Questions
Plain answers to what families ask most. Can't find yours? Write to hello@lifemaps.ai.
Getting started
What is LifeMaps?
A private place where a family saves the stories behind their things, in real voices, and decides together what happens to each one.
How do I join?
LifeMaps is in early access, and we're opening invites in waves. Request an invite on the home page and we'll email you when yours is ready. If someone in your family already uses LifeMaps, ask them to invite you.
What does it cost?
Early access is a paid plan. Your invite shows the price before you start, and nothing is charged until you agree. Your recordings stay yours whatever you pay, and you can download everything at any time.
Do we need to download an app?
No. LifeMaps works in the web browser on an iPhone, an Android phone, a tablet or a computer. You can add it to your home screen so it opens like an app.
What does the storyteller need?
Nothing technical. They can talk while you take photos, or use their own phone or tablet with a simple screen made for them, with large text and big buttons. You set up their screen from your phone, and they don't need an email address or a password.
Privacy and your recordings
Who can hear our stories?
Only people your family invites. For each story you choose who can listen: the whole family, certain people, or just you for now. Nothing is public, and nothing shows up in search engines.
Who owns the recordings?
Your family does. We look after them so LifeMaps can work, and we never sell them or use them for advertising.
What happens to a recording?
It's stored securely with the rest of your family's LifeMaps, on servers in the United States. To make the written words, the recording is sent to ElevenLabs, our speech-to-text service, and the text comes back to your LifeMaps. That's how you get captions and search. Our privacy note lists every service we use.
Can the storyteller keep something private?
Yes. They can say something is private, skip any question, or stop at any time. Recording only starts after they've agreed on their own phone. Anything can be deleted later.
Is Libby a real person?
No. Libby is a computer voice, not a person. She suggests questions and names for things, but she never speaks for your family or imitates anyone's voice. Libby never asks for passwords, account numbers or health details.
Can we download everything?
Yes, at any time: photos, recordings, written words and plans, in one download. Go to Family › Download everything.
What happens if we stop using LifeMaps?
Download everything first, then ask us to delete your family's LifeMaps. We'll delete it and confirm when it's done. If LifeMaps ever closes, we'll tell you well ahead so you can download your stories.
Story tags
What does a stranger see if they scan a tag?
Only a short note that the story is private, with no names, no address and no family details. They can ask for access. The person who looks after the tag decides, and nothing is shared unless they say yes.
Can I turn a tag off?
Yes. You can turn a tag off, turn it back on or print a replacement at any time. A tag that's been turned off doesn't open anything.
Families
Can children listen?
Yes, through a parent's account. LifeMaps accounts are for adults.
What if plans change?
Plans can change at any time, and LifeMaps keeps the history. A parent's own wish stays the plan unless they change it themselves.
Is a plan in LifeMaps a will?
No. Plans help a family talk and remember what everyone wants. They aren't a legal document. For anything legal, talk to a lawyer.
Ready when you are
LifeMaps is in early access. We're opening invites in waves.
Request an invite