CardCenter Pro
 Check centering

Card surface inspectorSee every scratch before you grade.

Filters that make scratches, print lines, dents and whitening pop. Use a photo or a loupe video. Nothing leaves your device.

Inspect my card Try it on my Moltres
FreeNo uploadWorks with loupe videos
Japanese Moltres holo card photographed on a desk The same Moltres card with the Relief filter: holo texture and surface lines stand out in grey PhotoRelief filter
Drag to compare
The tool

Drop your card here

This tool helps you see the surface; it does not grade it. The final grade always comes from the grading company.

5 filters, 5 jobs

Which filter to use

Real examples from my own cards. Pick the filter for the flaw you're hunting.

Relief filter on the Moltres holo art: the surface turns grey and every line has a 3D edgeRelief

Scratches & dents

Turns the card grey and 3D. Move the light slider until the flaw pops.

Fine lines filter on the Moltres holo art: only thin lines and edges remainFine lines

Print lines

Keeps only thin lines: print lines, hairlines, fingerprints.

Local contrast filter on the Moltres holo art: colors stay, details get sharperLocal contrast

Dark or busy art

Keeps the colors and sharpens small details in dark artwork.

WhiteningIllustration

Corners & edges

White wear on corners and edges lights up pink. Clean edges stay dark.

Invert filter on the bottom-right edge of the Moltres card backInvert

Edge wear

Flips the colors so chips and dents on dark borders stand out.

Double-check on the real card. Holo patterns and textured cards can look like flaws. Use the before/after slider.

Better photo, better result

Take a photo that shows the surface

One trick does most of the work: a low light from the side.

~10° Lamp low, almost level Phone above, 2x zoom Card out of the sleeve
  1. One low lightA lamp or flashlight almost level with the card.
  2. Try 2–3 anglesA scratch can hide from one side.
  3. Close and sharp2x zoom, tap to focus.
  4. Out of the sleevePlastic adds its own scratches.
Got a loupe? Record a video instead
  • Phone still, light moving: sweep the light slowly for 5–10 seconds.
  • Lock focus: press and hold on the card (AE/AF Lock).
  • One short clip per area: front, then each corner and edge.
  • iPhone: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible (MP4).
  • Clean the lens: a smudge looks just like a scuff.
Before you grade

Three checks, three minutes

STEP 1CenteringMeasure the borders from a photo.
STEP 2SurfaceScratches, print lines, whitening.
STEP 3Worth grading?Fees vs. graded prices, in dollars.

Full list: pre-grading checklist

Frequently asked questions

Does the surface inspector give my card a grade?

No. It only makes flaws easier to see. Grading depends on many things a photo can't capture reliably, and the final grade always comes from the grading company.

Are my photos or videos uploaded?

No. Everything is processed in your browser on your own device. Nothing is sent to a server, and nothing is kept after you close the page.

Why can't I open my iPhone video?

Some browsers can't play iPhone HEVC (.mov) videos. Open the page in Safari, or export the video as MP4 and try again. You can also take a screenshot of the sharpest frame and upload that instead.

Is there a size or length limit for videos?

There's no upload limit, because nothing is uploaded: your browser reads the video straight from your device. Very long or very large videos (several minutes or over 1 GB) can make scrubbing slow, especially on older phones, so short clips of under a minute work best.

What kind of photo works best?

A sharp, close photo of the card out of its sleeve, lit by a single low light from the side. Take a few photos with the light coming from different directions.