How to Use ScanChess
Digitize your scoresheet in 5 easy steps
1. Take a Photo
Use your phone or camera to photograph your handwritten scoresheet. Ensure good lighting and clear visibility of moves.
- Keep the photo flat, avoid tilting
- Make sure all moves are in frame
- Multi-page scoresheets can be photographed separately
2. Upload Images
Add photos from your phone or computer — tap the upload area to pick them, or drag files onto it on a desktop. JPG, PNG and WebP, up to 10 images per scan. HEIC (the iPhone default) is not supported yet, so convert it first.
- Up to 15 MB per image
- Pages are read in the order shown; use the arrows to reorder them before you scan
- On a phone, take a photo and upload it straight away
3. AI Recognition
Press the Scan button (it shows the cost, 2 credits). The model reads every cell and replays the moves on a board as it goes. A full game usually comes back in well under a minute.
- System validates each move legality
- Low-confidence moves are marked for review
- One scan costs 2 credits, however many pages you upload
4. Review & Edit
Preview moves on the board and use the pencil button beside any move to edit. Shorthand input like "dc" auto-converts to "dxc5".
- Red marks indicate illegal moves
- Yellow marks show low-confidence moves — check them against your sheet
- Tap a move to jump to it; on a desktop the arrow keys step through the game
5. Export & Save
When satisfied, export PGN file or copy to clipboard. Import directly to Chess.com, Lichess, and more.
- Every successful scan is saved to your History automatically
- PGN includes full game info
- Share a link to the game after saving it
