A mixed collection has two kinds of location: physical shelves and digital accounts. A title alone does not tell you which version you own, which console it works on or where to find it.
Track those details together in ArkPixels while keeping the individual copies recognisable. The aim is to answer “Can I play this here?” without checking several store apps and boxes.
Describe the game and the copy separately
Imagine a collection with a boxed console game, a digital PC purchase and a second digital copy of the boxed title on another platform. The repeated title is legitimate. Each copy has its own ownership context.
Choose the correct game metadata and mark the platforms you own. Use a short note for format, store and edition: for example, “Console: physical standard edition, living-room shelf; PC: digital store purchase”. ArkPixels has no dedicated format, edition or store fields. Tags and collections can provide your own physical/digital grouping. A manual game can list several owned platforms, while Steam imports retain their profile associations.
For physical games, add a concise location note if it helps you find the box. For digital purchases, name the store in that note if you need it. Keep personal account credentials outside the collection.
If you are building the inventory from scratch, our collection organisation guide offers a gradual workflow across PC, consoles and shelves.
Add a small mixed sample first
Start with three entries you can verify: a physical copy beside you, a digital console purchase and a PC game. Compare the owned platforms and ownership notes with the box and store information.
Set the status independently of the format. A boxed game can be in Backlog; a digital game can be Completed. Use notes, progress and personal ratings to describe your experience with the copy rather than repeating the publisher's description.
Once the sample looks right, continue in manageable groups. Physical scanning and Steam import can speed up parts of the inventory, but manual review still keeps it accurate.
Scan a cover, then confirm the result
Open Scan from the Add menu and capture or select the cover image. Keep the title area readable and avoid glare. When the app detects an area, review the crop and correct it if necessary.
ArkPixels recognises text locally and then searches for matching game metadata. If the detected title is wrong, correct the title area or text before choosing a candidate. Review the result carefully when a cover includes a subtitle, collection name or several games.
Confirm the intended game and finish the entry in the Add game flow. Check the owned platform against the box and add any format or edition detail to Notes. Scanning assists identification and still needs your review.
Single-cover scanning is available in Free. Automatic multi-cover scanning and unlimited bulk tools require Pro or Family; Free bulk operations accept up to five items. A clear single scan is a good way to learn the workflow before cataloguing a whole shelf.
Keep digital sources distinct
Steam import can bring PC games into the same library. Other platforms and stores use manual entries. Preserve owned platforms and store notes when they help distinguish ownership.
If you use Steam, follow our Steam import tutorial for profile privacy and refresh checks. Imported provider playtime is useful context, while local sessions record when you played in ArkPixels.
Review possible duplicates before merging or deleting them. Two copies on different platforms should not disappear merely because their titles look alike. Check statuses, notes and imported profile associations before making a change.
Use collections for places and personal selections
Collections can group “Living-room shelf”, a favourite series or games you want to play with someone. Tags can express a cross-platform property such as “co-op” or “short sessions”. Keep the system small enough that you can apply it consistently.
If you lend a physical game, use an ordinary note to record what you need to remember. This is a manual reminder: update it when the copy returns rather than expecting a lending transaction workflow.
Finish by filtering the library for the platform you can use today. With accurate copy details, the results give you games you can actually launch and help prevent an unnecessary second purchase. The backlog guide can help turn that available selection into your next shortlist.