> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.altoura.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Anchor with a QR Code

> Scan your environment and the printed QR code so AR content lines up with your physical workspace.

This page is for **field workers** who have just started a procedure. By the end of it, the procedure will be anchored to your workspace and open, with its AR content aligned to the physical environment.

Anchoring establishes a fixed reference point so augmented reality content stays accurately positioned. For the concept behind it, see [Anchoring and QR Codes](/frontline/overview/concepts/anchoring-and-qr-codes).

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/ipad/operate/ipad-environment-scan-alt.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=bebb3bc312eb98d107bb5ae9611bb45b" alt="Scan your environment prompt before a procedure begins" noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="1672" height="941" data-path="frontline/images/ipad/operate/ipad-environment-scan-alt.png" />
</Frame>

The anchoring workflow has two steps: scan your environment, then scan the QR code.

## Scan Your Environment

The environment scan identifies the horizontal and vertical surfaces required for AR tracking.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Hold the iPad in front of the workspace">
    Face the area where you will perform the procedure.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Slowly move the device around the area">
    Sweep the iPad across the surrounding surfaces.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the scan to finish">
    Keep moving until the environment scan completes automatically.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/ipad/get-started/ipad-environment-scan.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=9dd7616e8602fcdf4a1e341196c13895" alt="Environment scanning in progress on the iPad" noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="1672" height="941" data-path="frontline/images/ipad/get-started/ipad-environment-scan.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Move the iPad slowly and avoid rapid movements while scanning. This improves surface detection and tracking accuracy.
</Note>

## Scan the QR Code

After the environment scan, the application prompts you to scan the printed QR code.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Point the camera at the QR code">
    Aim the iPad's camera toward the printed code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Align it within the on-screen guide">
    Frame the QR code inside the guide.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Hold steady until it is detected">
    When the QR code is recognized, the application anchors the procedure to the scanned location and automatically opens it.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/altoura-785c3552/dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u/frontline/images/ipad/get-started/ipad-qr-scan.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=dGjpngJxnDwHfL9u&q=85&s=7c37003b78a84a751ac7cc3c4d330551" alt="QR code scanning screen with the alignment guide" noZoom style={{width: "100%", height: "auto"}} width="1492" height="1054" data-path="frontline/images/ipad/get-started/ipad-qr-scan.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best Practices

For the most accurate AR experience:

* Place the QR code on a stable, flat surface.
* Ensure the QR code is fully visible and well lit.
* Avoid reflections, glare, or partially covered QR codes.
* Hold the iPad approximately **30–90 cm (1–3 ft)** from the QR code during scanning.
* If the QR code is not detected, adjust your viewing angle or move closer before trying again.

<Tip>
  Anchoring accuracy also depends on the app knowing the physical size of your printed QR code. If content appears misaligned, check the QR Code Size value in [Settings](/frontline/ipad/reference/settings).
</Tip>

To leave without completing the scan, select **Back** in the upper-left corner to return to the previous screen.

***

**Next:** [Follow Steps](/frontline/ipad/operate/follow-steps)