Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Is NM Collector software safe and private?

A: Yes. NM Collector works completely offline with no cloud connection required. Your collection data never leaves your device unless you choose to share it. Perfect for sensitive collections like firearms, valuable coins, or personal home inventory.

Q: Does NM Collector software encrypt my data?

A: For off-line use, like NM Collector Software, it is best to encrypt your hard drive or selected folders on your hard drive using Operating System level encryption tools rather than application level tools. Visit my How to Encrypt Your Data blog to find out why.

Q: Does NM Collector work without an internet connection?

A: Yes. NM Collector is designed to work 100% offline. No internet, no cloud, no subscriptions required for basic use. Your data stays on your device, even on air-gapped computers.

Q: What devices and operating systems does NM Collector support?

A: NM Collector works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. One purchase works across all your devices with easy sync via USB or local network.

Q: Can I use NM Collector for insurance documentation?

A: Yes. NM Collector is designed for insurance-ready documentation. Store photos, receipts, serial numbers, purchase prices, and current values. Export reports in formats insurance companies accept.

Collection-Specific Questions

Q: Is NM Collector suitable for firearms and gun collections?

A: Yes. NM Collector includes ATF-compatible Acquisition & Disposition (A&D) formatting for C&R FFL holders and serious collectors. Track serial numbers, makes, models, calibers, and comply with record-keeping requirements offline.

Q: Can I catalog coins with grading information?

A: Yes. The numismatic template includes fields for PCGS/NGC grades, varieties, mintage, mint marks, and condition. Perfect for serious coin collectors tracking investment-grade coins.

Q: Does it work for stamp collections?

A: Yes. The philatelic template supports Scott catalog numbers, watermarks, perforations, varieties, and condition grades. Organize topical collections and track first day covers.

Q: Can I track multiple different types of collections?

A: Yes. You can manage unlimited collections of different types - guns, coins, stamps, knives, rocks, home inventory, and more. Each collection type has its own customizable template.

Features & Comparisons

Q: How is NM Collector different from spreadsheets or cloud apps?

A: Unlike spreadsheets, NM Collector provides specialized fields for each collection type, built-in photo management, and formatted reports. Unlike cloud apps, your data stays private on your device with no ongoing internet requirement or subscription.

Q: Can I add photos to my collection records?

A: Yes. Drag and drop unlimited photos directly into each item record. Photos are stored locally with your data - no file size limits or cloud storage fees.

Q: How much does NM Collector cost?

A: NM Collector offers a free 30-day trial with full features. After the trial, you can continue using a free version with basic features or purchase an activation for full features. You can purchase a lifetime activation (no recurring subscriptions required) or select from multiple year activations. These activations are stored off-line on your computer. No on-line checks are made.

Q: Do I need to enter payment info for the trial?

A: No! Start using the full-featured version immediately with no credit card required. After 30 days, you can purchase an activation to keep full features, or continue using the free version.

Q: Can I print or export my collection data?

A: Yes. Export to PDF, Excel, CSV, or print formatted reports. Perfect for insurance claims, estate planning, or sharing with appraisers.

Technical FAQ

Data Storage & Formats

Q: Where is my data stored?

A: All data is stored locally on your device. On desktop systems, the database file is located in your user folder. On mobile devices, it's in the app's local storage. Your data never leaves your device unless you explicitly export it.

Q: What database format does NM Collector use?

A: NM Collector uses SQLite, an industry-standard, file-based database format. SQLite is used by Android, iOS, browsers, and countless applications because it's reliable, fast, and portable.

Q: Can I access my database outside of NM Collector?

A: Yes. Because we use SQLite, technically proficient users can access the database directly using SQLite tools. However, for most users, we recommend using NM Collector's export features.

Q: Is the database encrypted by the application?

A: No, and this is intentional. We recommend OS-level encryption (BitLocker, FileVault, LUKS) instead because it's more secure, more thoroughly tested, and protects all your files, not just NM Collector data. See our Security Comparison page for details.

Q: How large can my collection database grow?

A: SQLite databases can theoretically grow to 281 terabytes. Practically, most users with thousands of items and hundreds of photos have databases under 5GB. Storage space on your device is your only limit.

Backups & Recovery

Q: How do I backup my data?

Locate your database file (Settings > About will show location)
Copy the entire NM Collector folder to a backup location:
- External USB drive
- Network drive you control
- Cloud storage YOU manage (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.)
We recommend encrypted backup drives

Q: How do I restore from backup?

Install NM Collector on your device
once the application starts, Select File > Recover Database
-Or- Copy the backed-up database file to the expected location
Launch NM Collector—it will recognize your data

Q: What if my computer crashes?

A: If you have backups, simply install NM Collector on a new computer and restore your database file. This is why regular backups are essential.

Q: Can I automate backups?

A: Yes, in fact, every time you start NM Collector it automatically makes a backup for you. Also, you can use your operating system's backup tools:

Windows: File History or Windows Backup
Mac: Time Machine
Linux: rsync, Deja Dup, or similar tools

Cross-Platform Sync

Q: How do I sync data between my computer and phone?

A: NM Collector uses manual sync to maintain privacy:

Export database from device 1
Transfer via USB, email, or cloud storage you control
Import on device 2

This gives you complete control over when and how data moves between devices.

Q: Why not automatic cloud sync?

A: Automatic cloud sync would require:

Creating accounts
Storing your data on our servers
Continuous internet connection
Sacrificing privacy and security

We prioritized privacy over convenience. You can use your own cloud storage (Dropbox, iCloud, etc.) for file transfers while maintaining control.

Q: Can I use NM Collector on multiple devices simultaneously?

A: Yes. Install on as many devices as you own. Use manual export/import to keep them synchronized.

Photos & Media

Q: Where are photos stored?

A: Photos are stored within the SQLite database itself as BLOBs (Binary Large Objects). This means:

One file contains everything (data + photos)
Easier backups (just backup one file)
No broken links to external photo files

Q: What's the maximum photo size?

A: SQLite can handle very large BLOBs, but we recommend keeping individual photos under 10 MB for performance. Most smartphone photos are 2-4MB, which works perfectly.

Q: How many photos per item?

A: No hard limit. Most users store 3-10 photos per item. The database can handle much more.

Q: What photo formats are supported?

A: JPEG, PNG, and most common image formats.

Q: Can I attach videos and documents to items?

A: Yes! Use the Links tab for any item to attach videos, PDFs, Word documents, or any file type. Simply:

Open the item and go to the Links tab
Click the Add button
Drag the file (or paste a URL) to the "Drop Here" field
The file is now linked to that item

When you click the link, it opens with your operating system's default application. This works for:

Videos (MP4, MOV, AVI, etc.)
Documents (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.)
Audio files
Web URLs
Any other file type

Q: Why link files instead of embedding them?

A: Linking (rather than embedding) keeps your database fast and portable:

No file size limits
Database stays lean for faster backups and syncing
Large videos don't slow down the software
Files open in your preferred applications
Can link to files on external drives or cloud storage

This design gives you unlimited flexibility without compromising performance.

Performance

Q: How many items can NM Collector handle?

A: Users have successfully managed collections of hundreds of items. Performance remains good because SQLite is designed for this scale. and more.

Q: Will it slow down with lots of photos?

A: Not significantly. SQLite indexes enable fast searching even with hundreds of photos. Most slowdown comes from displaying many high-resolution images simultaneously.

Q: System requirements?

Windows: Windows 7 or later, 4GB RAM recommended
Mac: macOS 10.12 or later, 4GB RAM recommended
Linux: Most modern distributions, 4GB RAM recommended
iOS: iOS 11 or later
Android: Android 5.0 or later

Import & Export

Q: Can I import data from other software?

A: NM Collector can import from CSV files. If you have data in another application:

Export to CSV from that application
Format CSV to match NM Collector fields
Import via NM Collector's import function

Q: What export formats are available?

You can export your data to CSV (for spreadsheets, other software)
You can save any report as
- PDF (for insurance, estate documentation)
- HTML (for web viewing)
You can backup your data to a Database file

Q: Can I export just part of my collection?

A: Yes. Use the custom report option to select specific items, then export selection.

Customization

Q: Can I add custom fields?

A: Yes. NM Collector allows you to:

Add fields to existing templates
Remove fields you don't need
Create completely custom collection templates

Q: Can I change field names?

A: Yes. Field labels are customizable.

Q: How do I create a custom collection template?

A: Start with any template and customize or create whole new template from scratch:

Add/remove fields as needed
Customize dropdown values
Save as a new collection type

Privacy & Security

Q: Does NM Collector "phone home" or send any data?

A: No. Zero data is transmitted from the application. You can verify this by:

Running NM Collector offline (it works perfectly)
Using network monitoring tools
Checking our privacy policy

Q: What data do you collect if I purchase an activation?

A: Only what's necessary for the transaction:

Email (for license delivery)
Payment information (processed by payment provider, not stored by us)
Or you can purchase from Brownells and we collect nothing

We never receive or have access to your collection data.

Q: Can you recover my data if I lose it?

A: No. This is by design. We have no access to your data, so we can't recover it. This is why backups are your responsibility—and why your data is truly private.

Q: Is my collection information encrypted in transit if I email a backup to myself?

A: Email is not encrypted by default. For sensitive data:

Use encrypted email (ProtonMail, Tutanota)
Encrypt the database file before emailing (7-Zip with password)
Use physical USB transfer instead

Licensing & Updates

Q: What's included in the free version?

A: The free version includes core collection management features with no limits on:

Number of collections
Number of items you can add
Export capabilities

The differences are in functionality and features. See the bottom of the Features page for a detailed comparison.

Q: If I purchase an activation, does it expire?

A: It depends on which activation you purchase:

Lifetime activation: Never expires. You own the version permanently.
Yearly activation: Valid for one year from purchase.
Multi-year activations: Valid for the specified period (2-year, 3-year, etc.)

After any activation period ends, the software reverts to the free version. You keep all your data and can continue using the free version or renew your activation.

Q: Are updates free?

A: Updates within the same major version are free. Major version upgrades may require a new purchase, but you can continue using your current version indefinitely.

Q: Do I need internet to activate?

A: No. NM Collector CP uses a completely offline activation system.

You can purchase an activation:

Online: Activation key is emailed to you
In person: Directly from the developer
Retail: From Brownells

Once you have your activation key, simply enter it into the software. The activation is validated using an offline algorithm - no internet connection required, no online verification, no "phone home." Your activation is stored locally on your computer and works completely offline.

Q: Can I use my database on multiple computers?

A: Yes. Since the activation is tied to the database file (not the computer), you can use your database on as many computers as you own. Simply:

Install NM Collector CP on each computer
Transfer your database file between computers as needed
Your activation travels with the database

This makes it easy to work on your desktop at home and your laptop on the road.

Troubleshooting

Q: What if NM Collector won't start?

Check system requirements
Try reinstalling
Check if antivirus is blocking (This should never be an issue)
Contact support with error messages

Q: Data corruption - what to do?

A: Very rare with SQLite, but if it happens:

Restore from most recent backup (remember, backups are done automatically every time you start the program)
Contact support—we may be able to repair the database

Q: Photos not displaying?

A: Usually caused by:

Corrupted image file
Very large file size
Unsupported format

Try re-importing the photo at a lower resolution.

Q: Export failed?

A: Check:

Disk space available
Write permissions on destination folder
File isn't locked by another program

Support

Q: How do I get support?

A: Please visit our support page

Q: Response time?

A: Usually within 24-48 hours

FAQ: FAQ