Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is PhotoScanr?
PhotoScanr is an AI-powered photo analysis tool that automatically generates comprehensive metadata for your images. Upload any photo and instantly receive an AI-generated title, caption, keywords, detailed description, plus technical information like file size, dimensions, and format. It's designed to streamline the time-consuming process of creating image metadata for photographers, content creators, social media managers, and anyone working with digital images.
Who created PhotoScanr and why?
PhotoScanr was created by Duncan Rawlinson, a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience whose work has been featured in The New York Times and exhibited at the Smithsonian. Duncan built PhotoScanr to solve a real problem in his own photography workflow: the hours spent manually creating titles, descriptions, and keywords for hundreds or thousands of images. After using it successfully in his own work, he made it freely available to help other photographers and creators facing the same challenges.
How much does PhotoScanr cost?
PhotoScanr is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees, no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no limits on the number of images you can analyze. The tool was created to help photographers and creators, and making it freely accessible to everyone was a core principle from the beginning.
Do I need to create an account?
No account is required. PhotoScanr works immediately without any signup, login, or registration. Simply visit the site, upload your images, and get your results instantly. This approach protects your privacy and eliminates friction—no passwords to remember, no email verification, no profile management.
What image formats does PhotoScanr support?
PhotoScanr supports all common image formats including JPEG/JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, and TIFF. The AI analysis works equally well across all supported formats. For optimal results and faster uploads, we recommend JPEG format with reasonable file sizes (under 10MB when possible).
Is there a file size limit?
While there's no strict file size limit enforced on the frontend, we recommend keeping images under 20MB for optimal performance. The AI analysis works on images of any size, but very large files (over 20-30MB) will take longer to upload and process. For typical photography use cases, images in the 2-10MB range provide the best balance of quality and speed.
How It Works
What AI technology powers PhotoScanr?
PhotoScanr uses Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash model, one of the most advanced multimodal AI systems available. This state-of-the-art model can understand images holistically—recognizing objects, scenes, composition, artistic style, emotional tone, and context. Unlike simpler image recognition systems, Gemini understands relationships between elements and can generate descriptive, natural language that captures both the literal content and artistic qualities of your photographs.
How accurate is the AI analysis?
The AI provides highly accurate identification of common objects, scenes, and activities, typically with 90%+ accuracy for mainstream photographic content. Accuracy is highest for well-lit, clear images with recognizable subjects. The system may be less accurate with abstract art, highly niche subjects, or images with unusual compositions. We always recommend reviewing AI-generated metadata and refining it with your specific knowledge—the AI provides an excellent starting point that you can enhance with context only you possess.
Can I analyze multiple images at once?
Yes! PhotoScanr supports batch processing. You can upload multiple images simultaneously and analyze them all at once. Each image receives individual analysis with its own unique metadata. This batch capability is particularly valuable for professional workflows where you might need to process dozens or hundreds of images from a photo shoot. Results for all images can be exported together in convenient formats (JSON, CSV, TXT) as a single ZIP file.
What is Instagram Mode?
Instagram Mode is a specialized feature designed specifically for social media creators. When enabled, the AI generates captions optimized for Instagram (respecting the 2,200 character limit), provides 20-30 trending hashtags formatted with # symbols, includes character counters for titles and captions, and validates that your image dimensions meet Instagram's aspect ratio requirements (0.8:1 to 1.91:1). This mode saves social media managers hours of manual optimization work, providing everything needed for a fully optimized Instagram post in seconds.
How do I export my results?
PhotoScanr offers flexible export options to fit different workflows. You can copy individual fields (title, caption, keywords, description) to your clipboard with one click, or export complete analysis for all processed images in multiple formats: JSON files (ideal for developers and automated workflows), CSV spreadsheets (perfect for importing into databases or photo management software), and formatted text files (ready for blog posts, social media, or documentation). All formats are packaged together in a convenient ZIP file for easy download.
Can I edit the AI-generated metadata?
While PhotoScanr doesn't currently include a built-in editor (to keep the interface simple and focused), you can easily copy the generated metadata to your clipboard and paste it into any text editor or your photo management software for refinement. The AI provides high-quality starting points that typically require only minor adjustments to add specific details like proper names, exact locations, or personal creative context.
Privacy & Security
Are my photos stored or saved anywhere?
Absolutely not. PhotoScanr never stores, saves, or retains your images. Here's exactly what happens: your image is converted to base64 format in your browser, sent securely to our Cloudflare Worker proxy, passed to the Gemini AI for analysis, and then immediately discarded. The entire process takes seconds, and no copy of your image persists anywhere on our servers or in any database. Your images exist only temporarily in memory during analysis, then are gone forever.
Can PhotoScanr staff see my photos?
No. The system is fully automated with no human review. Photos pass directly from your browser to the AI system and back, never being logged, cached, or made visible to any staff members. The architecture is designed specifically to eliminate any possibility of human access to your images.
Is my data encrypted?
Yes. All communication between your browser and our servers uses HTTPS encryption (SSL/TLS), the same security standard used by banks and other services handling sensitive data. This encryption protects your images during transmission, preventing interception or viewing by third parties. Additionally, the Cloudflare Worker architecture provides enterprise-grade security and DDoS protection.
Does PhotoScanr track me or use cookies?
PhotoScanr uses minimal tracking focused only on improving the service. We don't use advertising cookies, don't sell data, and don't create detailed user profiles. Any analytics we collect are aggregated and anonymous, used solely to understand general usage patterns and identify technical issues. You can review our complete privacy practices in our Privacy Policy.
What about copyright and intellectual property?
You retain all rights to your images. Uploading photos to PhotoScanr for analysis does not transfer any ownership, rights, or licenses to us. The AI-generated metadata (titles, captions, keywords, descriptions) is provided to you without restriction—you can use it however you wish. PhotoScanr makes no claim to your intellectual property whatsoever.
Is PhotoScanr safe for sensitive or confidential images?
While PhotoScanr never stores images and uses secure transmission, we recommend exercising caution with truly sensitive material. For classified information, medical records, legal documents, or other highly confidential content, consider whether any third-party analysis service is appropriate for your specific security requirements. PhotoScanr is designed for general photography, creative work, and business images—the types of photos people typically share publicly or professionally.
Troubleshooting
The analysis is taking a long time. Is something wrong?
Analysis typically completes in 5-15 seconds per image. Longer wait times can occur if: your internet connection is slow (large images take time to upload), the Gemini AI service is experiencing high demand, or you're analyzing very high-resolution images. If analysis hasn't completed after 60 seconds, try refreshing the page and uploading a single image to test. For large batches, process images in smaller groups (10-20 at a time) for optimal performance.
I'm getting an error message. What should I do?
Common errors and solutions: "Upload Failed" usually indicates a connection issue—check your internet connection and try again. "Analysis Error" may occur with corrupted image files—try re-saving the image and uploading again. "Rate Limit Exceeded" means you've hit temporary usage limits—wait a few minutes and try again. If problems persist, try using a different browser, clearing your browser cache, or reducing image file sizes. Still having issues? Contact us at [email protected] with details about the error.
The AI results don't seem accurate for my image. Why?
Several factors can affect accuracy: images of very niche subjects the AI hasn't encountered frequently, abstract or experimental photography where interpretation is subjective, images with poor lighting or extreme blur, or photos containing culturally specific elements not well-represented in training data. If you consistently get poor results for specific types of images, let us know—this feedback helps us improve the system. Remember that AI analysis is a starting point; your expert knowledge should always refine the final metadata.
Can PhotoScanr work offline?
No, PhotoScanr requires an internet connection because the AI analysis happens on Google's cloud servers, not on your local device. This architecture ensures you always benefit from the most advanced AI model without requiring powerful local hardware or massive downloads. The web-based design also means PhotoScanr works on any device with a browser—desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone—without installation.
Does PhotoScanr work on mobile devices?
Yes! PhotoScanr is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. The mobile interface is optimized for smaller screens while retaining full functionality. You can upload photos directly from your mobile device's camera roll, take new photos and analyze them immediately, or analyze images from URLs. All features including batch processing, Instagram Mode, Flickr Mode, and export options work on mobile devices.
Best Practices
How can I get the best results from PhotoScanr?
Follow these tips for optimal results: Use well-lit, in-focus images (the AI sees what humans see—better image quality yields better analysis). Process images right after photo shoots while context is fresh in your mind, making it easier to refine AI descriptions with specific details. Review and refine all AI-generated metadata—add proper names, exact locations, or creative intent that only you know. Use consistent terminology across similar images for better organization. For professional workflows, create templates for common metadata fields (copyright, contact info) that you add to all images.
Should I analyze RAW files or JPEGs?
PhotoScanr works with RAW files, but we recommend analyzing JPEGs instead for several reasons: RAW files are enormous (20-50MB+) and take much longer to upload. The AI analysis focuses on visual content, not technical camera data, so RAW's extra information doesn't improve metadata quality. Most photographers export RAW files as JPEGs before publishing anyway—analyze those final JPEGs so your metadata matches what you'll actually use. This approach is faster and produces identical metadata results.
How does PhotoScanr fit into my photography workflow?
PhotoScanr works best as a post-processing step: Import your photos into your primary photo editing software (Lightroom, Capture One, etc.). Edit images as usual (color correction, cropping, retouching). Export final versions as JPEGs. Upload to PhotoScanr for AI analysis. Copy or export the metadata. Apply it to your images using your photo management software. Publish with complete, optimized metadata. This workflow combines your creative editing with AI-powered metadata generation, giving you the best of both worlds.
What should I do with the AI-generated metadata?
Use AI-generated metadata strategically: Titles become your image filename (better than IMG_5847.jpg). Descriptions work as alt text for accessibility and SEO. Keywords/Tags help organize your photo library and improve searchability. Captions (especially from Instagram Mode or Flickr Mode) are ready for platform-specific posting. Embed metadata into image files using photo management software so it stays with your images permanently. Use metadata for portfolio organization, client deliveries, stock photography submissions, Flickr uploads, and SEO optimization of your website.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help.
Contact us at [email protected] and we'll get back to you typically within 24-48 hours.
You can also check out our Resources section for in-depth guides on AI photo analysis, metadata best practices, Instagram optimization, and more.
Business & Professional Use
Can I use PhotoScanr for commercial projects?
Yes! PhotoScanr is free to use for both personal and commercial purposes. You can analyze client images, process product photos for e-commerce stores, generate metadata for stock photography, or create content for commercial social media accounts. There are no licensing restrictions—the metadata generated is yours to use without limitation. Businesses of all sizes, from freelance photographers to large e-commerce operations, successfully use PhotoScanr in their daily workflows.
Is there an API I can integrate into my workflow?
Currently, PhotoScanr is designed as a web application for direct browser use rather than offering a public API. For high-volume business needs or workflow integration requirements, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss potential enterprise solutions or partnership opportunities. We're always interested in understanding how businesses want to use PhotoScanr and may develop API access based on demand and use cases.
Can PhotoScanr integrate with my existing photo management software?
PhotoScanr's export functionality allows integration with most photo management systems. Export metadata as JSON, CSV, or text files, then import these files into Lightroom, Capture One, Photo Mechanic, or other professional tools. Many users establish workflows where they batch-process images in PhotoScanr, export the metadata, then use scripts or import tools to merge that metadata into their existing cataloging systems. While direct plugin integration isn't currently available, the export formats are designed for interoperability.
Does PhotoScanr support team collaboration or multi-user accounts?
PhotoScanr currently operates on a single-user, session-based model without login accounts. For teams, the recommended workflow is: one team member processes images and generates metadata, exports results in your preferred format (JSON, CSV, or TXT), shares those export files with team members who can then import them into their respective systems. This approach maintains privacy (no shared accounts) while enabling collaboration. Enterprise or agency solutions with centralized management may be developed based on user demand.
What's the recommended workflow for large commercial projects?
For projects with hundreds or thousands of images: (1) Organize images into logical groups of 20-50 images each before starting, (2) Upload and process each group separately to maintain manageable batch sizes, (3) Review and refine AI-generated metadata while context is fresh, (4) Export metadata for each batch individually, (5) Combine exports or import directly into your catalog system, (6) Perform a final quality check on random samples to ensure consistency. This systematic approach balances efficiency with quality control, ensuring that even large-scale projects receive thorough metadata without overwhelming the system or yourself.
Can PhotoScanr help with accessibility compliance (WCAG, ADA)?
Yes! PhotoScanr-generated descriptions make excellent alt text for web accessibility. The AI creates detailed, natural descriptions perfect for screen readers, helping you comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines and ADA requirements. For websites, e-commerce platforms, and digital publications, using PhotoScanr to generate alt text dramatically accelerates accessibility compliance. We recommend reviewing and refining AI descriptions for critical business applications, but the quality is generally excellent for accessibility purposes. Many businesses use PhotoScanr specifically to rapidly create alt text for existing image catalogs that previously lacked accessibility metadata.
How do I get support for business-critical issues?
For business-critical support needs, email [email protected] with "URGENT" in the subject line. Include: detailed description of the issue, screenshots if applicable, your browser and operating system, what you've already tried, and business impact (client deadline, etc.). While we strive to respond to all users quickly, urgent business requests receive priority attention. For predictable, guaranteed support for mission-critical operations, contact us about potential enterprise support agreements.
Are there usage limits I should be aware of?
PhotoScanr is designed to handle typical professional usage patterns without hard limits. Most users never encounter restrictions. If you need to process extremely large volumes (thousands of images in a single session), consider breaking work into reasonable batches. This approach ensures optimal performance and reliability. If you regularly need to process massive volumes beyond typical professional workflows, contact us to discuss your specific needs—we're interested in supporting high-volume users and may have solutions or recommendations.
Can I customize the AI output to match my specific style or terminology?
PhotoScanr's AI generates versatile, professional metadata suitable for most applications, but customization per-user preferences isn't currently available. The recommended approach is using PhotoScanr output as a high-quality foundation, then applying your personal refinements: adjusting tone to match your voice, adding specific terminology from your industry or niche, incorporating details only you know (location names, subject information, etc.), and aligning keywords with your SEO strategy. Many professional users develop personal workflows where they systematically refine AI output, often saving 70-80% of the time compared to writing metadata from scratch.
Is my data and usage information secure for business clients?
PhotoScanr handles all images with strong security practices: images are transmitted via encrypted HTTPS connections, processed ephemerally in memory without storage, and immediately discarded after analysis. We never see or retain your client images, ensuring confidentiality. For businesses handling sensitive client work, this architecture provides appropriate security for typical commercial photography, marketing content, and product images. For highly regulated industries (healthcare, legal, defense), review our privacy policy and consider whether any cloud-based image analysis aligns with your specific compliance requirements.
Advanced Features & Technical Questions
What makes PhotoScanr different from other image analysis tools?
PhotoScanr differentiates through: (1) Platform-specific optimization modes (Instagram, Flickr, Pinterest, Twitter/X, LinkedIn) that understand each platform's unique requirements, (2) Complete privacy with ephemeral processing—images are never stored, (3) No signup or account required—instant access, (4) Professional-quality AI using Google Gemini 2.5 Flash for nuanced understanding, (5) Batch processing with comprehensive export options, (6) Free access with no restrictions. Many tools offer basic image recognition; PhotoScanr provides complete metadata generation optimized for real-world professional workflows.
Can I analyze images from a URL instead of uploading?
Yes! PhotoScanr supports analyzing images via URL. Simply paste the image URL into the URL input field and click "Fetch." The system retrieves the image securely through the Cloudflare Worker proxy (eliminating CORS issues), then analyzes it normally. This feature is valuable for analyzing images already online, batch processing from public galleries or portfolios, testing with reference images, or analyzing images on slow connections where downloading then uploading would be inefficient.
What happens if I close my browser before downloading results?
PhotoScanr results exist only in your current browser session. If you close the browser or navigate away before copying or exporting metadata, that analysis is lost. There's no server-side storage or account system that would preserve your results. Best practice: immediately copy or export important metadata before moving to other tasks. For batch processing, export results for each group as you complete them rather than waiting until all analysis is finished. This approach ensures you never lose significant work.
Does PhotoScanr preserve EXIF data when I export metadata?
PhotoScanr analyzes images and generates new metadata (titles, captions, keywords, descriptions) but doesn't modify your original image files or their embedded EXIF data. When you export, you receive text-based metadata files (JSON, CSV, TXT) that you can use however you wish. To merge PhotoScanr metadata into your original images' EXIF fields, use photo management software like Lightroom or EXIF editing tools. This separation ensures PhotoScanr never alters your original files—a key privacy and safety feature.
Can PhotoScanr identify people in photos?
PhotoScanr can recognize that humans are present in photographs and describe visible characteristics (clothing, activities, general demographics), but it does not perform facial recognition or identify specific individuals by name. This design respects privacy and avoids the ethical concerns associated with facial recognition technology. For professional workflows requiring specific person identification, you'll need to add names manually based on your knowledge of the subjects.
How frequently is the AI model updated?
PhotoScanr uses Google's Gemini AI, which Google continuously improves and updates on their infrastructure. As Google releases improvements to the Gemini model, PhotoScanr benefits automatically without requiring updates on your end. This means you always access the latest AI capabilities. Google typically releases major model improvements every few months, with minor refinements happening more frequently. The advantage of this cloud-based approach: the AI gets better over time without any action required from you.
Will PhotoScanr always be free?
PhotoScanr's core functionality is currently free and we have no immediate plans to change that. The service was created to solve a real problem in photography workflows and making it freely accessible was a founding principle. If future costs necessitate changes, we would likely introduce optional premium features or enterprise plans while maintaining free access to core functionality. Users would receive advance notice of any changes. Our commitment is that the tool that's helped thousands of photographers will remain accessible.
Can I request new features or improvements?
Absolutely! User feedback directly shapes PhotoScanr's development roadmap. Email feature requests to [email protected]. Include: detailed description of the desired feature, your use case (why you need it), how it would improve your workflow, and examples if applicable. Features frequently requested by multiple users receive prioritization. Past user suggestions have directly resulted in new platform modes, export formats, and workflow improvements. Your feedback matters—don't hesitate to share ideas.