Sharing & Invitations — Join in an instant

Email invitation

The classic and most formal method: you enter your contact's email address, and Olaf sends them a personalised invitation containing an access link valid for 7 days. By clicking this link, your contact creates their account (or logs in if they already have one) and automatically joins the group.

This method is ideal for inviting people who are not physically with you, or when you want a written record of the invitation. The email is sent in the recipient's preferred language if it is already known to the system.

6-digit temporary code

The temporary code is a simple and very practical innovation for face-to-face situations. You generate a 6-digit code from the app, valid for between 24 hours and 7 days depending on your settings. Your contact enters this code in the app or on the website to join the group instantly.

The advantage of this system is its simplicity when spoken aloud: you can dictate the code during a family meal, without taking out phones to exchange contacts. The code can also be displayed on a screen and copied manually. Once used or expired, it becomes invalid.

Native share link

The native share link opens your operating system's share sheet directly — on mobile, this launches WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, email, or any other messaging app installed on your phone. On desktop, the link is copied to the clipboard.

This method naturally adapts to your communication habits. If your family uses WhatsApp, a single tap is all it takes to share the invitation in the family group. The link contains a secure token that identifies the group and expires automatically.

QR code — camera scan or manual entry

The QR code is particularly useful at family gatherings or in-person events. Display the QR code on your phone and your contacts scan it with the Olaf mobile app. The app uses the camera with a dedicated visual frame and the option to activate the torch for low-light environments.

For users who cannot scan (camera unavailable, technical issue), manual entry of the code is always offered as an alternative. The experience remains smooth regardless of the situation.

Direct opening in the application

When a user receives an invitation link on their smartphone and the Olaf app is installed, direct opening activates automatically: the app opens directly on the group joining screen, without going through the web browser.

If the app is not installed, a browser alternative takes over: the user is redirected to the website, where they can join the group via the browser, then download the app if they wish. This dual strategy ensures an optimal experience in all cases.

One list, several groups

Inviting someone brings a person into a group. Sharing a list works the other way round: the list travels to other circles. In the list settings, under “Sharing”, you pick up to ten groups where it will be visible — useful when the same birthday involves both your friends and your in-laws, with no need to recreate the list twice.

The main benefit is avoiding duplicate gifts: all those circles see the same reservations, so nobody buys the same present twice. In exchange, members of every group also see each other's reservations and messages, even if they have never met — the app reminds you of this before you save. Only the list's owner decides on this sharing, and only for as long as the list has not been revealed.

Not to be confused with entrusting the care of a list: there, you are not changing the circles that can see it, you are adding someone who can tend it alongside you. On a child's list, that person also sees the reservations and can place their own; on a list meant for you, they stay in the dark, just like you.

Entrusting the management of your list

You can manage a list together: two soon-to-be-weds, two parents, a couple preparing their baby registry. In the list's settings, in the "Shared management" section, you choose the person: a member of one of your groups for a private list, or an email address for a public list. You can do this up to the day of the event, and take the management back at any time.

The person adds and edits ideas just like you. Two things remain in your hands: choosing who manages the list and deleting it. The surprise is preserved: on a list meant for you, the person can't see the reservations and can't make any, just like you.

Good to know: nobody can both manage a list and give gifts on it. If the person had already reserved ideas on this list, their reservations are cancelled and Olaf lets them know. Before you entrust the list, Olaf asks you to confirm, whether or not there is anything to cancel.

Not to be confused with giving the list away: entrusting its management means keeping your list and looking after it together; giving it away means transferring it entirely to someone else, who becomes its owner.