> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/vivekbw/divvy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Receipt Scanning

> Scan receipts with your camera to automatically extract items and prices

## Overview

Receipt scanning uses your phone's camera and OCR technology to extract expense details automatically. Point your camera at a receipt, and Divvy will detect the total amount, merchant name, and individual line items.

## How It Works

Receipt scanning leverages **CameraX** (Android's modern camera library) with ML-powered text recognition to identify:

* Total amount
* Merchant/store name
* Individual items and prices
* Tax and tip amounts

<Info>
  Receipt scanning works best with clear, well-lit photos of printed receipts.
</Info>

## Scanning a Receipt

To scan a receipt:

1. From the expense creation screen, tap the camera icon
2. **Grant camera permission** when prompted (required for first use)
3. Position your receipt within the on-screen frame
4. Align the receipt so all text is visible and level
5. Tap the **capture button** (large amber circle)
6. Wait 2-3 seconds while Divvy processes the image

### Visual Guidance

The scanner provides helpful guides:

* **Frame overlay**: White corner brackets show the optimal capture area (260dp × 320dp)
* **Auto-detect indicator**: "Auto-detect ON" badge shows scanning is active
* **Status text**: "Align receipt within frame for best results"

## Scanning Flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Camera Permission">
    On first use, you'll be asked to grant camera access. Divvy uses the `CAMERA` permission to access your device camera.

    ```kotlin theme={null}
    Manifest.permission.CAMERA
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Position Receipt">
    Place the receipt flat on a surface or hold it steady. Make sure:

    * All text is readable
    * The receipt fits within the frame
    * Lighting is adequate
    * There's no glare or shadows
  </Step>

  <Step title="Capture">
    Tap the amber circular button to capture the image. The camera will freeze and begin processing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Processing">
    Divvy analyzes the image and extracts:

    * Total amount
    * Merchant description
    * Individual items (if using itemized split)

    A progress indicator shows "Scanning receipt... Detecting items and prices".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review">
    Once complete, you'll see:

    * ✓ "Receipt scanned!" confirmation
    * Number of items detected (e.g., "3 items detected")
    * Total amount extracted (e.g., "\$47.83")

    The expense form auto-fills with this data.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Extracted Data

After scanning, the following fields are populated:

* **Amount**: `$47.83` (automatically formatted)
* **Description**: `"Dinner at Maple Bistro"` (merchant name from receipt)
* **Items** (if itemized split): Individual line items with prices

## Editing Scanned Data

You can review and edit all scanned data before creating the expense:

* Tap the amount field to adjust the total
* Tap the description to change the merchant name
* When using **Itemized Split**, you can:
  * Edit item names
  * Adjust item prices
  * Add or remove items
  * Assign items to specific people

<Note>
  Always double-check scanned amounts for accuracy. OCR isn't perfect and may misread damaged or poorly printed receipts.
</Note>

## Tips for Best Results

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Lighting">
    * Use natural light or bright indoor lighting
    * Avoid harsh shadows across the receipt
    * Turn on flash if the receipt is dark or faded
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Receipt Condition">
    * Flatten crumpled receipts before scanning
    * Smooth out folds that obscure text
    * Ensure thermal receipts haven't faded
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Camera Angle">
    * Hold your phone directly above the receipt (birds-eye view)
    * Keep the camera parallel to the receipt surface
    * Avoid tilting or angling the camera
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Receipt Placement">
    * Center the receipt within the frame guides
    * Ensure all edges are visible
    * Remove background clutter
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Supported Receipt Formats

Receipt scanning works with:

* Printed paper receipts (thermal or ink)
* Restaurant bills
* Grocery store receipts
* Retail purchase receipts
* Itemized invoices

<Warning>
  Digital receipts displayed on another screen may not scan reliably due to glare and screen refresh rates.
</Warning>

## Alternative: Gallery Upload

If you already have a photo of your receipt:

1. Tap the **gallery icon** (left of capture button)
2. Select a receipt image from your photo library
3. Divvy will process it the same way

## Technical Implementation

Receipt scanning uses:

* **CameraX**: Modern Android camera API for preview and capture
* **ProcessCameraProvider**: Manages camera lifecycle
* **Back camera**: `CameraSelector.DEFAULT_BACK_CAMERA`
* **Text recognition ML**: Extracts structured data from images

Reference: `~/workspace/source/app/src/main/java/com/example/divvy/ui/scanreceipt/Views/ScanReceiptScreen.kt:1`

## Troubleshooting

If scanning fails:

* Ensure camera permission is granted in Settings > Apps > Divvy > Permissions
* Try scanning in better lighting
* Manually enter the amount if OCR can't read the receipt
* Use the gallery option if live scanning doesn't work