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HelpScanning & MatchingHow does card scanning work?

How does card scanning work?

Learn how Cubbby's AI identifies your cards from a photo

Cubbby uses AI to identify cards from a photo. Just point your camera at a card and Cubbby does the rest.

The process

  1. You take a photo of the card front using your phone camera
  2. Cubbby's AI reads the card. It looks for the player name, year, set name, card number, and any variant text
  3. We search multiple sources simultaneously. Our card catalog and live market data all run in parallel
  4. You see ranked matches. The best matches appear within a few seconds, each showing the card name and current market price

Front + back scanning

For even better accuracy, you can capture both the front and back of a card. After taking the front photo, you'll see an option to add a back image. The back often contains the card number, set name, and other details that help narrow down the exact match.

What the AI looks for

  • Player or subject name
  • Year printed on the card
  • Set name and series
  • Card number (e.g. #87-AJ)
  • Variant text (Prizm, Refractor, Auto, etc.)
  • Grading label text (PSA, BGS) if the card is slabbed
  • Manufacturer logos and design elements

How fast is it?

The entire process, from photo to seeing matches with prices, typically takes 3 to 8 seconds. Results appear as each source responds, so you'll often see the first matches within 2–3 seconds.

Accuracy

Cubbby is most accurate when the card is:

  • Well lit with natural daylight or bright indoor lighting
  • Flat and fully in frame, not tilted or partially cut off
  • Free of heavy glare, especially on glossy or chrome cards

For tips on improving accuracy, see How to get the best scan results.

Still need help?

Report an issue and we'll get back to you.

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