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Adding Cards

TCG Archivist offers multiple methods to add Magic: The Gathering cards to your collection. We have options for scanning cards whether sleeved, unsleeved or in binders. You can also manually add cards via the search function or import cards. Choose the method that works best for your situation.

Choose Your Method

Perfect for adding many cards quickly using the CSC100 scanner. Scan up to 100 cards per minute.

Note

The CSC100 scanner is sold separately. It only scans unsleeved cards (not sleeved).

Automatic Scanning Modes:

Setup

  1. Power on your CSC100 scanner (Bluetooth turns on automatically)
  2. Tap the green ➕ button to the right of collection value on the home screen
  3. Select Automatic Scan
  4. This will automatically connect to your CSC100 scanner
  5. Once connected the LED on the CSC100 will turn solid green

Scanning Cards

  1. Once connected, the automatic scanning screen will appear
  2. Place cards in the CSC100 feeder (it is recommended to start with a small test batch of 5-10 cards)
  3. Cards are automatically fed, scanned, and identified
  4. Review identified cards in the batch summary
  5. Correct any misidentified cards if needed
  6. Add to collection, assign storage locations and confirm

Scanning Tips

  • Use indirect or diffuse lighting for best results
  • Optional Set Lock can improve accuracy for sorted collections
  • Clean the rubber roller periodically with a damp cloth
  • Adjust settling times or camera lens if images are blurry

Art Cards

Do not scan art cards with the CSC100. Art cards are tackier than regular Magic cards and will often cause double ejections, where two cards feed through at once.

Help

To help ensure the last card ejects, place a bulk card upside down on top to maintain pressure.

Batch Scanning Mode

Batch Scanning lets you organize scanned cards into separate batches with auto-incrementing storage location names. Perfect for scanning large collections into multiple physical storage containers.

Enabling Batch Scanning:

  1. On the Automatic Scanning screen, tap the batch icon in the top bar
  2. The start button will now say "Configure Batch"

Configuring Your First Batch:

  1. Tap "Configure Batch"
  2. Enter a batch name with a number (e.g., "Bin1", "SOS1", "Binder3")
  3. (Optional) Set a Max Batch Size to automatically stop scanning when reached
  4. Tap Start Scanning

How Auto-Incrementing Works:

The app automatically increments the number in your batch name:

Example: If your first batch is named TLA1 - Batch 1: TLA1 - Batch 2: TLA2 - Batch 3: TLA3 - And so on...

This makes it easy to label physical storage locations while scanning.

Scanning Multiple Batches:

  1. Tap Start Scanning to begin
  2. When you're ready to move to the next batch, tap Start Scanning again
  3. You'll be prompted to:
  4. Continue this batch - Keep scanning to the current batch
  5. Start next batch - Begin a new auto-incremented batch
  6. If you've set a max batch size and reached it, you'll be automatically prompted to start the next batch
  7. Repeat for each physical storage container

Max Batch Size Feature:

Setting a max batch size ensures all your batches are the same size: - Automatically stops scanning when the limit is reached - Forces you to start a new batch before continuing - Perfect for organizing cards into equal-sized storage containers

Managing Batches:

After scanning, review batches in the Batch Summary Screen:

  • Filter by individual batch - View cards in a specific batch
  • Move cards between batches - Select and reorganize as needed
  • Add batches to collection - One at a time or all at once
  • Review counts and values - See card count and total value per batch

Adding Cards to Your Collection:

When you're ready to add your scanned cards:

  1. Open the batch summary screen and review your cards
  2. Tap Add Cards to begin the process
  3. A dialog will appear showing all batches with cards to be added
  4. Each batch shows:
  5. Green checkmark (✓): This location is new and does not already exist in your collection
  6. Red X: This location already exists in your collection, be careful when adding cards to storage locations that already exist in your collection. If done by mistake it will make the card retrieval proccess difficult.
  7. Rename batches individually by tapping the pencil icon next to each batch name, or use the prefix box at the top to add a prefix to all batches at once
  8. Individual rename: Tap pencil icon → enter custom name (e.g., "Box 1", "Binder A", "Trade Box")
  9. Batch prefix: Enter a prefix in the prefix box (e.g., "Modern -") and all batches will become "Modern - bin 1", "Modern - bin 2", etc.
  10. Review the card counts for each batch
  11. Tap Confirm to add all new cards with their assigned storage locations

Filtering Batches

If you want to add only specific batches, use the batch filter on the batch summary screen before tapping Add Cards. The dialog will only show the filtered batch(es). Most users add all batches at once.

Benefits of Batch Scanning:

  • Auto-incrementing names: Set your naming pattern once, batches increment automatically
  • Consistent batch sizes: Optional max size keeps all batches equal
  • Organized storage: Match digital batches to physical storage containers
  • Flexible workflow: Continue or start new batches as you scan
  • Duplicate detection: Avoid accidentally reusing storage location names

Chaotic Storage Method

Batch scanning works perfectly with the "chaotic storage" method - simply scan cards into numbered bins without sorting by set, color, or type. Use batch names like "Bin 1", "Bin 2", "Bin 3" to match your physical storage containers. When you need a card, search the app to find which bin it's in. This method is fast, efficient, and eliminates the need for complex organization. Watch this video to learn more about chaotic storage.

Flexible Renaming

You can rename batches at any time - during scanning via Manage Batches, or when adding cards to collection via the add cards dialog. Choose whichever workflow fits your process best.

📷 Method 2: Manual Scanning (Camera)

Use your device's camera to scan and identify cards. Choose between scanning single cards or multiple cards at once using Grid Scan.

Scanning Modes:

Getting Started

  1. Tap the ➕ button next to the collection value on the home page
  2. Choose your scanning mode

Available Modes:

  • Single - Scan cards one at a time (manual or timed)
  • Grid - Scan multiple cards at once

Scanning Binders

For cards in binders, use Grid Scan to scan entire pages at once. Configure the grid to match your binder layout (e.g., 3x3 for 9-pocket pages) and capture multiple pages quickly before processing them all together.

Single Scan (Manual & Timed Capture)

Flexible scanning mode for individual cards with two capture options: manual button press or automatic timed intervals.

Capture Modes:

Toggle between modes using the switch in the top-right corner:

  • Manual Mode (Timer Off): Press the Capture button for each photo - perfect for scanning at your own pace
  • Timed Mode (Timer On): Set a timer interval (1.0-10.0 seconds) for automatic captures - great for scan stands

How to Use:

  1. From Scan Modes menu, select Single Scan
  2. Choose your capture mode using the toggle switch (Manual or Timed)
  3. If using Timed mode, tap the interval display to set timer (supports decimals, e.g., 2.5s)
  4. Position card in the green rectangle
  5. Manual mode: Tap Capture button for each card Timed mode: Tap Start to begin automatic captures with countdown
  6. Tap Process X when done to identify all captured cards
  7. Review and confirm cards in the batch summary

Features:

  • Mode toggle: Switch between Manual and Timed capture modes
  • Countdown display: Shows seconds until next capture (Timed mode only)
  • Visual feedback: Flash and "CAPTURED!" indicator on each capture
  • Audio feedback: Phone makes a shutter noise on capture
  • Decimal intervals: Set precise timer intervals (e.g., 1.5s, 2.3s, 4.7s)
  • Settings persist: Mode preference and timer interval saved between sessions
  • Help dialog: Tap the help icon (top-right) for mode explanations and tips

Tips for best results: - Use indirect or diffuse lighting to avoid glare and reflections - Keep the card flat and in focus - Position phone so green rectangle matches card edges - Use Manual mode for flexible, on-demand captures - Use Timed mode for scan stands where you're replacing cards at a steady pace

Scan Stands

Timed mode is ideal for scan stands. Set the timer interval to match your pace. Be aware that as cards stack up they will move closer to the phone and in doing so become apparently larger. So it is best to start with the green rectangle a bit larger then the first cards so as they stack up they do not overflow outside of the rectangle. Empty to bin if they do overflow.

Grid Scan (Multiple Cards at Once)

Perfect for scanning cards in binders or multiple cards laid out on a flat surface.

How to Use:

  1. From Scan Modes, select Grid Scan
  2. Configure your grid layout using the settings icon:
  3. Set rows and columns to match your card layout
  4. Adjust spacing between cards if needed
  5. Settings are saved for future sessions
  6. Position your camera to frame all cards within the grid overlay
  7. Tap the capture button to photograph the grid
  8. Capture additional pages/grids as needed
  9. Tap Process X when ready to identify all captured cards
  10. Review and confirm cards in the batch summary

Grid Configuration:

  • Default: 2x2 grid (4 cards)
  • Customizable: Any grid size (e.g., 3x3, 3x4, 4x4)
  • Binder pages: Try 3x3 or 3x4 for standard 9-pocket pages

Tips for Grid Scanning:

  • Best use case: Cards in binders or organized layouts
  • Lighting: Use indirect or diffuse lighting, avoid glares and shadows
  • Card spacing: Adjust the spacing slider to match gaps between cards
  • Orientation: Keep all cards facing the same direction
  • Distance: Position camera so grid overlay aligns with card edges
  • Multiple captures: Capture several grids, then process them all at once

Grid Scan Workflow:

  1. Capture → Cards images are saved
  2. Repeat → Capture as many grids as needed
  3. Process → Tap Process button to identify all cards
  4. Review → Check identifications in batch summary

Tip

Grid Scan is faster than scanning cards individually, especially for binder pages. The batch processing happens after you've captured all your grids, so you can work quickly without waiting.

✍️ Method 3: Manual Entry

Add cards to your collection by searching the database and selecting specific versions.

  1. Tap the search icon in the top-right corner of the home screen
  2. Set the search scope to All Cards to search the entire database
  3. Search for the card you want to add (by name, set, or other filters)
  4. Browse the search results and find the card/version you want
  5. Tap the card image to open the card detail view
  6. In the card detail view, adjust the quantity you want to add
  7. Assign a storage location
  8. Select finish (optional)
  9. Tap Add Card to add the card to your collection

Note

Manual entry is great when you know exactly what card you're adding, need a specific version/set, or when scanning isn't practical. You can search the entire Magic database even if you don't own the card yet.

Batch Processing

When you add multiple images they're processed in the background and reviewed in the batch summary screen. To return to the batch processing results at any time

  1. Tap Batch in the scan modes selection menu (home screen → plus icon)
  2. See which cards are being processed, identified, or need review
  3. Review and confirm cards that need manual verification
  4. Add to collection when ready

📥 Method 4: Importing Cards

Import existing collection data from CSV files or paste deck text.

How to Import

Import cards from the home screen:

  1. Tap the green ➕ button next to the collection value on the home screen
  2. Select Import
  3. Choose your import method

Import Options

Choose from two import methods:

1. Import from CSV File

Import a CSV file containing your collection data.

CSV Format Requirements: - Must include columns: Name, Set code, Collector number - Optional columns: Location, Finish, Quantity, Scryfall ID - First row should be headers

Example CSV: 

Location,Name,Set code,Collector number,Finish,Quantity
Binder 1,Lightning Bolt,lea,161,normal,4
Deck Box,Island,ust,213,foil,20

2. Paste Deck Text

Import cards by pasting a decklist in standard format.

Standard Deck Text Format: 

Quantity CardName (SET) CollectorNumber

Examples: 

1 Lathiel, the Bounteous Dawn (CMR) 285
4 Lightning Bolt (LEA) 161
20 Island (UST) 213
1x Counterspell (2XM) 44

Supported Formats: - 1 Card Name (SET) 123 - Standard format - 4x Card Name (SET) 123 - With 'x' multiplier - 1 Card Name [SET] 123 - Square brackets for set - Card Name (SET) - Without collector number - Card Name - Name only (will find best match)

Import Process: 1. Select Paste Deck Text 2. Enter an optional Collection Name (defaults to "Imported Deck"). This is a storage location for the imported cards. 3. Paste your decklist in the text area 4. Tap IMPORT 5. The app will parse and match cards from the database 6. Results dialog shows success/failure counts

Tips: - Use the keyboard toggle button (⌨️) to show/hide the keyboard - Sideboard markers (e.g., "SIDEBOARD:") are automatically skipped - Empty lines are ignored - Cards that can't be matched are reported in the results

Locations

When adding cards, you can assign them to locations for organization.

To manage locations (move, rename, export or delete cards in specific locations), use the search feature to find cards by location, then use mass selection to perform bulk actions or use the card details screen for individual card management. Read more about this in the collection management section.

Next Steps