Precision Arrow Builder

Getting Started

Follow this first-run guide to install Precision Arrow Builder, activate your license, record measured components, and review your first proposed arrow set.

Before you start, it is worth skimming the Known Issues page and keeping the Support page handy.

Step-by-step

1. Install the application

Download the Windows installer, run it, and then open Precision Arrow Builder. The installer is digitally signed. If Microsoft Defender SmartScreen shows an "unrecognized app" message, select "More info" and verify that the publisher is Precision Arrow Builder Software, LLC before proceeding. If the publisher is different or Windows reports malware, stop and contact Support rather than bypassing the warning.

Download for Windows

2. Activate your license

After checkout, open the email containing your Precision Arrow Builder license key. The first time you open the application, follow the on-screen activation prompts and enter that key. If you cannot locate the post-checkout license email, contact Support. Do not send your license key.

3. Understand that your data is stored locally

Your catalog, inventory, and arrow-set work are saved on your own computer, not in the cloud. That means your data is private to your machine — and that protecting your local data is your responsibility. See Backups, imports, and recovery below.

4. Build your personal component catalog

Add the shafts, points, inserts, nocks, fletching, and other parts you build with. See Terminology if any of these terms are unfamiliar.

5. Record measured component inventory

Record the components you have on hand and their measured weights. This inventory gives the Arrow Set Builder the real items it can use when proposing a set.

Physical dimensions may be left at their default of 0.0 when they are unknown, but missing dimensions will reduce the accuracy of the calculated FOC.

Plus and Pro: You can also import user-submitted component records from the Community Catalog into your personal catalog and submit additions or updates. Builder users can complete the full core workflow with their personal catalog and measured inventory.

6. Build a representative arrow set

Use Arrow Set Builder to combine measured inventory components, working toward smaller weight and front-of-center (FOC) differences across the set.

7. Review and preserve your work

Review the proposed combinations and calculated results before assembling anything. Pro additionally provides Arrow Inventory for saving finished sets and individual arrow records so you can return to them for additions and replacements.

8. Find diagnostics and support

If the app opens, Help → Export Diagnostics Bundle… creates a local ZIP that you may choose to review and attach to a support email. The app does not upload it automatically. A diagnostics bundle is for support; it is not a backup of your catalog, inventory, or arrow data. If something goes wrong, use Report a Bug or Request a Feature. For anything else, email support@precisionarrowbuilder.com.

Backups, imports, and recovery

Precision Arrow Builder does not provide cloud backup for your normal working data. Use File → Export Data… to create backup or transfer packages for your Component Catalog, Component Inventory, and Arrow Inventory when available in your plan, and keep those exports with your normal backups. Use File → Import Data… when you need to bring a supported export back into Precision Arrow Builder.

Export packages include format-version information so the application can check compatibility before importing. If a supported older export needs to be converted, Precision Arrow Builder explains any user-relevant changes or assumptions and asks whether you want to continue; the original export is not modified. If an export was created by a newer format than your installed app supports, update Precision Arrow Builder before trying the import again.

Keep at least one backup somewhere other than the computer that holds your working data. If that computer or its storage fails and you have no usable export or other backup, Precision Arrow Builder has no cloud copy from which to restore your work.

Updates, reinstalling, and uninstalling

Application updates

Update checks are enabled by default and can run when the application starts. You can also choose Help → Check for Updates at any time. When a newer release is available, Precision Arrow Builder can take you to the download and its Release Notes. Before installing an update, keep a current export backup of data you care about.

Reinstalling or upgrading the application

Application files are installed separately from your local working data and settings. Installing a newer version or reinstalling the application is designed to preserve that local customer data. A backup is still recommended before an update or reinstall. If you are asked to activate again, use the license key from your post-checkout email or contact Support if you need help.

Uninstalling

Uninstalling removes the installed application files and shortcuts, but it is intentionally not a customer-data deletion process. Your local catalog, inventory, Arrow Inventory data, and application settings are retained outside the installation folder; support and recovery files such as logs, diagnostics, caches, and recovery backups may remain as well. If you intend to permanently remove all retained Precision Arrow Builder data, make any backups you want to keep first and contact Support if you need guidance.

Where to go next