How to Take the Perfect Picture for Accurate Pre-Grading

To get the most accurate AI pre-grade with Gradeon, your scan matters. Use clean lighting, a solid background, and the in-app scanner to capture sharp, flat images. Avoid sleeves or glare, and make sure all corners are visible. The better the scan, the better the AI can detect surface flaws, centering, edges, and corners—helping you grade, sell, or store with confidence. Scan right. Grade smart. Only with Gradeon.

Master the Scan: How to Take the Perfect Picture for Accurate Pre-Grading

When it comes to grading your cards with Gradeon, the scan is everything.
It’s not just a photo—it’s the foundation our AI uses to detect centering, edge wear, surface flaws, and more.

A clean, clear scan means smarter, more accurate results. Here's how to do it right:

📸 Step 1: Prep Your Card

Before scanning, make sure your card is ready:

❌ Remove from sleeves and top loaders
🧼 Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth
✋ Handle only by the edges to avoid smudges

Pro Tip: For foil cards, tilt slightly to reduce glare—but keep them flat.

💡 Step 2: Set Up the Right Environment

Lighting Tips:

Use indirect daylight or a white LED lamp
Avoid overhead lights or flash
No shadows or reflections

Background Tips:

Use a solid, matte surface (white, black, or grey)
No textures or patterns
Ensure contrast between card and background

📱 Step 3: Scan with the Gradeon App

Don’t use your phone’s camera roll—use the built-in scanner in the Gradeon app.
It’s optimized for precision and guides you step by step.

✔ Align the card centered in the frame
✔ Keep all corners visible and sharp
✔ Hold the phone steady or rest it on a surface
✔ Tap to focus if needed—wait for the green check

🧠 What Our AI Looks For

The better the scan, the better our AI can detect:

Defect TypeWhat to Watch ForHow AI Spots ItSurface DamageScratches, dents, print linesTexture & light reflection shiftsEdge WearWhitening, frays, nicksEdge contrast + shape analysisCorner DamageCurling or roundingSharpness + angle detectionCentering IssuesOff-center image or border shiftsFrame symmetry detection

With a strong scan, you’ll get visual feedback on each issue directly in the results.

📂 Step 4: Store It in Your Vault

Once scanned, save your card and condition results in your personal Vault:

Track value and grading history
Organize by TCG, set, rarity, or condition
Use insights to decide whether to grade, sell, or hold

📘 Want to Get Better?

Explore our Defect Condition Guide in the app to learn what affects grades and how to spot flaws like a pro—even before the AI does.

✅ Final Tips

Use soft, even lighting
Keep your background simple
Scan with the Gradeon app only
Make sure your card is flat, focused, and fully in frame

With the right scan, you unlock the full power of AI grading—and make smarter choices for every card you own.

📲 Grade smarter. Collect better. Only with Gradeon.