Camera and barcode tips

Get barcodes and receipts to read the first time. Distance, light, zoom, and what to do when the camera won't open.

#Barcodes

• Hold the phone back a few inches. Phone cameras can't focus up close. The scanner starts zoomed in so the label still fills the box.
• Fill the white box with the barcode, lines going side to side.
• Light it up. Tap Light in a dark van or crawl space, if your phone shows it.
• Shiny wrap? Tilt the part a little so the glare moves off the lines.
• Still won't read? Type the numbers under the barcode instead, and tap Look up.

#Receipts

• Lay the receipt flat on a table or the hood, not in your hand.
• Get the whole receipt in the frame.
• Bright, even light. Avoid shadows across the print.
• If the text looks soft, pull back a few inches.
• Already took a photo? Use Pick a photo instead of the camera.

#The camera won't open

• The first time, your phone asks to use the camera. If you tapped Don't allow, turn it back on in your browser's settings for www.bartonforge.com, then reload the page.
• Close other apps that might be using the camera, like a video call.
• If there's no camera at all, you can still type barcodes and pick receipt photos.

See also Fix common problems.