This guide will help you to understand the best practices for taking images of cards without a Heystack One Device.  Heystack’s card recognition software works best with images from our device but also works with non device images that are properly taken.


Be sure to avoid the following examples for best card recognition results.

Text in background.

Text on a top loader or case should also be avoided.

Image is too zoomed out.

Glare over the card.

Card is not flat or taken at angle.

Nothing should be covering any part of the card.

A card stand is another example of something blocking part of the card that will negatively impact your image.

Background should be a solid and neutral color.

Nothing should be in the background of the image, including other cards.

Shadows over card.

Image is too dark.

Image is blurry.

The following card is an example of a good image taken without using Heystack One. A tight shot of the card, taken on neutral, non-textured, one color background without anything else present.

Make sure both front and back images are taken and do not have characteristics of poor images mentioned above.

Tip! Best images are taken raw. Images can be taken in sleeves or top loaders as long as they don’t have characteristics of examples above.