How do I get the best results from a scan?

Spines reads the text on each spine, so anything that makes that text sharper helps.

Before you take the photo

• Get close. Fill the frame with one shelf, or two at most. A whole bookcase from across the room is too small to read.
• Hold your phone upright and level. The camera shows a level guide. Line it up until it says Level.
• Find good light. If the shop is dim, step to a brighter spot or turn on Flash.
• Keep spines clear. Move hands, price stickers and shelf labels out of the way where you can.
• Hold still for a second when you tap the shutter, so the photo isn't blurry.

If Spines asks you to retake

Spines checks each photo before scanning it. If it says Photo is too blurry or Needs more light, tap Retake Photo and try again with the tips above. For a milder warning, like A bit dark, you can choose Use anyway.

If some books are missing from the results

• Spines can miss spines that are very thin, worn, or printed in tiny or fancy lettering.
• Books lying flat or stacked sideways are harder to read. Take a second photo of those.
• If a scan finds almost nothing, it doesn't count towards your free monthly scans.

On some Android phones

On some Android phones, Spines opens your phone's own camera app instead of its own camera. Take the photo there and you'll come straight back to Spines. The same tips apply.