Help
Short answers to common questions. If yours isn't here, write to us.
Questions, problems, or a picture that went wrong: write to us here.
Getting started
What is Cinder?
An iPhone app that makes illustrations for the audiobook you're listening to. You choose a book and a look, and Cinder draws moments from it. The pictures are saved to a gallery for each book.
How do I get an invite?
Cinder is invite-only for now. Join the waiting list and we'll email you when a place opens. Joining again with the same email doesn't change your place.
What do I need?
An iPhone on a current version of iOS, an internet connection, and the email address your invite was sent to. You sign in with a code we email you. There is no password.
Does it cost anything?
There is no charge while Cinder is invite-only. If that changes, we'll tell you in the app before anything costs money.
Using Cinder
Does Cinder play my audiobook?
No. Keep listening in the app you use now. Cinder only shows pictures.
How does Cinder know what I'm listening to?
You tell it: search for the book, then choose the chapter. You can also add the text of a page, by typing it or by taking a photo of the page.
How closely do the pictures follow the book?
Cinder draws from the details it has: the book, the chapter, any page text you add, and published information about the book. The more exact the details, the closer the pictures. Pictures for a whole book show its world and characters, not a particular scene.
The pictures are made by AI and can get things wrong. If one does, rate it with the thumbs-down and say why. Cinder takes your reasons into account when it makes later pictures for you.
Will later chapters look the same?
Yes, as far as the story allows. The look you chose and how you chose to show the main characters carry into later chapters of the same book.
A picture is wrong or upsetting. What do I do?
If it's wrong, rate it with the thumbs-down and say why. If it's sexual, violent, hateful or otherwise offensive, open the picture and tap Report. You can delete it from your gallery either way, or email us at cinder@converra.ai with the book and chapter.
Your pictures and data
Where are my pictures kept?
On your iPhone, in the Cinder gallery. When you're signed in, a copy is also kept with your account, so it comes back if you sign in on a new iPhone.
Does Cinder record audio or upload my photos?
No. Cinder doesn't record audio. When you photograph a page, the text is read on your iPhone and only that text is sent. The photo stays on your phone.
How do I delete my account?
In the app, open Settings and tap Delete account. That deletes your pictures, choices and reading history from our service, and removes their copies from your iPhone. The Privacy page lists what isn't deleted and why.
How do I leave the waiting list?
Email cinder@converra.ai from the address you signed up with, and we'll delete your entry.