Time: 10 minutes | Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Logging Like a Pro
Prerequisites: Logging Like a Pro
Smart Scan costs 5 credits per scan and requires a Starter plan or higher.
What You’ll Learn
- Use Smart Scan to extract structured data from photos
- Take photos that scan accurately
- Review and correct extracted data
- Know which document types work best
- Use bulk scanning for multiple items
What is Smart Scan?
Smart Scan uses AI to extract structured data from images and automatically populate your helper fields. Instead of typing “Starbucks, $5.75, coffee, 10:30am”, you snap a photo and Peanuts fills it all in.Smart Scan vs Regular Photo
| Feature | Regular Photo | Smart Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Credits | 0 | 5 |
| What’s saved | Just the image | Image + extracted data |
| Field mapping | Manual | Automatic |
| Best for | Reference photos | Receipts, documents |
Using Smart Scan
Tap the Camera Icon
Look for the camera button with the sparkle indicator (✨) showing Smart Scan is available.
Wait for Processing
Smart Scan analyzes the image (usually 2-5 seconds). You’ll see a processing indicator.
Review Extracted Data
Peanuts shows what it found:
- Check each field for accuracy
- Tap any field to edit
- The original image is attached for reference
What Smart Scan Extracts
From Receipts
Purchase Details
- Store/merchant name
- Date and time
- Total amount
- Payment method
- Tax amount
Line Items
- Individual items purchased
- Item prices
- Quantities
- Discounts applied
From Business Cards
- Name and title
- Company name
- Phone number(s)
- Email address
- Physical address
- Website URL
From Documents
- Key text content
- Dates mentioned
- Amounts/numbers
- Table data (when present)
Taking Better Photos
Photo quality directly affects extraction accuracy. Follow these tips:- Lighting
- Angle
- Focus
Do:
- Use natural daylight when possible
- Ensure even lighting across the document
- Avoid harsh shadows
- Shoot in dim environments
- Let your hand cast shadows
- Use flash directly (causes glare)
Good vs Bad Examples
| ✅ Good Photo | ❌ Bad Photo |
|---|---|
| Even lighting, no shadows | Harsh shadows, dim areas |
| Flat, straight-on angle | Tilted, perspective distortion |
| All text in focus | Blurry sections |
| Full document visible | Corners cut off |
| Clean background | Cluttered background |
Supported Document Types
Works Great
| Document Type | Extraction Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printed receipts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best results |
| Invoices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Structured format helps |
| Business cards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Standard layouts work well |
| Typed documents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Clear fonts extract easily |
| Screenshots | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High resolution preferred |
Limited Support
| Document Type | Extraction Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Handwritten notes | ⭐⭐ | Neat handwriting only |
| Faded receipts | ⭐⭐ | Thermal paper degrades |
| Complex tables | ⭐⭐⭐ | May need manual correction |
| Multi-page docs | ⭐⭐ | Scan pages separately |
| Foreign languages | ⭐⭐⭐ | Major languages supported |
Reviewing & Correcting
Smart Scan isn’t perfect. Always review before saving:Common Issues
Wrong amount extracted
Wrong amount extracted
The AI may confuse subtotal, tax, and total. Look for the line marked “Total” or “Amount Due” on your receipt.
Date format confusion
Date format confusion
MM/DD vs DD/MM can cause errors. Check the date matches the receipt.
Merchant name wrong
Merchant name wrong
Long or stylized merchant names may be truncated. Edit to your preferred naming.
Missing line items
Missing line items
Very long receipts may not capture all items. Add important missing items manually.
Quick Correction Flow
- Tap the field with incorrect data
- Type the correct value
- The correction is saved with your entry
- Original image remains attached for reference
Bulk Scanning
For multiple receipts or documents:Smart Scan Use Cases
Expense Tracking
Scan receipts immediately after purchase. Never lose track of spending.
Contact Management
Scan business cards at events. Build your contact list instantly.
Document Archiving
Scan important documents. Extract key data and store the image.
Inventory Logging
Scan product labels or invoices. Extract item details automatically.
Exercise
Practice: Scan and Verify
Practice Smart Scan with a real document:
- Find a receipt from a recent purchase (store receipt, restaurant bill, or online order confirmation screenshot)
- Open your expense tracker and tap the camera icon with Smart Scan enabled
-
Take a good photo following the tips:
- Even lighting
- Straight-on angle
- Full document in frame
- All text in focus
-
Review the extraction:
- Is the total amount correct?
- Is the merchant name accurate?
- Is the date right?
- Correct any errors before saving
- Check the saved entry - tap to see the attached receipt image
Key Takeaways
Troubleshooting
Extraction completely wrong
Extraction completely wrong
The image may be too blurry or poorly lit. Retake the photo with better conditions.
Fields not mapping correctly
Fields not mapping correctly
Smart Scan maps to your helper’s fields. If your helper doesn’t have a matching field (e.g., no “Tax” field), that data won’t be captured.
Scan takes too long
Scan takes too long
- Check your internet connection
- Complex documents take longer
- Try a simpler photo (less background clutter)
Credits deducted but scan failed
Credits deducted but scan failed
Contact support with the failed scan details. Credits can be restored for technical failures.