1. Getting Started
What the website is for and where to begin
What is Album Sorter?
Students often take dozens of photos of blackboards, textbook questions, and lecture slides every week. Finding one specific homework problem inside thousands of regular photos can take a long time.
Album Sorter is an all-in-one visual study workspace. It helps you organize your study pictures, search the words printed inside them, study side-by-side with a digital notepad, perform calculations, and ask an AI tutor for step-by-step help.
What the Main Sections Do:
Reads words, numbers, and formulas inside your pictures so you can search them instantly by keyword.
Puts your homework picture on the left side and your notes on the right side. You never have to switch tabs.
An AI homework tutor that reads the problem from your picture and gives you hints, full proofs, or checks your answer.
A built-in math calculator for arithmetic, square roots, powers, trigonometry, and logarithms without leaving your study pad.
Where Should a New User Begin?
- Click Open Study Workspace (/app) or view the interactive studio on the homepage.
- Pick one of the preloaded homework examples (Math, Physics, Biology, or Computer Science), or click Upload Image to add your own photo.
- Click on the study card. The screen opens into Side-by-Side Mode with the picture on the left and the notes pad on the right.
Which Feature to Use for Different Study Tasks:
| Your Study Goal | Recommended Feature | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Find a problem buried in your photos | Find Text in Images | Type keyword in top search bar |
| Solve homework while looking at the questions | Side-by-Side Mode | Click any picture card in the gallery |
| Need hints without giving away the answer | AI Socratic Coach | Select 💡 Socratic chip in AI panel |
| Quick numerical calculations (trig, roots, powers) | Scientific Calculator | Click 🧮 Calculator button in top toolbar |
| Send pictures from paper notebook to laptop | Phone Sync | Click Phone Sync 📱 and scan QR code |
2. Sending Photos From Your Phone
Step-by-step wireless picture transfer without cables or app installs
You can take photos of classroom blackboards or textbook assignments with your phone and immediately see them on your laptop screen. You do not need to download an app from an app store, and you do not need to create an account.
The Complete 8-Step Process:
Open the phone connection feature on your computer
On your computer screen, click the Phone Sync 📱 button in the workspace toolbar. A popup dialog will appear displaying a large pairing QR code.
What you see: A dark popup card showing a black and white QR code and a session code (for example: AS-8849).
Scan the QR code with your phone camera
Open your smartphone's normal camera app and point it at the QR code on your computer screen. Tap the notification banner that appears. Alternatively, you can type albumsorter.com/sync directly into your phone's web browser.
Connect the phone
The mobile web page opens instantly. Your phone automatically pairs with your computer monitor.
Understand the connection status
Both your phone and your computer display clear status dots and labels. Look at the status indicator to know if you are connected:
Select or take a study photo
On your phone, tap the large white button labeled Take Photo / Choose Image. Snap a photo of your paper homework, textbook question, or whiteboard formula.
Send it to your computer
Once you take the photo, your phone sends it immediately. On your computer screen, a notification bar will say: "Incoming sync from Phone... Reading words inside picture..." and the new photo card appears in your study gallery.
Understand what happens when the phone disconnects
If your phone goes to sleep or you close the browser tab, the computer status automatically updates to ⚪ Phone: Disconnected. Don't worry: all photos and notes already transferred stay safe on your computer!
Reconnect when necessary
To send another photo later, simply wake your phone and tap Reconnect to Desktop. The indicator will turn green (🟢) right away.
3. Find Text in Images
How the website reads words inside pictures so you can search them
How Image Text Recognition Works:
Most photo folders only look at the file name (like IMG_4821.jpg). If you don't remember the file number, you have to scroll through every single picture by hand.
Album Sorter works differently: The website reads the actual words inside your picture. When you upload or snap a photo of a textbook question, our in-browser reader recognizes the printed sentences, question numbers, and math symbols.
How to Search and Find Any Study Problem:
- Upload or Drop a Picture: Drag an image into the gallery or click the "Upload Image" button.
- The Words Become Searchable: The website reads the words in about one second. A badge labeled
TEXT SEARCHABLEappears on the card. - Find a Word or Phrase: Click the top search bar and type what you need:
- Search a question number:
Question 4 - Search a math operation:
Integralorsin(x) - Search a science keyword:
Velocity,ATP, orBinary Tree
- Search a question number:
- Select the Relevant Problem: The gallery filters down instantly to show only the cards that contain that word. Click the card to open it in Side-by-Side Mode.
- Correct Mistakes When Unclear: If the original photo has messy handwriting, some words might be misspelled by the computer. Under the screenshot, you can read the extracted words and easily edit them when you copy them into your notes pad.
⚠️ Limitations Explained in Simple Language:
The reader works best on printed textbook pages, slides, and neat handwriting with good lighting.
If a photo is taken in a dark room, if the camera was shaky, or if handwriting is very messy, some letters or numbers may be misread (for example, the letter "O" might be read as the number "0"). Taking a clear, well-lit photo gives the best results.
4. Side-by-Side Mode
Your complete split study workspace
In normal study setups, students have to constantly press Alt+Tab or switch between a photo window and a document window. Side-by-Side Mode solves this by splitting your screen into two organized sections that work together.
◀ Left Pane: Screenshot & Problem Viewer
Shows your study picture in high resolution.
- Zoom & Pan: Enlarge fine print or diagrams.
- Previous / Next Buttons: Move to the next homework problem without leaving the workspace.
- Recognized Words Box: Shows all words read from the picture with a 📋 Paste into Notes button.
▶ Right Pane: Notes & AI Assistant
Contains two tabs at the top:
- 📝 Notes Tab: A distraction-free markdown scratchpad for typing solutions, formulas, and steps. Saves automatically.
- 🤖 AI Assistant Tab: Chat with your AI homework tutor while keeping the problem visible on the left.
Opening, Closing, and Adjusting Panels:
- Toggle 50/50 Split: Click the "Toggle 50/50 Split" button to equalize the panes or give more room to notes.
- Collapse Problem Panel (in AI Mode): Click ◀ Collapse Panel to hide the picture panel and give the full screen to calculations and AI reasoning. Click ▶ Show Problem Panel to bring it back.
- Return to Gallery: Click ← Back to Gallery to view all your homework cards together.
5. Scientific Calculator Guide
A full-featured scientific calculator built directly into your study space
A Real Working Calculator
The built-in calculator is not just a visual picture—it is a real mathematical calculation engine. It evaluates arithmetic, parentheses, powers, square roots, trigonometric functions, logarithms, and constants according to standard mathematical rules.
Located right inside your study workspace. Look at the toolbar in Side-by-Side Mode or AI Mode. You will see a button labeled 🧮 Calculator.
Click 🧮 Calculator to slide the calculator open. To close it, click the ✕ close icon in the top right corner of the calculator header or click the toolbar button again. It never reloads or breaks your notes.
How to Use All Calculator Functions:
Addition (+), Subtraction (−), Multiplication (×), and Division (÷).
Example: Type 88 × 7 and press =. The calculator shows 616.
Control which part of the math problem calculates first.
Example: 3 × (4 + 2) calculates to 18. If you forget to close the bracket, the calculator automatically closes it for you!
Tap x² to immediately square a number, or use xʸ (power ^) to raise to any power.
Example: 5^2 gives 25. 2^8 gives 256.
Calculates the principal square root of any positive number.
Example: Press √x and type 16. Result is 4.
Evaluates trigonometric ratios for angles in your homework problems.
Example in DEG mode: sin(30) equals 0.5.
log calculates base-10 logarithm. ln calculates natural logarithm (base e).
Example: log(100) gives 2.
π inserts Pi (approx 3.14159265). e inserts Euler's constant (approx 2.7182818).
Example: 2 × π gives 6.28318531.
Click the DEG / RAD toggle in the top left of the keypad:
Use DEG (Degrees) for triangle geometry (e.g. 30°, 45°, 90°). Use RAD (Radians) for calculus and physics (e.g. π radians).
Using Previous Result (Ans) and Pasting into Notes:
- Using the Previous Result (
Ans):After you calculate a result (for example:88 × 7 = 616), you can immediately tap an operator like+ 10. The calculator remembers616as the previous answer, giving you 626. You can also press the Ans key at any time to recall the last result. - Paste Result into Notes:Click the blue button at the bottom of the calculator labeled 📋 Paste Result into Notes. This instantly types your formula and final calculation into your right-side study notepad without you having to retype any numbers.
- Clear (AC) vs Delete (DEL):Tap DEL to delete the single last digit or symbol you typed. Tap AC (All Clear) to erase the entire expression and start fresh.
- Friendly Error Messages:If you enter an invalid expression (like dividing by zero
5 ÷ 0or unmatched brackets), the calculator displays a polite, human-readable banner such as: "Cannot divide by zero" or "Check matching parentheses ()". You will never see cryptic JavaScript error screens or crashes.
6. AI Homework Tutor & Coaching Personas
Context-locked AI assistance grounded directly in your study pictures
The AI Study Workflow
Unlike generic chatbots that make up answers or don't know what problem you're working on, Album Sorter uses a context-locked AI tutor. The AI only activates when you have a homework picture loaded, and it grounds all of its mathematical reasoning in that picture.
Step-by-Step AI Tutoring Flow:
- Load a study picture: Upload your photo or choose an example from the gallery.
- Choose your study problem: Select the card. The problem title and recognized text load into the workspace.
- Wait until the problem is ready: The AI diagnostic dot turns green (🟢) showing: "Context Verified".
- The AI becomes available: The chat input field unlocks. Before a problem is loaded, the chat field remains disabled with a friendly message reminding you to pick a problem first.
- Ask a question: Type your question in the chat bar (for example: "How do I set up Step 1?" or click quick suggestions like "Summarize this problem").
- Continue asking follow-up questions: You can ask as many questions as you need. The AI keeps the context of your problem across the entire conversation.
- Change the AI coaching style: Switch between coaching personas at any time using the persona chips.
- Use the answer with notes: Click 📋 Paste into Notes on any AI response to copy the solution directly into your study pad.
The Four AI Coaching Personas Explained:
Best for: Understanding concepts and learning how to solve problems on your own.
The Socratic coach does not give away the final answer right away. Instead, it asks you guided questions, points out what variables are given, and gives hints so you understand the logic.
Best for: Checking your work or getting a fast direct solution when you are short on time.
Gives direct equations, numerical substitutions, and the final answer clearly and concisely.
Best for: College calculus, physics, and advanced math where step-by-step mathematical reasoning is required.
Provides rigorous deductions, theorem citations, mathematical lemmas, and formal derivations.
Best for: Studying for midterms, finals, and standardized tests.
Highlights common student traps, negative sign mistakes, unit conversions, and scoring guidelines that teachers look for.
🔒 Why Context-Locking Helps You Focus:
If a student asks an unrelated general question (such as "Who won the soccer match?"), the AI will politely reply:
"I'm focused on the study problem currently loaded in your workspace: «Calculus II». Ask me about this problem, its mathematical concepts, equations, steps, or a related calculation."
This keeps your study sessions free of distractions and ensures every calculation matches your actual homework.
7. Study Notes & Mathematical Equations (LaTeX)
How to write clean study notes, format math equations, and save your work
Your Digital Study Scratchpad
The right-side study notepad supports clean Markdown formatting and mathematical notation. You can write homework solutions, organize problem steps, and export them as clean text files to turn in.
How to Format Your Notes:
Type # Heading 1 for main titles. Type ## Heading 2 for problem sub-steps.
Type - Item for bullet points, or 1. Item for numbered steps.
Click the 📋 Paste into Right Notepad button under the picture. All recognized words and formulas are automatically inserted into your editor.
If the picture text reader misread a number or variable, you can freely click in the notepad and edit or correct any typo in seconds.
Writing Math Equations (LaTeX Explained Simply):
In math and science, standard keyboards do not have special symbols for square roots, fractions, or integrals. "LaTeX" is simply a standard way to write math using keyboard symbols.
Put your formula between single dollar signs: $x^2 + y^2 = r^2$
Put your formula between double dollar signs:
$$\int_0^\pi \sin(x)dx = 2$$
You can also click the Insert Formula button in the editor toolbar to add common templates like fractions and square roots with one click.
How Your Notes Are Saved:
Every keystroke you type is saved automatically in your browser's private memory (localStorage). Look at the top right of the editor to see the green indicator: ✓ Auto-saved.
What happens if you refresh or leave the website? When you return to Album Sorter on the same computer and browser, your notes will still be there.
Important Note: If you browse using a "Private" or "Incognito" window, or if you clear your browser's browsing data, the browser will erase saved data. To keep a permanent backup of your notes, click Export Note (.txt) to save a text file directly to your computer.
8. The Complete 8-Step Study Flow
The recommended way to study from start to finish
Follow this proven workflow for solving any homework assignment or textbook chapter:
9. Troubleshooting Guide
What happened, why it may happen, and what to do
If you run into any difficulty, find the problem below. Each entry explains: What happened → Why it may happen → What to do.
● 1. Phone does not connect
What happened: Your computer keeps showing "⚪ Phone: Disconnected" after scanning.
Why it may happen: Your phone and computer are on completely different networks, or phone camera browser permission was denied.
What to do: Refresh both the computer page and your phone browser, ensure Wi-Fi or data is active, and try scanning the QR code again.
● 2. QR code does not scan
What happened: Your phone camera does not recognize the QR code box.
Why it may happen: The phone is held too close to the monitor, screen brightness is too low, or there is glare.
What to do: Hold your phone about 20–30 cm away from the monitor, or open your phone's browser and manually visit albumsorter.com/sync.
● 3. Phone disconnects in the middle of study
What happened: The status dot turned from green (🟢) to grey (⚪).
Why it may happen: The phone screen timed out and went to sleep, or the tab was closed.
What to do: Unlock your phone, tap the screen, and tap Reconnect to Desktop. Photos already sent are already saved on your computer.
● 4. Picture cannot be read
What happened: The reader says "*(No text detected)*" after uploading.
Why it may happen: The picture is very dark, heavily blurred, or upside down.
What to do: Take another picture with steady hands under good light and re-upload. Make sure the text is right-side up.
● 5. Words or numbers are read incorrectly
What happened: A math symbol or word has a typo (e.g. "x" read as "+").
Why it may happen: Messy handwriting or faint blackboard chalk.
What to do: Click 📋 Paste into Right Notepad. You can freely edit and correct any misspelled word directly inside your study notes.
● 6. AI input is greyed out / disabled
What happened: You cannot type into the AI chat box.
Why it may happen: No study problem is currently selected. The AI is context-locked to prevent hallucinations.
What to do: Click on a problem card in the left panel or gallery. Once loaded, the chat field automatically unlocks.
● 7. AI asks you to stay on topic
What happened: The AI politely replied that it is focused on your loaded homework problem.
Why it may happen: Your question asked about something unrelated to the homework picture.
What to do: Ask a question about the equations, concepts, or steps in the active homework picture.
● 8. Calculator shows an error banner
What happened: The calculator displays a message like "Cannot divide by zero" or "Check matching parentheses ()".
Why it may happen: An invalid mathematical expression was entered (for example: 12 ÷ 0 or two operators next to each other like 5 + × 2).
What to do: Press DEL to fix the typo, or press AC to clear the line and re-enter your formula.
● 9. Calculator gives an unexpected trigonometric answer
What happened: For example, sin(30) gave -0.988 instead of 0.5.
Why it may happen: The calculator is set to RAD (Radians) mode instead of DEG (Degrees) mode.
What to do: Click the DEG / RAD toggle in the top left of the keypad so that DEG is highlighted.
● 10. Notes do not save after reopening browser
What happened: You returned to the site and the notepad was blank.
Why it may happen: You were browsing in Incognito / Private Browsing mode, which erases all browser memory when closed.
What to do: Use a normal browser tab for studying so local storage can save your work, or click Export Note (.txt) at the end of every study session.
● 11. Page needs refreshing
What happened: A button didn't respond or a panel got stuck.
Why it may happen: Temporary browser memory issue.
What to do: Press Ctrl + R (or Cmd + R on Mac). Your saved notes and cards will reload safely.
10. Power User Keyboard Shortcuts
Quick keyboard access to speed up your study sessions
| Shortcut | Action | Where It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + K / Cmd + K | Focus Search Bar to find text in pictures | Anywhere in workspace |
| Esc | Clear search query or close active popup dialog | Active popup / search |
| Tab | Switch focus between picture viewer and notes scratchpad | Side-by-Side Mode |
| ← / → | Go to Previous / Next study problem | Side-by-Side Viewer |
Ready to Start Studying?
Open the workspace now to search images, calculate, and take notes.