# Scanning Best Practices

> Get the most accurate scans with Ludex. Tips on lighting, background, card alignment, and card type selection for the best scanning results.

Source: https://help.ludex.com/en_us/scanning-best-practices-SJL9Ahjxq

Last updated: 2026-04-02T19:38:48.710Z

Getting a clean, accurate scan starts with a few simple best practices. Follow the tips below to get the most out of Ludex.

## Select the Right Card Type

Before scanning, make sure you have selected the correct card type from the dropdown at the top of the scanner screen. By default it will be set to **Baseball**, but you can select from any of the card types Ludex currently supports. Selecting the correct category helps Ludex identify your card faster and more accurately.

## Lighting

Ludex performs best in a well-lit environment. Good lighting helps the scanner identify and analyze the details of your card more effectively. Keep the following in mind:

*   Scan in a **brightly lit room** whenever possible
*   Avoid direct light sources hitting the surface of the card as this can cause **glare** and interfere with the scan
*   Natural or diffused lighting tends to produce the best results

## Background

The background behind your card plays an important role in how well the scanner can isolate and identify it.

*   Place your card on a **plain, solid-colored surface** for best results
*   Avoid busy or patterned backgrounds that can confuse the scanner
*   Make sure **only one card** is visible in the frame — other cards in the background can interfere with the cropping and identification

## Card Alignment

Proper alignment within the Ludex cropping box ensures the scanner captures the full card clearly.

*   Hold your device **steady and level** over the card
*   Make sure the card is **fully within the cropping box** before capturing
*   Avoid tilting or angling the card — flat and straight produces the most accurate results

## Get the Best Scans with the Ludex Light Box

For consistently great scans, the **Ludex Light Box** delivers 360° lighting and clear, glare-free images — making it the ideal tool for scanning your collection. The Ludex Light Box was built with these best practices in mind. [Learn more about the Ludex Light Box here.](https://shop.ludex.com/pages/ludex-lightbox)

## Adding a Card to Your Collection

Once Ludex has identified your card, review the scan details to confirm the information is correct. If everything looks good, tap **Add to Collection** to save the card along with all its corresponding data and valuation information to your Ludex collection.

## Need Help?

If you are having trouble getting a successful scan, please contact our support team at [support@ludex.com](mailto:support@ludex.com) and we will be happy to assist.