Scanning Barcodes
Use the tagd-ai scanner to scan barcodes and access linked tag content.
Using the Scanner
Open the Scanner
From the app:
- Tap the Scan button in the navigation
- Camera opens with scanner overlay
From the header:
- Click the Scan icon
- Scanner modal opens
Scan a Barcode
- Point camera at the barcode
- Position within the frame guides
- Hold steady - detection is automatic
- 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:
- Scanner shows "Found: [Tag Name]"
- Automatically opens the tag
- View full tag content
- All normal tag features available
Unlinked Barcode
When you scan a barcode that's not linked:
- Scanner shows the barcode data
- Options appear:
- Link to Tag - Associate with your tag
- Search - Look for this barcode
- Copy - Copy barcode data
- 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:
- Open scanner settings
- Choose front or back camera
- Selection is saved for next time
Sound and Vibration
Configure feedback on successful scan:
- Open scanner settings
- Toggle sound effects
- Toggle vibration feedback
Continuous Scanning
For scanning multiple items:
- Enable continuous mode
- Scan multiple barcodes in sequence
- Each scan adds to history
- Disable to return to single-scan mode
Sharing the Scanner
For End Users
If you want others to scan barcodes you've linked:
- Direct them to install tagd-ai
- Have them open the scanner
- They scan the product barcode
- Your tag content appears
Scanner Link
Share a direct link to the scanner:
https://tagd-ai.com/scan
Users can bookmark this for quick access.
Troubleshooting
Scanner Not Opening
- Check camera permissions in browser/app
- Refresh the page
- Try a different browser
- Ensure HTTPS connection
Camera Permission Denied
On iOS:
- Go to Settings → Safari → Camera
- Allow camera access
On Android:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Browser
- Permissions → Camera → Allow
On Desktop:
- Click the lock icon in address bar
- Allow camera access
- Refresh the page
Barcode Not Detecting
- Lighting - Ensure adequate light
- Distance - Try moving closer/further
- Angle - Hold camera perpendicular to barcode
- Condition - Check barcode isn't damaged
- Focus - Wait for camera to focus
Slow Detection
- Clean camera lens
- Improve lighting
- Use a newer device if possible
- Try the dedicated scanner page
Wrong Barcode Read
- Ensure only one barcode is visible
- Position desired barcode in center
- Block other barcodes from view
- 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