Join a nearby project
PackQR confirms the project before transferring anything to the Contributor.
New in PackQR 1.5 · Nearby collaboration
Pack together without putting your household inventory in the cloud.
Pair one Master and one Contributor by QR code. Share a lightweight local packing copy, work independently offline, then return additions directly to the Master for review and one deliberate import.
✓ One Master + one Contributor✓ Nearby direct transfer✓ No PackQR account✓ No live cloud sync✓ Review before import
A deliberate two-person model
Share the context. Keep the packing independent.
The Master keeps the authoritative project. The Contributor receives the active rooms, boxes and item names/quantities needed as packing context. Master-originated records are clearly read-only on the Contributor device.
Lightweight baselineMaster photos, media, notes and historical deleted records are not copied into the initial collaboration baseline.
Normal packing toolsThe Contributor can create boxes and items, use keyboard, AI Pack Scan and supported voice entry, and add Contributor photos.
Offline after joiningOnce the local project copy arrives, the Contributor does not need to stay connected to the Master while packing.
Additive by designBaseline Master data is reference context. The Contributor adds new work rather than editing the Master’s existing records.
The full round trip
QR in. Pack apart. QR back. Review once.
Master shares
Open Collaborate → Share project. PackQR displays a short-lived QR code. Wi-Fi should be enabled on both devices while they connect.
Contributor joins
Scan from the normal PackQR Scan screen, verify the project name and receive the local collaboration copy directly from the Master.
Both keep packing
The Contributor works independently offline while the Master can continue using the original project. New boxes use separate numbering lanes during the session.
Master receives
The Master creates a fresh receive QR. The Contributor scans it and explicitly sends the new boxes, items and Contributor-created photos.
Private by design
Your inventory does not live inside the QR or on a PackQR server.
The QR establishes a short-lived trusted handoff. Project and contribution data then move directly between the nearby devices and are encrypted in transit.
No PackQR accountCollaboration does not create shared usernames, passwords or an identity service.
No PackQR cloud inventoryPackQR does not route the household inventory through a PackQR-operated database or relay.
Wi-Fi on, same network not requiredThe nearby Apple peer-to-peer path can connect the devices directly; AirDrop is not required.
Fresh QR for returnThe Master generates a new receive code later rather than relying on a permanent connection or long-lived secret.
Review before anything changes
The Master remains authoritative.
Returned changes are not silently merged. PackQR shows the contribution grouped by destination, including new boxes, items and Contributor photos. The Master can exclude groups and resolve supported structural issues before importing selected changes atomically.
✓
Nothing imported on scan
The Contributor explicitly sends the additions, and the Master explicitly confirms the import.
↺
Safe resend
After verified delivery, the Contributor copy becomes read-only so the same contribution can be resent if needed.
1
One batch per session
To keep packing after delivery, leave the finished collaboration and start a fresh one from the current Master project.
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Numbering stays predictable
Master and Contributor temporarily use separate box-number lanes, then the Master returns to normal sequential numbering after import.
Collaboration questions
What to expect.
Do both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?
No. Wi-Fi should be turned on on both devices while joining or returning changes, but they do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Keep the devices nearby until PackQR confirms the transfer.
Can more than one Contributor join at once?
Not in version 1.5. One Master project supports one active Contributor collaboration session. This is intentionally narrower than a general multi-user sync service.
Does the Contributor receive all Master photos?
No. The initial baseline is intentionally lightweight. It contains active rooms, boxes and item names/quantities for context; Master photos/media and notes remain on the Master. Contributor-created photos are included when changes are returned.
Can the Contributor edit Master boxes or items?
No. Master-originated rooms, boxes and items are read-only reference context. The Contributor can add new items to an existing Master box without changing the box’s existing Master contents.
Is this live sync?
No. The devices may diverge while packing. The Master sees Contributor additions only when they are explicitly returned and imported.
What if a transfer fails because Wi-Fi was off?
Turn Wi-Fi back on, keep the devices nearby and retry the nearby transfer. PackQR does not require AirDrop or a PackQR account.
Different collaboration models
Need live shared editing or more than two people?
PackQR’s branch-and-return model is designed for two people who want local privacy. Other apps may be a better fit for continuous cloud sync, browser access or larger teams.