Photo Scanning (OCR)

No barcode on the packet, or it will not scan? Photograph the ingredient list and Chomply reads the words off the label for you.

Some products are not in any barcode database yet. Photo scanning covers that gap. Chomply uses OCR (optical character recognition, reading printed text from an image) to pull the ingredients off the packet, then checks them against your Avoidances: the ingredients, allergens, and additives you want to watch for.

Scan a label by photo

1. Open the label scanner. You can reach it from the scanner when a product is not found, or open it directly.
2. Take a photo of the ingredient list, or pick one from your library.
3. Read the label and wait a moment while Chomply pulls out the text.
4. Check the ingredients it found and fix any typos before you continue.
5. Confirm to see your Verdict: CLEARED (nothing matched) or FLAGGED (an ingredient matched).

Tips for a clear photo

• Fill the frame with the ingredient list, not the whole packet.
• Steady your hand and keep the text sharp and in focus.
• Light the label well and avoid glare or shadows.
• Flatten curved or crinkled packaging as much as you can.

If Chomply cannot read the photo, it drops you into a text box so you can type the ingredients in by hand.