Help & FAQ

Everything you need to know about scanning books and finding reading levels.

Finding & Understanding ISBNs

Where can I find the ISBN on a book?

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) can be found in several places:

  • Back cover: Usually above or near the barcode, printed as a 13-digit number
  • Inside front cover: On the copyright page, often listed as "ISBN" or "ISBN-13"
  • Barcode: The barcode itself encodes the ISBN - just scan it!
  • Spine: Some books print the ISBN on the spine near the bottom
Pro Tip

If the barcode won't scan, flip to the copyright page inside the front cover. The ISBN is always printed there in plain text.

Why does my book have multiple ISBNs?

Books often have multiple ISBNs because each format gets its own number:

  • Hardcover - Different ISBN than paperback
  • Paperback - Different ISBN than hardcover
  • Large Print - Has its own ISBN
  • Different editions - Anniversary editions, revised editions, etc.
  • Different publishers - US vs UK editions may differ

If one ISBN doesn't find reading levels, try another! The hardcover edition often has better reading level data than newer paperback reprints.

What's the difference between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13?

ISBN-13 is the current standard (13 digits, starts with 978 or 979). ISBN-10 is the older format (10 digits, used before 2007).

QuickScan accepts both formats. If you have an ISBN-10, you can enter it directly - we'll convert it automatically. Most barcodes use ISBN-13.

The book has no ISBN. What can I do?

Some books don't have ISBNs:

  • Very old books - ISBNs were introduced in 1970
  • Self-published books - ISBNs are optional for self-publishing
  • Library bound editions - May use different identifiers
  • Promotional/advance copies - Often lack final ISBNs

Unfortunately, QuickScan requires an ISBN to look up book data. For books without ISBNs, you may need to check reading levels manually through AR BookFinder or Scholastic Book Wizard websites.

Why wasn't my book found?

If a book isn't found, it's usually one of these reasons:

  • ISBN entered incorrectly - Double-check all digits, especially 0's and O's
  • Very new book - Just-released books may not be in databases yet
  • Out of print - Very old editions may have been removed from databases
  • Regional edition - Some international editions aren't in US databases
  • Network issue - Check your internet connection
Try This

Look inside the book for a different ISBN (hardcover vs paperback). Different editions often have different data availability.

Scanning Tips

How do I get the best scan results?

  1. Good lighting - Natural light or bright indoor light works best. Avoid glare on glossy covers.
  2. Hold steady - Keep the book and your device still while scanning.
  3. Fill the frame - Position the barcode so it fills most of the scanner area.
  4. Clean barcode - Wipe off any stickers, tape, or dirt covering the barcode.

The barcode won't scan. What should I do?

If the barcode won't scan:

  • Try manual entry - Tap the keyboard icon and type the ISBN directly
  • Check for damage - Scratched or faded barcodes may not scan
  • Remove stickers - Library stickers or price tags can block the barcode
  • Adjust lighting - Too dark or too much glare can prevent scanning
  • Try the other barcode - Some books have multiple barcodes; one may scan better

Can I switch between front and back cameras?

On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings in the app and toggle "Use Front Camera" under the Camera section.

On Mac: Go to Settings and select your preferred camera from the dropdown. This is helpful if you have an external webcam.

Understanding Reading Levels

What reading level systems does QuickScan show?

QuickScan displays up to 6 different reading level systems when available:

  • AR (ATOS) - Accelerated Reader level (e.g., 4.5)
  • Lexile - Lexile measure (e.g., 680L)
  • F&P / GRL - Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Level (e.g., Level R)
  • DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment (e.g., 40)
  • Grade Level - Approximate grade equivalent (e.g., Grade 4)
  • Interest Level - Target audience (LG, MG, MG+, UG)

Additionally, AR data includes quiz number, points, and word count when available.

Why are some reading levels missing?

Not every book has been assessed by every reading level system:

  • Children's books - Usually have the most complete data
  • Adult books - Often only have Lexile, if anything
  • New releases - May not have been assessed yet
  • Self-published - Rarely have official reading levels

When exact data isn't available, QuickScan may show converted/estimated levels based on available data.

Where does QuickScan get reading level data?

QuickScan aggregates reading level data from multiple trusted sources including AR BookFinder, Scholastic, and Lexile databases. We don't store a database of books - we query these sources in real-time to ensure you get the most current information available.

Scan History

How do I view my scan history?

  1. Tap the History tab at the bottom of the screen
  2. Browse your scanned books by date
  3. Use the search bar to find specific titles or authors
  4. Tap any book to see its full reading level details

Does my history sync across devices?

Yes! Your scan history automatically syncs across all your devices (iPhone, iPad, and Mac) via iCloud. Make sure you're signed into the same iCloud account on all devices.

How do I delete a book from my history?

Swipe left on any book in your history list to reveal the delete button, then tap Delete.

How does the Grade Level filter work?

The Grade Level filter in History shows books that match the selected grade using the best available data for each book. It checks three sources in order:

  1. Stored grade - The grade returned directly from reading level databases (e.g., AR BookFinder)
  2. ATOS conversion - If no stored grade, the book's ATOS level is converted to an approximate grade (e.g., ATOS 3.1 = Grade 3)
  3. Lexile conversion - As a last resort, the Lexile measure is converted to an approximate grade (e.g., 500L = Grade 3)

This means books appear in your filtered results even if they don't have an explicit grade, as long as their ATOS or Lexile level maps to the selected grade.

Good to Know

Grade conversions from ATOS and Lexile are approximate. Different reading level systems don't always agree on exact grade equivalents, so use these as a starting point for book selection.

Exporting Your Data

How do I export my book list?

  1. Go to the History tab
  2. Tap the share icon (square with arrow)
  3. Choose CSV for spreadsheets or PDF for printing
  4. Share via email, AirDrop, save to Files, or any other method

What's included in the export?

Exports include:

  • Book title and author
  • ISBN
  • All available reading levels (AR, Lexile, GRL, etc.)
  • Date scanned

CSV exports open in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet app. PDF exports are formatted for printing with the app name and date.

Mac App

How do I scan books on my Mac?

  1. Download QuickScan from the Mac App Store (same purchase as iOS)
  2. Grant camera permission when prompted
  3. Hold a book's barcode in front of your webcam
  4. Reading levels appear automatically
Scanning Tip

Good lighting is especially important for webcam scanning. Position your book in a well-lit area for best results.

Can I use an external webcam?

Yes! If you have multiple cameras, go to Settings > Camera to select which one to use. External webcams often provide better quality than built-in cameras.

What are the keyboard shortcuts?

  • Cmd + S - Start scanning
  • Cmd + I - Enter ISBN manually
  • Cmd + H - View history
  • Cmd + E - Export library
  • Cmd + , - Open Settings

Home Screen Widgets

How do I add a QuickScan widget?

  1. Long-press on your Home Screen until apps jiggle
  2. Tap the + button in the top corner
  3. Search for "QuickScan"
  4. Choose your preferred widget size
  5. Tap "Add Widget"

What widget sizes are available?

  • Small - Quick scan shortcut to open the scanner
  • Medium - Shows your last scanned book with reading levels
  • Large - Shows your recent scans list

Why does my widget show "Upgrade Required"?

Widgets are a premium feature available with a QuickScan subscription. Tap the widget to open the app and subscribe to unlock widgets.

Common Issues

The app says "Book Not Found"

This means we couldn't find the book in any of our data sources. Try:

  • Double-check the ISBN for typos
  • Look for a different ISBN in the book (try hardcover vs paperback)
  • Check inside the front cover for additional ISBNs
  • Very new or self-published books may not be in databases

The app says "Connection Problem"

This indicates a network issue. Try:

  • Check your WiFi or cellular connection
  • Try again in a few moments
  • Make sure you're not in Airplane Mode

QuickScan requires an internet connection to look up book data.

My history isn't syncing between devices

  • Make sure you're signed into the same iCloud account on all devices
  • Check that iCloud is enabled for QuickScan in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
  • Ensure both devices have an internet connection
  • Try closing and reopening the app

Camera permission was denied

To enable camera access:

  1. Open your device's Settings app
  2. Scroll down and tap QuickScan
  3. Toggle Camera to ON

Still need help?

Our support team is here to help you get the most out of QuickScan.

Contact Support