> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.cookbookmanager.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to get the best results from the Recipe Scanner

| **Quick answer:** Shoot a **flat, evenly-lit page**, keep text sharp and upright, and (in Manual mode) select each ingredient or step column separately. Small tweaks in lighting and framing make a huge difference to scanner accuracy.

# 3 keys to cleaner scans

1. **Flat & bright**
    * Lay the book or page completely flat - no curves or shadows.
    * Use diffuse light (daylight by a window or soft kitchen lighting). Avoid glare from overhead bulbs.
2. **Square the shot**
    * Hold the camera directly above the page (birds-eye view).
    * Fill the frame, but keep all page edges visible - cropped corners confuse line detection.
3. **Column-aware selections (Manual mode)**
    * If a recipe prints ingredients in two side-by-side columns, draw a separate box around **each** column.
    * Do the same for multi-column instruction steps.

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# Extra pointers

* **Try Automatic first.** If titles or ingredients land in the wrong place, switch to Manual and redraw boxes.
* **Retake blurry photos.** If the text isn’t crisp, the scanner will struggle.
* **Two-page recipes?** Scan up to two images in Automatic mode (five in Manual); make sure each is flat and well-lit.

Follow these tips and the AI recipe scanner will capture your cookbook pages with minimal cleanup. Happy digitising! 📚✨