Barcode Scanner
Barcode Scanner
The Barcode Scanner uses your browser camera to scan UPC or EAN codes from record jackets, stickers, or shrink wrap. It can speed up adding records, especially for newer releases.
Barcode scanning is helpful, but it is not magic. Some records do not have barcodes, some barcodes are missing from public databases, and some different pressings share the same barcode.
Open the Scanner
Open the scanner from the barcode or camera action in the add/search flow.
Your browser will ask for camera permission. Choose Allow if you want to scan.
Camera Permission
Camera access is controlled by your browser.
If you deny permission, DeepGrooves cannot start the scanner until permission is restored in browser site settings.
Permission behavior varies:
- Desktop browsers usually remember the choice for the site.
- Mobile browsers may ask more often.
- Private browsing can forget permissions.
- iPhone and iPad Safari may require closing and reopening the scanner after permission changes.
Choose a Camera
If your device has multiple cameras, use the camera selector where available.
On phones, the rear camera usually scans better than the front camera. On laptops, an external webcam may focus better than the built-in camera.
Scan a Barcode
- Hold the barcode in front of the camera.
- Place it inside the guide area.
- Keep the record steady.
- Avoid glare.
- Wait for the detected barcode value.
When the scanner reads a code, DeepGrooves should search for matching releases.
Supported Barcode Types
Most records use UPC or EAN codes.
Common formats include:
| Format | Notes |
|---|---|
| UPC-A | Common in the United States |
| UPC-E | Compact UPC variant |
| EAN-13 | Common internationally |
| EAN-8 | Short EAN variant |
| Code 128 | Sometimes used for labels or inventory |
| Code 39 | Less common for commercial releases |
If the scanner reads a code but search finds nothing, try entering the barcode manually or searching by title.
After a Successful Scan
If one or more matches are found, review the results before adding.
Compare:
- artist,
- title,
- format,
- label,
- country,
- year,
- and catalog number.
Do not assume the first barcode result is always the exact pressing.
Multiple Matches
Multiple releases can share one barcode.
Choose the release that best matches your copy. If the barcode matches but the country, label, year, or format looks wrong, open other results or search by text.
No Match
No match does not mean the record is fake or unsupported.
Reasons include:
- older pre-barcode releases,
- barcode missing from the public release page,
- label sticker not tied to the release,
- promotional copies,
- regional variants,
- damaged or misread barcode,
- or new releases not cataloged yet.
Use text search or manual add when barcode search is not enough.
Scanning Tips
Improve lighting
Use bright, even light. Avoid direct reflections from glossy shrink wrap.
Adjust distance
Move the barcode closer or farther away until it focuses. Many webcams need a little distance to focus.
Reduce angle and glare
Tilt the jacket slightly if the barcode reflects light, but keep the lines readable.
Clean the barcode area
Dust, price stickers, tears, and wrinkles can prevent a scan.
Try manual entry
If scanning fails, type the digits into search. Manual entry is often faster than fighting a damaged barcode.
Mobile Scanning
Mobile scanning works best with the rear camera and good lighting.
If the scanner opens to the wrong camera, switch cameras if the control is available. If the camera preview is blank, close and reopen the scanner after permission is granted.
Privacy
The scanner needs camera access only to read the barcode. Use your browser permission controls if you want to revoke access later.
Troubleshooting
Camera does not start
Check browser permission, close other apps using the camera, and reopen the scanner.
Preview is blank
Close the scanner and open it again. On some mobile browsers, permission can finish before the video preview is ready.
Scanner reads the wrong number
Clean the barcode, improve lighting, and scan again. If it still looks wrong, type the number manually from the barcode.
Search finds the wrong record
Use title, artist, label, catalog number, and pressing details to confirm. Barcode alone is not always exact.
No result after scan
Search by title and artist. If the record still cannot be found, use manual add and include barcode/catalog details in notes.
Related topics:
- discogs-search
- adding-albums
- collection
- store-mode