How scanning works
The mobile app has one Scan screen for two jobs:
- Checking an ornament barcode
- Opening a storage box label
You do not choose a mode first. Point the camera at the code and BaubleStash decides what it found.
Scan an item
- Open Scan.
- Allow camera access the first time.
- Point the back camera at the barcode or QR label.
- Hold steady until the result appears.
You can also type a code into Barcode, item number, or code and select Look up.
Possible results
Ornament found
BaubleStash recognizes a specific release. You will see the ornament name, maker, release details, and You own N.
Choose Add another copy if you own it, or View details to open the ornament.
Design found
BaubleStash recognizes the ornament but not the exact release. You can add a copy with Release unknown or choose from the other releases shown.
Which release do you own?
Several releases match the same barcode. BaubleStash shows each candidate with its own ownership count and asks you to choose.
Choose the release that matches the packaging in your hand. If you cannot tell, select Release unknown.
Box found
The code is linked to a storage box. Select Open box to see its contents.
Two possible matches
The same code is both a catalog barcode and a box label. BaubleStash asks you to choose deliberately. It does not open either one automatically.
We couldn't find this ornament
The barcode is not in the catalog. You can add it as a private ornament, search your stash, or scan again.
This code isn't linked yet
The code is not a known ornament or box label. You can create a box with this label if that is what you intended.
Unreadable code
The code is empty, malformed, or too long. Try again with better light or type the number manually.
A barcode is evidence, not identity
One ornament design may use several barcodes across years, packaging sizes, or retailers. The same barcode may appear on more than one release.
BaubleStash never silently assigns a barcode to a release when the evidence is ambiguous. It shows the candidates.
The scanner never opens a website
If a QR code contains a web address, BaubleStash may warn you that it looks like a link, but it will not open it. Scanning is not browsing.