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Getting Started

Download and Setup

Download Cardmaniacs

Cardmaniacs is distributed on the Mac App Store and App Store for iPhone and iPad. Search for “Cardmaniacs” or use the App Store link from cardmaniacs.com when available.

System requirements

  • macOS — recent macOS versions supported by the current App Store build (Apple Silicon and Intel where applicable)
  • iOS / iPadOS — versions aligned with the current App Store listing
  • iCloud — Apple ID with iCloud Drive enabled for library sync
  • Apple Intelligence (optional) — supported device and OS for on-device summaries and related features

iCloud sync

On first launch, Cardmaniacs asks to use iCloud for your library. Accepting enables sync of feeds, cards, tags, highlights, and reading state across your devices.

The app's iCloud container is iCloud.com.cardmaniacs.app. Your data stays in your Apple account; Cardmaniacs does not operate a separate cloud reading account.

Troubleshooting sync

If items do not appear on another device:

  1. Confirm the same Apple ID is signed in on both devices
  2. Open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and ensure iCloud Drive is on
  3. Check that Cardmaniacs is allowed to use iCloud Drive
  4. Leave the app open briefly on Wi‑Fi to allow an initial merge
  5. On macOS, Refresh Feeds (⌘R) updates feed content but is not a full library reset

Extensions and capture

Cardmaniacs includes system integrations for saving from other apps:

Share extension

Enable the Cardmaniacs share action in Safari, News, and other apps that support the system share sheet. Saved URLs can go to Read Later or Bookmarks depending on the share UI and your default.

Configure share defaults under Settings → Share on macOS. Enable the extension in Settings → General (browser and extension health) or Safari's extension preferences. See Settings for pane details.

Safari extension

The Safari extension adds capture and reader-related actions while browsing. Install and enable it from Settings → General or Safari's extension preferences.

Widgets and Shortcuts

Home Screen widgets and Shortcuts actions expose quick capture, navigation, and automation. See AI and Integrations.

First launch and onboarding

Onboarding walks through:

  1. Welcome — what Cardmaniacs unifies
  2. iCloud — sync consent
  3. Extensions — optional Share and Safari setup
  4. Sample content — optional starter feeds or empty library

You can skip sample feeds and add your own via Add Feed… (⌘⌥N) or OPML import (⌘⇧O) later.

Importing an existing library

If you are migrating from another reader:

  • OPML — import feed subscriptions (⌘⇧O on macOS)
  • Import… — additional import formats via Import… (⌘⇧I) where supported

Imported feeds merge with existing subscriptions; duplicate URLs are typically deduplicated.

Global hotkey (macOS)

Advanced settings allow a global quick-capture hotkey (default ⌘⌥⇧C when enabled) to summon Cardmaniacs from any app. Configure under Settings → Advanced → Global Hotkey. This is optional; most users start without it.

Settings overview

macOS settings use these panes: General, Reading, Feeds, Share, Subscription (when enabled), and Advanced. Intelligence and Siri-related options live under General—not as separate top-level panes.

Open Settings with ⌘, or from the app menu.

Next steps