Scan guide
How to take the best photo for a homework scan
A practical camera checklist so Lirno can read worksheets, textbook pages, and handwritten problems more clearly.
A homework scan is only as useful as the information in the photo. If the equation is cropped, the page is shiny, or the handwriting disappears into shadow, the app has to guess more.
You do not need a document scanner studio. A steady phone, even light, and one careful retake are usually enough.
1. Capture the full question
Include the entire problem, any diagrams, answer choices, and instructions that change the task. A cropped fraction bar or missing unit can change the whole explanation.
If the worksheet has several problems, scan one clearly at a time unless you intend to split the page into missions.
Best starting point: full problem visible, page flat, no fingers over the text.
2. Use even light and reduce glare
Stand where the page is bright but not reflective. Window light from the side often works better than a harsh overhead bulb. Tilt the page slightly if a laminated sheet or glossy textbook creates a hotspot.
Avoid mixing strong colored light with white paper. Neutral light keeps printed text and pencil marks easier to separate.
- Good: soft daylight, even desk lamp, matte page
- Avoid: flash glare, deep shadows, tiny distant shots
3. Keep handwriting readable
Press firmly enough that letters and numerals contrast with the paper. If your writing is faint, rewrite the key expression on a clean line and scan that.
For messy multi-step work, photograph the original problem cleanly and type the confusing middle steps into Lirno Tutor.
4. Confirm before you trust the explanation
After the scan, check that Lirno captured the right expression, diagram labels, and constraints. Fixing a misread early is faster than debugging a wrong path later.