Help & FAQ

How do I scan a recipe?

1. Tap the + button on the main screen
2. Choose Scan Recipe to photograph a cookbook page
3. Position the page in the camera viewfinder and take the photo
4. AI will automatically extract the recipe title, ingredients, and instructions
5. Review the extracted recipe, make any edits, and save

What kind of recipes can I scan?

Cookbook Curator PRO works with printed cookbook pages, recipe cards, and magazine clippings. The AI works best with clearly printed text. Handwritten recipes may have lower accuracy.

When should I use AI Scan vs Step By Step?

AI Scan is great for recipes that fit on a single page — just snap one photo and the AI extracts everything automatically.

For recipes that span multiple pages, Step By Step is the better choice. It lets you photograph each page separately and combines them into one complete recipe.

How do I scan a recipe that spans 2 or more pages?

Many cookbook recipes spill across multiple pages. Here's how to capture everything:

Best approach: Use Step By Step mode

1. Tap + and choose Step By Step
2. Select or create your cookbook, then add the cookbook cover photo
3. Fill in the recipe name, page number, and any other details, then continue
4. Add a photo of the finished dish (optional)
5. At the Description step, tap Scan Text and point the camera at the page. Words are highlighted in grey as they're detected — tap any word to select it (it turns green). Select all the text you want, then tap Save
6. At the Ingredients step, tap Scan Text and do the same. If the ingredients span a second page, select what's visible, turn the page, continue selecting, then tap Save
7. At the Steps step, repeat the same process — select the instructions across as many pages as needed, then tap Save
8. Review everything and save

Tip: No photos required — just point and tap. Grey highlights show detected text; green means selected. You can turn pages mid-scan and keep selecting before you tap Save.

Using AI Scan instead? Photograph the page that has the most recipe content. After the AI extracts the recipe, tap into any field on the review screen to add missing ingredients or steps from the other pages.

The scan didn't extract correctly. What should I do?

Ensure the page is well-lit and the text is in focus. You can always edit the extracted recipe after scanning — tap any field to make corrections.

How do I organize recipes into cookbooks?

When you scan or add a recipe, you can assign it to a cookbook. You can also create new cookbooks from the main screen. Each recipe belongs to one cookbook and can include a page number for easy reference back to the original book.

Can I search my recipes?

Yes! Use the search bar at the top of the recipe list to search by recipe title, ingredients, or cookbook name. You can also filter recipes by tags and favorites.

How do I tag recipes?

Open any recipe and tap Edit. You can add tags like "Dinner," "Quick," "Vegetarian," or any custom tag. Use tags to filter and find recipes quickly.

How do I share a recipe?

Open the recipe and tap the share button in the top right. You can share as text, a recipe card image, or a PDF. The share sheet lets you send via Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or any other app.

You can also swipe right on any recipe in the list to quickly share it.

Tip: Swipe left on a recipe to instantly add it to your favourites.

How do I export all my recipes?

Go to Settings → Export All Recipes. You can export your entire collection as a JSON file (for backup) or a PDF (for printing). The PDF includes a title page and all recipes formatted for US Letter paper.

Can I add a recipe's ingredients to my shopping list?

Yes — open any recipe, tap the ⋯ menu in the top right, and choose Add to Reminders. Each ingredient is added as a separate item so you can check them off as you shop. You can add to an existing Reminders list or create a new one named after the recipe.

Do my recipes sync across devices?

Yes, if iCloud is enabled. Your recipes sync automatically via iCloud across all your Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID. Make sure iCloud is enabled in Settings → iCloud within the app.

iCloud sync isn't working. What should I check?

• Ensure you're signed into iCloud on your device (iOS Settings → Apple ID → iCloud)
• Check that iCloud sync is enabled within the app (Settings → iCloud toggle)
• Make sure you have available iCloud storage
• Try closing and reopening the app — sync can take a moment on first launch
• Ensure you're connected to the internet

How many free scans do I get?

Free users get 5 AI scans per month, which reset on the 1st of each month. You can also earn up to 4 bonus scans by leaving a review on the App Store (+2) or sharing the app with a friend (+2). Manual recipe entry is always unlimited.

What does a Pro subscription include?

Pro gives you 200 AI scans per month, full iCloud sync across all your Apple devices, and the ability to export and share your recipes. Pro is available as a monthly or annual subscription — the annual plan saves you 30%.

What happens when I run out of free scans?

When your free scans are used up, you'll be prompted to upgrade to Pro. You can also add recipes manually at any time, or wait until the 1st of the next month when your free scans reset.

What data does the app collect?

Your recipes are stored locally on your device and in your private iCloud container. Photos sent for AI scanning are processed in real time and not retained. See our full Privacy Policy for details.

How do I delete my data?

You can delete individual recipes or cookbooks by swiping left. To delete everything, go to Settings → Clear All Data. To delete your account entirely, contact us at the email below.