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Getting Started with the Art Computer

The Art Computer is Feral File's instrument for digital art. It plays digital art on any screen. Plug it into a TV, projector, or monitor, scan a QR code, and your collection of art appears.

The Art Computer updates itself automatically over the air (OTA). For resets, troubleshooting, or experiments, you can also reinstall the OS manually. This guide covers the basics: what you need, plugging it in, pairing, and (optionally) reinstalling FF OS.

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

  • An Art Computer and its power adapter
  • An HDMI cable and a TV / monitor / projector
  • A phone (iOS or Android) with internet access
  • Your Wi-Fi network name and password

Step 1: Plug In Your Art Computer

  1. Connect HDMI from the Art Computer to your screen.
  2. Plug in the power adapter to the Art Computer and to the wall.
  3. Turn on your TV/monitor and choose the correct HDMI input.
  4. Turn the Art Computer on (just plug it in, it auto-powers).

On a normal first boot (or after a good install), the Art Computer will show a pairing screen with a QR code.

Step 2: Pair (Scan the QR Code)

Pairing is done by scanning the QR code on the screen with your phone’s camera app.

  1. Open your phone’s Camera.
  2. Point it at the QR code on your TV.
  3. Tap the link that appears.

What happens next:

  • If you already have the Feral File app, it will open and continue pairing.
  • If you don’t have the app yet, the link will take you to the App Store / Play Store. Install the app, then:
  • tap Open from the store page, or
  • re-scan the QR code if pairing doesn’t resume automatically.

“You’re done” success state

You’re fully set up when:

  • Your TV shows artwork or a playlist UI instead of just the QR code, and
  • The app shows that it’s connected to your Art Computer (you can select and control playlists).

Official Apps (Optional Pre-Install)

You do not need to install the app ahead of time — scanning the QR code will guide you through it if needed.

For development, source access, or contribution to the mobile controller, use the canonical public repo: feral-file/ff-app.

Step 3 (Advanced): Reinstall FF OS from USB

Most people never need to do this. The Art Computer updates itself automatically when it’s online.

Use this section only if:

  • The device is stuck or misconfigured, and normal restarts don’t help.
  • You’re testing a new FF OS image.
  • You need to recover a device for shipping / support.

Create a bootable USB

  1. Download BalenaEtcher: https://balena.io/etcher
  2. Download the latest system image on branch release: https://ffos.feralfile.com
  3. Use Etcher to flash the image onto a USB drive.

Install (fully automatic)

  1. Power off the Art Computer (unplug the power cable).
  2. Plug the USB installer into the Art Computer.
  3. Plug the power cable back in. The Art Computer will boot from the USB automatically.
  4. Wait until the Art Computer shuts itself down. (The screen may go blank during install.)
  5. Remove the USB.
  6. Power-cycle the Art Computer (unplug power, then plug it back in).

After booting, you should see the pairing QR code again. Go back to Step 2 to pair.

Troubleshooting

  • I don’t see a QR code.
    Confirm the TV is on the correct HDMI input. Try a different HDMI cable/port. Power-cycle the Art Computer.

  • My phone camera doesn’t show a link.
    Try better lighting, hold the camera steady, and make sure you’re close enough for focus. Some phones require enabling QR scanning in Camera settings.

  • It sent me to the store, but pairing didn’t resume.
    Open the app, then scan the QR code again with your phone camera.

  • Art isn’t loading.
    Check your internet connection and try again.

Still stuck? Email support@feralfile.com.

Next Steps

  • Explore How It Works.
  • Build playlists and start living with art.