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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PictoChain?
PictoChain is an iOS app that lets you create step-by-step pictogram sequences for daily routines. It's designed for parents, teachers, and therapists who support children with autism and other communication needs.
Do I need an internet connection?
You need an internet connection to search for pictograms and sign in. Once pictograms are added to a chain, you can view and present your sequences offline.
Why do I need to sign in?
PictoChain uses Sign In with Apple for secure authentication. This is required to access the pictogram search API. Apple protects your privacy by giving PictoChain an anonymous identifier instead of your real email.
What are the three display modes?
Cards: Swipe through one pictogram at a time, like flashcards. Great for step-by-step guidance.
Horizontal: See the full sequence as a scrollable strip.
Vertical: A numbered timeline view, perfect for longer routines.
Can I reorder steps in a chain?
Yes! Tap the edit button on any chain, then drag the handle to reorder steps. You can also tap + between steps to insert new pictograms, or swipe to delete a step.
What pictograms are available?
PictoChain provides thousands of pictograms covering everyday activities, emotions, objects, and more. Search is available in 17 languages.
Can I customize skin tones?
Yes. You can set a default skin tone during onboarding, and change it at any time from the search screen. Five skin tone options are available.
How do I delete my account?
You can delete your account from within the app. All server-side data associated with your account will be permanently removed. Local data on your device is deleted when you uninstall the app.

Tips

Prepare chains in advance

Build chains for common routines (morning, school, shopping) ahead of time. When the moment comes, just open and show.

Use edit mode for surprises

When plans change unexpectedly, tap edit and insert or reorder steps in real time. Your child can see the updated sequence immediately.

Try different view modes

Some children respond better to one-at-a-time cards, others prefer seeing the full timeline. Experiment with all three modes to find what works.