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Scanning Barcodes

Use the tagd-ai scanner to scan barcodes and access linked tag content.

Using the Scanner

Open the Scanner

From the app:

  1. Tap the Scan button in the navigation
  2. Camera opens with scanner overlay

From the header:

  1. Click the Scan icon
  2. Scanner modal opens

Scan a Barcode

  1. Point camera at the barcode
  2. Position within the frame guides
  3. Hold steady - detection is automatic
  4. On successful scan:
    • If linked: Opens the associated tag
    • If not linked: Shows barcode data with option to link

Scanner Features

  • Auto-detect - Automatically detects barcode format
  • Quick scan - No button press needed
  • History - Recent scans are saved
  • Flashlight - Toggle light for dark environments

What Happens After Scanning

Linked Barcode

When you scan a barcode that's linked to a tag:

  1. Scanner shows "Found: [Tag Name]"
  2. Automatically opens the tag
  3. View full tag content
  4. All normal tag features available

Unlinked Barcode

When you scan a barcode that's not linked:

  1. Scanner shows the barcode data
  2. Options appear:
    • Link to Tag - Associate with your tag
    • Search - Look for this barcode
    • Copy - Copy barcode data
  3. Choose your action

QR Codes

When scanning QR codes:

  • tagd-ai QR codes - Opens the tag directly
  • URL QR codes - Offers to open the URL
  • Text QR codes - Shows the text content
  • Other QR codes - Displays data with actions

Scanner Settings

Camera Selection

On devices with multiple cameras:

  1. Open scanner settings
  2. Choose front or back camera
  3. Selection is saved for next time

Sound and Vibration

Configure feedback on successful scan:

  1. Open scanner settings
  2. Toggle sound effects
  3. Toggle vibration feedback

Continuous Scanning

For scanning multiple items:

  1. Enable continuous mode
  2. Scan multiple barcodes in sequence
  3. Each scan adds to history
  4. Disable to return to single-scan mode

Sharing the Scanner

For End Users

If you want others to scan barcodes you've linked:

  1. Direct them to install tagd-ai
  2. Have them open the scanner
  3. They scan the product barcode
  4. Your tag content appears

Share a direct link to the scanner:

https://tagd-ai.com/scan

Users can bookmark this for quick access.

Troubleshooting

Scanner Not Opening

  1. Check camera permissions in browser/app
  2. Refresh the page
  3. Try a different browser
  4. Ensure HTTPS connection

Camera Permission Denied

On iOS:

  1. Go to Settings → Safari → Camera
  2. Allow camera access

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Browser
  2. Permissions → Camera → Allow

On Desktop:

  1. Click the lock icon in address bar
  2. Allow camera access
  3. Refresh the page

Barcode Not Detecting

  1. Lighting - Ensure adequate light
  2. Distance - Try moving closer/further
  3. Angle - Hold camera perpendicular to barcode
  4. Condition - Check barcode isn't damaged
  5. Focus - Wait for camera to focus

Slow Detection

  1. Clean camera lens
  2. Improve lighting
  3. Use a newer device if possible
  4. Try the dedicated scanner page

Wrong Barcode Read

  1. Ensure only one barcode is visible
  2. Position desired barcode in center
  3. Block other barcodes from view
  4. Try manual entry if persistent issues

Offline Scanning

Limitations

When offline:

  • Scanner can still detect barcodes
  • Cannot look up linked tags
  • Scans are queued for when online

Cached Content

If you've viewed a tag before:

  • May be available from cache
  • Shows last cached version
  • Updates when back online

Next Steps