Best Lighting for Scanning

Scanning works best when the camera can see the printed page clearly. Lighting is the difference between an instant unlock and a frustrating wiggle.

Do this

• Use even, soft light — near a window or under bright indoor lights
• Hold the phone steady 20–40 cm above the page
• Fill the frame with the photo you’re scanning
• Flatten the page gently if the book wants to curve

Avoid this

• Harsh glare or reflections on matte laminate
• Deep shadows across half the image
• Pitch-dark rooms where the camera struggles to focus

If recognition is slow, shift angle slightly or move to better light — usually that’s enough.