> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.getmobly.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.getmobly.com/help-center/the-mobly-app/capture-and-enrichment/how-does-ocr-work.md).

# How does Mobly's OCR work?

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is the first step when you scan a badge or business card. It runs on your phone, reads the text off the card, and pulls the basics into the lead record — even when you're offline.

## What OCR extracts

From the photo on your phone, OCR pulls:

* First Name
* Last Name
* Email
* Phone number

These four fields are what Mobly needs to create a usable lead. Everything else (company, job title, LinkedIn, etc.) comes from enrichment after OCR finishes.

## Online vs offline

OCR works the same either way — it runs locally on your device. The difference is what happens immediately after:

* **Online:** the lead enters enrichment right away, and you'll see company name, job title, and other fields appear within a few minutes. See [How long does enrichment take?](/help-center/the-mobly-app/capture-and-enrichment/how-long-does-enrichment-take.md).
* **Offline:** the lead is saved on the device with just the OCR'd fields. Enrichment kicks off the next time the app is online and syncs. See [Do offline scans survive an app update?](/help-center/the-mobly-app/capture-and-enrichment/do-offline-scans-survive-an-update.md) — short answer: yes.

## How it works end to end

1. You scan a business card or badge with the Mobly app.
2. OCR reads the card and pulls out names, email, and phone.
3. If OCR doesn't detect any text (blurry photo, weird angle, badge with no printed text), the app prompts you to retake or proceed anyway. Even a partial read can still work — the enrichment step often fills in what OCR missed.
4. The lead is saved on your phone. If you're online, it gets uploaded to Mobly and enrichment begins.
5. Enrichment runs the lead through 20+ data partners — and through a human analyst when automated partners can't make a confident match — to add company, job title, LinkedIn, and other fields.

The whole point of this split is that OCR doesn't need to be perfect. A clear scan with a name is enough — enrichment does the heavy lifting.

## Tips for cleaner scans

* Frame the card so the name and company are clearly in the shot.
* Avoid heavy glare on glossy badges — tilt the badge slightly if there's a reflection.
* You don't need the QR code in the picture. Mobly does not rely on the QR code to enrich the lead.
* If OCR misses a field, you can edit the lead manually right after scanning.

## Related articles

* [How to capture a lead](/help-center/the-mobly-app/capture-and-enrichment/how-to-capture-a-lead.md)
* [How long does enrichment take?](/help-center/the-mobly-app/capture-and-enrichment/how-long-does-enrichment-take.md)
* [Do offline scans survive an app update?](/help-center/the-mobly-app/capture-and-enrichment/do-offline-scans-survive-an-update.md)