Questions
Is this the same as Tesserae?
No. Tesserae (tesserae.ink) is a separate open-source project for Home Assistant, with a similar name, that makes calm dashboards for e-ink panels. Tessera is for colour LCD touch screens. If you're after e-ink, Tesserae is the one to look at; a question that lands with the wrong project is gladly passed on.
Tessera isn't in the app store
The standard store lists only Home Assistant's own repositories. Tessera has its own; one click adds it, or you add it by hand. Install the app shows both. Not in the list afterwards? Reload the page.
Do I need ESPHome?
The ESPHome integration in Home Assistant, yes: that is how every screen pairs. The ESPHome Device Builder app, no: Tessera brings its own copy of ESPHome. No MQTT, no blueprint, no long-lived token.
What does it cost?
The software is free and open source, under the GNU AGPL v3. There is no subscription and no fee per screen. You buy the screen; Supported screens says what to look for. If you enjoy it, you can buy Max a coffee.
Does it need the internet?
Your screens talk to the app on your own Home Assistant, over your home network. No Tessera server sits in between, and no account is needed. Installing and updating a screen downloads software from GitHub once per build.
Which screen should I buy?
The 4-inch Guition is the one the project uses itself; the CYD is the cheapest way to try. Supported screens has every board, what it can do and what to look for on the box. On the website, owners report which screens work for them.
Can I use a screen without Home Assistant?
No. The screens get their tiles and their values from the app in Home Assistant.
Can several people edit?
Yes. The editor follows each person's Home Assistant language. If two people save the same screen, the second one is told and can load the other's version or keep their own.
Why does my screen only show one language?
A screen carries one language in its firmware, chosen under Settings → Language & region for all screens. The editor follows your Home Assistant profile. See Clock, language and formats.
Why does the CYD miss some things?
The CYD has 4 MB of flash and no extra memory. It shows no camera pictures, album covers, maps or media library, and no screensaver pictures. Everything else works, the history graphs included.
I used ESP Screens. What changed?
Only the name. Since app 0.3.18 the app is Tessera Screen Manager and the sidebar says Tessera. Your screens, layouts and the repository stay the same.
Where do I report a problem?
Open an issue on GitHub with your board, the version you picked under New screen, the app version and the screen's firmware (This screen → Firmware on the screen), a photo if the picture is wrong, and the boot log with Wi-Fi passwords and keys removed. Troubleshooting first, though: many problems go away after an update.