Inspect all four corners
Use a sharp image and magnify each corner separately. Look for visible whitening, chips, rounding, bends, or missing material. Check the original photo when a corrected image makes a detail unclear. Record what you actually see rather than assuming that a clean-looking photo proves a flawless corner.
Example from CardGrader
Choose a corner or edge and examine the enlarged view. Mark visible wear or record No Wear, then continue through the remaining regions. The screenshot shows an inspection before any regions are completed.
Actual app capture · original demo artwork
See the full app walkthrough →Genuine iPhone simulator capture. The generic sports card uses AI-generated demo artwork. The screenshot illustrates the controls, not performance on real card photographs.
Review the full length of every edge
Move along each edge and note visible whitening, chips, and roughness. Keep the physical edge distinct from the printed border and from sleeve reflections. Inspect the back as well when available; a clean front says nothing about an unseen back.
Keep notes with the card
CardGrader lets you retain manual inspections, front/back photos, centering measurements, and notes in the local library. Use folders, tags, favorites, and manual set or collector-number metadata to find cards again without relying on optional catalog identification.
Know what a photograph cannot establish
A single photograph can hide dents, scratches, print defects, and other surface issues. CardGrader does not grade surface condition or authenticate cards. Its provisional results are unofficial aids to review, not certifications, appraisals, or guarantees. A professional physical inspection may reach a different conclusion.