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Quick Start

This guide will help you get started with Stowaway after installation.

First Launch

When you first access Stowaway, you'll see the login page.

Create Your Account

  1. Click Register to create a new account
  2. Enter your name, email, and password
  3. Click Create Account

First User is Admin

The first user to register automatically becomes an administrator with full access to all features.

Dashboard Overview

After logging in, you'll see the dashboard with:

  • Total Items - Count of all items in your inventory
  • Total Value - Combined value of all items
  • Categories - Number of categories you've created
  • Locations - Number of storage locations
  • Low Stock Alerts - Items below minimum quantity
  • Recent Items - Your most recently added items

Adding Your First Item

1. Navigate to Items

Click Items in the sidebar to view your inventory.

2. Create New Item

Click the Add Item button in the top right.

3. Fill in Details

Field Description
Name The item name (required)
Description Additional details about the item
Manufacturer Who made the item
Barcode Product barcode (e.g., UPC, EAN)
Price Purchase price
Quantity How many you have
Min Quantity Alert threshold
Category Organizational category
Location Where it's stored

4. Save

Click Save to create your item.

Setting Up Categories

Categories help organize your items with color-coded labels.

Create a Category

  1. Click Categories in the sidebar
  2. Click Add Category
  3. Enter a name (e.g., "Electronics", "Tools", "Kitchen")
  4. Select a color
  5. Click Save

Setting Up Locations

Locations track where items are physically stored.

Create a Location

  1. Click Locations in the sidebar
  2. Click Add Location
  3. Enter a name (e.g., "Garage Shelf A", "Bedroom Closet")
  4. Optionally add a description
  5. Click Save

Scanning Barcodes

Stowaway can scan barcodes using your device's camera.

How to Scan

  1. Navigate to Items
  2. Click the Scan button
  3. Allow camera access when prompted
  4. Point your camera at a barcode
  5. The system will automatically detect and search for the barcode

Generating QR Codes

Each item can have a QR code for quick access.

View QR Code

  1. Open an item's detail page
  2. Click the QR Code button
  3. Print or save the QR code
  4. Scan it later to quickly access the item

Next Steps