Usage

Published on: January 2, 2026

Last updated: January 2, 2026

Using UPC Scanner

UPC Scanner is designed for fast, reliable barcode cataloging. This guide covers basic scanning, inventory mode, manual entry, and exporting your data.

Basic Scanning

To Scan a Barcode

  1. Open UPC Scanner
  2. Point your camera at a barcode
  3. Wait for the scan confirmation (vibration or sound)
  4. The barcode is added to your session list

UPC Scanner supports most common barcode formats, including UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 39, Code 128, and QR codes.

Viewing Scanned Codes

Your scanned codes appear in a scrollable list. Each entry shows:

  • Barcode number
  • Timestamp
  • Count (if using Inventory Mode)

Inventory Mode

Inventory Mode allows you to scan the same barcode multiple times and track the count.

To Enable Inventory Mode

  1. Tap the Settings icon (gear)
  2. Toggle Inventory Mode to ON
  3. Return to the scanner

How It Works

In Inventory Mode:

  • Scanning the same barcode multiple times increments the count
  • Each unique barcode appears only once in your list
  • The count updates automatically

Example: Scanning a box of 50 identical items results in one list entry with a count of 50, not 50 separate entries.

When to Use Inventory Mode

  • Counting stock in a warehouse
  • Tallying duplicate items
  • Creating quantity-based reports

Manual Barcode Entry

If a barcode is damaged, poorly printed, or unreadable by the camera, you can enter it manually.

To Manually Enter a Barcode

  1. Tap the Manual Entry button (keyboard icon)
  2. Type the barcode number
  3. Tap Add

Manually entered codes are treated identically to scanned codes and appear in your session list.

Exporting Your Data

Important: You must export your scan list as a CSV file at the end of each session. If you close UPC Scanner without exporting, your data will be lost.

To Export a CSV File

  1. Tap the Export button (down arrow or share icon)
  2. Choose a save location (Downloads, Documents, etc.)
  3. Confirm the export

Your CSV file includes:

  • Barcode number
  • Timestamp
  • Count (if Inventory Mode was enabled)

CSV Format

UPC Scanner exports standard CSV files compatible with:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Google Sheets
  • LibreOffice Calc
  • Custom databases and scripts

The CSV format is clean and requires no post-processing.

Clearing Your Session

After exporting, you can clear your session list to start fresh.

  1. Tap the Clear button
  2. Confirm

Warning: Clearing your session deletes all scanned codes. Always export before clearing.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use good lighting: Bright, even lighting improves scan accuracy
  • Hold steady: Keep your device stable for faster scans
  • Clean your camera lens: Smudges reduce scan reliability
  • Export frequently: Don’t risk losing hours of work—export after every session

Supported Barcode Formats

UPC Scanner recognizes:

  • UPC-A
  • UPC-E
  • EAN-13
  • EAN-8
  • Code 39
  • Code 128
  • QR Code
  • Data Matrix

If a barcode format is not recognized, use manual entry.

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actualUse: true,
problems: ['real', 'solved']
};
// Ship it.

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