This article shows you the three ways to scan a menu in AlignEat so you can quickly find dishes that work for your dietary needs.
How to start a scan
Open the app and go to the Scan tab. You will see three options:
- Take a photo. Point your camera at the physical menu and take a photo. Hold the phone steady, fill the frame with the menu, and make sure the text is sharp and in focus. The app will read the menu and return results in a few moments.
- Scan a QR code. If the restaurant provides a QR code menu, point your camera at the code. The app will detect it and begin scanning automatically.
- Paste a link. If you have a URL for an online menu, paste it into the link field. The app will fetch and analyse the menu for you.
What happens while you wait
While the scan runs, the app shows you progress steps: reading the menu, recognising dishes, matching to your profile, and ranking results. This usually takes a short time.
Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of dishes with a status for each one. The statuses tell you which dishes look safe, which can be adjusted, and which to avoid.
Good to know
- If the scan returns a low confidence result, the photo may not have been clear enough. Try taking a new photo in better light.
- If you see a network error or timeout, check your connection and tap retry.
- AlignEat reads what is printed on the menu. Always confirm your allergies and restrictions with restaurant staff before ordering and eating.
Related: Tips for an accurate scan, Read your results: compatible, adaptable, could not confirm, avoid