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Getting started

This page takes you from nothing installed to your first edit.

Install the app​

Go to lexbox.org/fw-lite and choose the download for your device. On an Android phone or tablet, install it from Google Play like any other app. On a Mac, see the early-tester version.

Try it first, or log in​

You don't need an account to look around. On the home screen, choose Create Example Project. This makes a small practice dictionary on your device. Nothing you do in it touches anyone else's work, and it never syncs, so ignore its red sync dot.

To work on a real project, choose Login to see projects and log in with your Lexbox account. Your projects then appear under Lexbox Server.

Download your project​

Find your project under Lexbox Server and choose Download. FieldWorks Lite copies the project onto your device. On a large project this can take a while the first time.

After that, the project stays on your device, so you can work without an internet connection.

If your project isn't in the list​

Your project shows up only when all of these are true:

  • You are logged in with the account your project manager added. If Lexbox Server shows a Login button instead of your name, you aren't logged in yet.
  • You are a member of the project. Your project manager adds you.
  • The project is set up for FieldWorks Lite. A project manager does this once on lexbox.org.

Then press Refresh Projects (the circular arrow next to your name). Still missing? Choose I don't see my project below the list.

Open it and edit a word​

Tap the project in the list to open it. Browse shows your words. Pick one and change a field. To add a word, use New Word (on a phone the button just says New).

If you are a Viewer or Commenter on the project, it opens read-only: there is a lock next to its name, and you can't add or change words. A Commenter can still add comments. Ask your project manager to make you an Editor.

Used FieldWorks Classic before?

FieldWorks Lite says word and meaning where FieldWorks Classic says entry and sense, and its default view hides some fields. To see more fields, with their FieldWorks Classic names, select above the word list, then under View choose FieldWorks Classic. Some FieldWorks Classic fields, such as custom fields, aren't in FieldWorks Lite yet.

Your changes sync on their own​

You don't have to save your work to the server by hand. While the app is open and online, FieldWorks Lite sends your changes to Lexbox and picks up other people's changes.

See How sync works for what happens to your changes, what to do if someone doesn't see them, and how FieldWorks Classic fits in.