2. Plant Base for Android
  3. Android Install Guide

Plant Base for Android - Installation

There are two parts to the installation, because database files are not included in the apk file (they are too large). Loading the database files may be done either before or after installing the Plant Base app itself  (we recommend loading the database before purchasing the app).

Install the Plant Base app

Buy and install the app - get Plant Base from the the Google Play Store

The price of the app is generally about half that of the PC and Mac edition. For many countries there is also an additional sales tax (VAT). Tax is applied automatically by the Google Play store system and handled by them (we do not receive it!). The cost includes access to the full database content, same as the PC product, and there are no extra charges.

The Google Play store is the normal and simplest method for most people. However, certain existing users have the option of a free direct download. If you are an approved Beta Tester or a Plant Base user registered before 31st March 2012 then please see this page to get your free download. We can also arrange special download licences for other Plant Base PC/Mac users who prefer not to use the Play store - please contact us.

Load the database

There are two alternative methods - either copy existing database base files from your PC or Mac to the Android device, or use our Data File Support app to download them directly from the internet onto your device. The database is large, so if you already have a copy then it will be quickest to copy it across manually.

Download directly using the support app:

  • The Data Support app is free and can be installed from Google Play - get Plant Base Data Support app
  • The support app is simple, just go to the download section and tap the button. The files are downloaded from our web server and this method does not need connection to a PC or Mac. Please note this a large download - about 330Mb.

Alternatively - manually copy the files from Plant Base on a computer:

  • Locate the database files on your computer. There are normally 4 files, all ending ".dpb2" and you can find their exact location from the About display in the Plant Base program. Beware that on some systems they might be placed under a "hidden" folder, but you can set a visibility option. It does not matter if your PC/Mac Plant Base install is in the free trial period or even if that has expired - the database files are still fine.
  • Connect your device to the computer with a USB cable. For Macs you may need to install "Android File Transfer" if you don't already have it.
  • Check there is a directory named "PlantBase" on the SD-card or built-in device storage. If you first installed and attempted to open the Plant Base app, then this directory will already exist. If not, make a new "PlantBase" directory using a File Manager app or Windows Explorer. This directory should be created alongside standard default directories such "Books", "Music" and "Pictures" and so on.
  • Using Windows Explorer or Mac Finder copy the database files from the computer to the "PlantBase" directory on the Android device .