> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://copy-cat.in/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Copycat: Desktop photo delivery app for photographers

> Copycat is a desktop app that lets photographers deliver encrypted preview vaults to clients and copy only the selected RAW files — no client app required.

Copycat is a desktop app for macOS and Windows that automates the photo delivery and selection workflow. You create an encrypted cloud vault from your source folder, share a secure link and passphrase with your client, and they choose their favorites in any browser. When they're done, Copycat pulls their selections back to your desktop and copies only the RAW files they picked — nothing more.

## Three ways to work

Copycat offers three run modes depending on how you receive your client's selections.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Vault mode" icon="lock">
    Create an encrypted cloud vault from your source folder. Share the vault link and passphrase with your client. They select photos in their browser, and you sync the results back to copy only the chosen RAWs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reference mode" icon="folder-open">
    Copy RAW files using a reference list — a text file or exported list of filenames from another app. Copycat matches names against your source and copies the hits.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Paste mode" icon="clipboard">
    Paste a list of filenames directly into Copycat. Useful for quick one-off copy runs when you already have the names on your clipboard.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## The Vault mode workflow

Vault mode is the flagship workflow for client delivery.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Point Copycat at your source folder">
    Select the folder containing your JPEG previews. Copycat indexes the files and packages them into an encrypted vault payload.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the vault">
    Enter a project name and click **Create Vault**. Copycat uploads the encrypted vault to the cloud and generates a short code, a shareable URL, and a passphrase.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share the link and passphrase with your client">
    Send your client the vault URL and passphrase. They open it in any browser — no app download required — and mark photos as selected or rejected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync and copy">
    When your client is done, click **Sync Selections** in Copycat. Their choices download to your desktop. Then point Copycat at your RAW archive, click **Copy Selected RAW**, and only the chosen files are copied to your destination folder.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## License and trial

Copycat requires a license key to use. You can start a free trial from within the app without entering payment details. Trials are time-limited — the app shows your remaining trial days in the license panel.

If you already have a license key, you activate it on first launch. Licenses are tied to your device and verified online.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get started" icon="rocket" href="/docs/quickstart">
    Download, install, and create your first vault.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/docs/installation">
    System requirements and step-by-step install instructions for macOS and Windows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run modes" icon="sliders" href="/docs/concepts/run-modes">
    Learn when to use Vault, Reference, or Paste mode.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Licensing" icon="key" href="/docs/concepts/licensing">
    Activate your license key and manage your trial or subscription.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>