Frequently Asked Questions

What's an AI credit?

One credit equals one scanned page (journal, letter, or family history) or one minute of audio transcription. Photo album pages cost 2 credits. Credits reset each month.

What file formats are supported?

JPEG, PNG, HEIC (iPhone photos), and PDF files. We recommend scanning at 200 DPI or higher for best results.

How accurate is the handwriting recognition?

Accuracy depends on handwriting legibility and scan quality. Most clear handwriting reads at 90%+ accuracy. Difficult scripts may need manual review.

Is my archive private?

Yes. Your documents are private by default. Only you can access your archive unless you create a share link.

Does LifeArchive use my journals to train AI?

No. Your documents are sent to AI APIs (OpenAI) solely for text recognition under their API terms, which prohibit using API inputs for model training. We do not use your content to train any AI models.

Can I share my archive with family?

Yes. Keeper and Archivist plans include passcode-protected share links so family members can read entries and chat with your archive.

What happens if I hit my page limit?

Your existing entries remain fully accessible. New uploads pause until your credits reset next month, or you can upgrade to continue immediately.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. Subscriptions are month-to-month with no lock-in. You keep access until the end of your billing period.

What audio formats can I upload?

MP3, M4A, and WAV files up to 500 MB. Most phone voice memos and digital recorders produce compatible files.

How does transcription and speaker identification work?

Recordings are automatically transcribed with AI-powered speech recognition. Speaker diarization identifies different voices, and you can label each speaker (e.g. 'Grandma Dorothy', 'Interviewer') so the AI chat knows who said what.

How many minutes of audio can I transcribe?

Starter accounts include audio within their 100 monthly credits. Keeper plans include up to 10 hours, and Archivist plans include unlimited audio. Credits reset monthly.