Mac, iPad, and Web —
wherever you work.

StringsTheory on macOS is a fully native SwiftUI app designed for power users. It takes full advantage of the desktop environment with keyboard shortcuts, system printer support, table-based layouts, and seamless auto-updates.

• System printer support for labels -- works with Dymo, Brother, Zebra, and Rollo label printers via the standard macOS print system. Select your label printer from the system print dialog and print directly from the app.
• Full keyboard shortcuts -- ⌘N to create a new item, ⌘F to search, ⌘S to save, ⌘, to open settings. Shortcuts work throughout the app for fast, mouse-free workflows.
• Auto-updates via Sparkle -- the app checks for updates in the background automatically. You can also manually trigger a check from the StringsTheory > Check for Updates menu bar item. The current version is displayed in Settings > About.
• Table-based layouts with column sorting -- inventory, work orders, customers, and production views use native macOS table layouts. Click any column header to sort ascending or descending.
• Drag-and-drop label designer -- design custom labels by dragging field placeholders, text blocks, barcodes, and images onto the label canvas. Resize and position elements precisely with the desktop pointer.

The iPad version of StringsTheory is optimized for touch interaction while preserving the full feature set of the desktop app. It is designed to work naturally at a repair bench, on a shop counter, or on the go.

• Touch-optimized interface with 44pt minimum tap targets throughout the app, ensuring every button, toggle, and control is easy to hit accurately with a finger.
• Landscape and portrait support -- the UI adapts fluidly to both orientations. Landscape mode gives you more horizontal space for tables and forms; portrait is ideal for scrolling through lists and detail views.
• Split view multitasking -- run StringsTheory side-by-side with another app using iPadOS Split View. Look up a supplier's website while editing an inventory item, or reference an email while creating a work order.
• Apple Pencil support for signature capture -- when a customer drops off a guitar for repair, hand them the iPad and let them sign directly on the work order using Apple Pencil or a finger. The signature is saved with the order.
• Camera barcode scanning -- use the iPad's built-in camera to scan product barcodes. Point the camera at a UPC or EAN barcode to instantly look up an item or create a new one pre-filled from the scan.
• Photos integration for item images -- tap the image picker on any inventory item to take a photo with the iPad camera or select one from your Photos library. Images are stored locally and sync across devices.
• NavigationSplitView with sidebar -- the iPad app uses a collapsible sidebar for navigation between sections (Inventory, Work Orders, Customers, BOM, Production, COGS, Settings). Swipe from the left edge or tap the sidebar button to show or hide it.

The StringsTheory web app is a companion interface available exclusively on the Annual plan ($199.99/yr). Access it at app.stringstheoryinv.com from any modern browser to view and manage your data when you are away from your Mac or iPad.

• Full CRUD for inventory, customers, work orders, Bill of Materials, and production -- create, read, update, and delete records directly from the browser.
• Real-time sync with the native app via the cloud backend. Changes made on the web are synced to your Mac and iPad automatically, and vice versa. The sync engine uses the same offline-first conflict resolution as the native apps.
• Responsive design for desktop and tablet browsers. The layout adapts to your screen size, so it works well on a 27-inch monitor or a 10-inch tablet in a browser.
• Browser support -- Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge are all supported. The app is built with React and works in any modern browser with JavaScript enabled.

StringsTheory on macOS uses the Sparkle framework to deliver seamless updates. You never have to manually download a new version unless you want to -- the app handles it for you.

• Background version checks -- the app periodically checks for new versions in the background. When an update is available, you will see a notification prompting you to install it.
• Manual check -- open the StringsTheory menu in the menu bar and click Check for Updates to trigger a manual check at any time.
• Version display -- the currently installed version number is shown in Settings > About, so you can always confirm you are running the latest release.
• DMG download -- updates are delivered as a DMG file for macOS. The Sparkle updater downloads and applies the update automatically. If you prefer to install manually, you can also download the latest DMG from the website.