iCloud Drive or a folder in Files. Make a fresh backup after important updates, and before deleting the app or changing phones.
What is the difference between JSON and CSV?
JSON is the complete Claywell backup: it includes photos, notebook entries, piece details, and studio preferences, and can be imported back into the app. CSV is a spreadsheet of piece records. It counts photos without embedding them and cannot restore Claywell.
Will importing a backup duplicate my pieces?
With Add missing records selected, Claywell adds records whose identifiers are missing and keeps matching records unchanged. Importing the same file again does not duplicate those records. Restore backup values instead updates matching records to the saved values; records absent from the backup are kept.
Why does a filter show no matching pieces?
Enabled filters work together. You might have no pieces in the chosen stage, or no pieces that match the stage and your other choices. Change a selection or tap Clear filters to see the broader gallery.
Does search work across the app?
Search Claywell is app-wide. Use it to find records across your studio, then open a result when you want its details. Gallery filters are a separate way to narrow the Pieces view.
Does Find My Piece automatically track a piece’s location?
No. It uses the location you record in the piece's log, if you choose to do so. Update that field whenever a piece moves, whether between shelves, kilns, home, or another studio. Find My Piece groups work by those recorded locations.
What is the difference between a note and an idea?
They are entries in the same studio notebook. Turn on Idea / inspiration to also show an entry in the Ideas gallery and mark it with a lightbulb. Both notes and ideas can include text, photos, links, and connections to pieces.
Can I use my own clays, glazes, and labels?
Yes. Search the starter catalog or add your own custom materials and labels. You can also create a custom category for something your studio needs to track, such as a tool or collaboration.
What can I share from a piece?
Social Media shares selected photos with a generated caption. Some destinations require you to paste the caption yourself. Showcase / Technical creates one gallery-style image or PDF with the photos and details you select. Your artist profile can add your studio identity, website, logo, and chosen typeface.
Where can I find archived or deleted pieces?
Open Settings → Inactive Pieces to access Archive and Trash. Pieces in Trash can be restored until you empty it.
How do I send feedback or get help?
Email info@claywell.app with what happened, what you expected, and a screenshot if useful. Beta testers can also use Send Beta Feedback in TestFlight. Avoid including private studio records you do not want to share.
No matching questions. Try “backup,” “sharing,” or “location.”
Still have a question?
Ask for help, report an issue, or tell us what would improve your practice. I'm having a blast with this and would love to build out more features for the potters who want to use this tool.