Linxy Marks are designed to be robust, but a few simple adjustments can make the difference between instant detection and a missed scan.

Lighting

Even, diffused lighting gives the best results. Avoid direct overhead light that creates harsh shadows or glare on glossy surfaces. If you're scanning a glossy print or a screen, tilt slightly to eliminate reflections — the scanner can't read through a bright white glare spot.

Distance

Hold your phone 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) from the image. Too close and the camera can't focus. Too far and the watermark signal becomes too small to detect. The sweet spot is when the marked image fills roughly two-thirds of your camera view.

Angle

Scan straight-on when possible. The scanner can handle moderate angles (up to about 30 degrees off center), but extreme angles distort the watermark pattern and reduce detection reliability.

Steadiness

Hold still for 1–2 seconds. Motion blur degrades the watermark signal. If you're scanning while walking or in a moving vehicle, pause for a moment to give the scanner a clean frame.

Image condition

Watermarks survive printing, but severely worn, faded, or water-damaged images may not scan reliably. Creased or crumpled images work if you flatten them first — the scanner needs to see the image without major deformation.

Pro tip: If a scan doesn't work on the first try, move your phone slightly closer or further away. Sometimes a small distance adjustment is all it takes.

Screens vs. prints

Scanning images displayed on another screen (laptop, tablet, TV) works but can be trickier than scanning prints. Screen refresh rates, moire patterns, and brightness differences can interfere. If scanning from a screen, maximize the image size, increase screen brightness, and scan from directly in front.