Barcode Scanning¶
Kiwi's barcode scanner uses your device camera to look up products instantly. It works for UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, and QR codes on packaged foods.
How to scan¶
- Open the Inventory tab
- Click the Scan barcode button (camera icon)
- Hold the barcode in the camera frame
- Kiwi decodes it and looks up the product
What happens after a scan¶
Product found in database: Kiwi fills in the product name, category, and any nutritional metadata from the open barcode database. You confirm the quantity and expiry date, then save.
Product not found: You'll see a manual entry form with the raw barcode pre-filled. Add a name and the product is saved to your personal pantry (not contributed to the shared database).
Supported formats¶
| Format | Common use |
|---|---|
| UPC-A (12 digit) | US grocery products |
| EAN-13 (13 digit) | International grocery products |
| UPC-E (compressed) | Small packaging |
| EAN-8 | Small packaging |
| QR Code | Some specialty products |
Tips for reliable scanning¶
- Good lighting: scanning works best in well-lit conditions
- Steady hand: hold the camera still for 1–2 seconds
- Fill the frame: bring the barcode close enough to fill most of the camera view
- Flat surface: wrinkled or curved barcodes are harder to decode
Manual barcode entry¶
If camera scanning isn't available (browser permissions denied, no camera, etc.), you can type the barcode number directly into the Barcode field on the manual add form.