Why does Windows say it doesn't recognize this app?
That's Windows SmartScreen, and it flags any installer that isn't individually code-signed by a certificate authority — which AetherCache's isn't, yet. That's a deliberate choice, not an oversight: official code signing costs real money and mostly buys reputation that has to build up from real install volume anyway, not something a certificate alone fixes. The download is still verifiable — every release is signed with AetherCache's own updater key, and SHA-256 checksums are published alongside each build (see the Download page). If you trust the source, click "More info," then "Run anyway."
Is AetherCache really free?
Yes! That's not just a policy choice; it's a requirement of the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy that AetherCache operates under. We're doing this because we think it's cool and we hope you do too!
Is this made by, or affiliated with, Wizards of the Coast?
No. AetherCache is unofficial Fan Content, permitted under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy — not produced, endorsed, or approved by Wizards of the Coast. Full disclosure on the Fan Content Policy page.
Where do the card images and data come from?
Card data and images are sourced from Scryfall, an independent fan-run Magic database. AetherCache checks on every launch whether the local copy of Scryfall's card data needs updating, so browsing and card lookups don't need a live request each time (a manual sync from Settings is also available, but rarely needed). Images load from Scryfall's servers and are only cached temporarily in memory during a session — you'll see a placeholder instead if you're offline.
Do I need to make an account?
No! There's no login and no AetherCache servers to sign up with. Optional cross-device sync works through a cloud folder you already control — see Privacy for how that actually works.
Can I connect Google Drive directly for cloud sync?
Not yet for the general public — that specific connection is still limited to a small set of accounts while it goes through Google's own app review process, so most people trying it will hit an access error right now. Dropbox and OneDrive have no equivalent restriction and work for anyone today. In the meantime, pointing AetherCache at a Google Drive folder synced by the regular Google Drive desktop app works the same as any other cloud folder — it's only the in-app "Connect Google Drive" button that's affected.
Does scanning save photos of my cards?
Not by default. A scanned image is discarded right after it's matched to a card — nothing is written to disk unless you explicitly turn on "Save Physical Scans" in Settings.
Is there an Android app?
Yes — a direct APK download you install yourself ("sideloading"), not a Play Store listing yet. See the Download page for the link and install steps.
What about macOS or Linux?
Not currently available, and there's no timeline to share. Windows and Android are the only platforms that have actually been built and tested so far.
What does "Beta" mean here?
AetherCache hasn't had a public release before this — version numbers start at 0.1.0, and features, screens, and this site are all expected to keep changing. Beta means "real and usable, but still settling," not "barely works." The creator is using this app daily for his own collection.
How do updates work?
On Windows, go to the Settings tab's Updates panel and click "Check for Updates" — AetherCache doesn't check automatically in the background. If a new version is found, you click to install it; nothing downloads or applies without that click. Update packages are signed with AetherCache's own key, and the app verifies that signature before installing. On Android, there's no in-app updater yet — re-download the APK from this site for newer versions.
Can I support the project?
Yes, and thank you for asking! AetherCache is free to use, but if you're enjoying it and want to help support the work, you can donate via Ko-Fi. There's also a dedicated Support page with more context on why I built this and what your support means.
Found a bug, or have feedback?
Open an issue on GitHub — that's the best way to reach the project right now. There are also feedback buttons sprinkled throughout the app that will helpfully pull screenshots and log data (at your option).