Tips and best practices for preparing and optimizing card images for better recognition accuracy.
Image Quality Requirements
For best recognition results:
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI recommended, 600 DPI ideal
- File Format: JPG, PNG, or WEBP supported
- File Size: Maximum 10MB per image
- Focus: Card details must be sharp and readable
- Lighting: Bright, even lighting without harsh shadows
- Orientation: Cards should be upright and properly aligned
Photography Tips
Best practices for photographing cards:
- Lighting Setup: Use diffused natural light or soft white LED lights
- Background: Use a plain, contrasting background (dark for light cards, light for dark cards)
- Camera Position: Hold camera parallel to the card surface
- Distance: Fill the frame with the card, leaving small margins
- Avoid Glare: Position lights at 45-degree angles to prevent reflections
- No Flash: Avoid using direct flash photography
Common Image Issues
Avoid these common problems:
- Motion Blur: Use a tripod or stabilize your camera
- Glare/Reflections: Adjust lighting angle or use polarizing filter
- Poor Focus: Ensure card text is crisp and readable
- Shadows: Use even, diffused lighting from multiple angles
- Rotation: Keep card properly oriented in frame
- Cropping: Include the entire card with slight margins
Batch Scanning Tips
For scanning multiple cards efficiently:
- Consistent Setup: Keep lighting and camera position constant
- Card Spacing: If scanning multiple cards per image, ensure adequate spacing
- Naming Convention: Use descriptive file names for easier organization
- Batch Size: Upload 50-100 images at a time for optimal processing
- Group by Set: Organize cards by set before photographing
Using a Scanner
Recommended scanner settings:
- Resolution: Set to 300 DPI or higher
- Color Mode: Use full color (24-bit color)
- Format: Save as JPG with high quality (90%+) or PNG
- Auto-Crop: Disable auto-crop to maintain full card visibility
- Enhancement: Disable automatic enhancement features
- Placement: Place cards face-up on scanner bed
Mobile Phone Photography
Using a smartphone to photograph cards:
- Clean Lens: Wipe camera lens before starting
- Focus Lock: Tap to focus on the card before capturing
- Exposure: Adjust exposure to avoid over/under-exposed images
- HDR: Disable HDR mode for faster, more consistent results
- Flash: Turn off flash and use natural or ambient lighting
- Stabilization: Hold phone steady or use a stand
File Organization
Organize your image files:
- Folder Structure: Create folders by set or date
- File Naming: Use consistent naming (e.g., set-number-condition.jpg)
- Backup: Keep backup copies of original images
- Delete Failed: Remove blurry or unusable images before uploading
Best Practice: Test your setup by uploading a small batch first. Review recognition accuracy and adjust your photography technique if needed before processing large batches.