PaperSurvey automatically manages blank pages in your scanned documents, but you can also control how specific pages are processed.

Automatic blank page detection

Our system automatically removes truly blank pages during processing. However, pages with any marks or notes will be flagged for review. This ensures no data is accidentally lost.

What triggers a page to be kept:

• Handwritten notes or marks
• Stray pen marks or scribbles
• Coffee stains or shadows
• Poor scan quality creating artifacts

Including instruction or cover pages

Many surveys include additional pages such as:

• Cover sheets with study information
• Instruction pages for participants
• Consent forms
• Reference materials

You can include these pages in your scans without processing errors by using our IGNORE marker system.

How to mark pages to ignore

Method 1: Add the IGNORE QR code manually

Add this QR code to any page you want to exclude from processing:

Placement options:

• Bottom-right corner (recommended)
• Top-left corner

When our system detects this QR code, the page is automatically skipped without generating errors.

Example with IGNORE code

Method 2: Upload cover pages in settings

For consistent cover pages across all surveys:

1. Go to Survey Settings
2. Click "Upload Cover Page"
3. Select your PDF file
4. The system automatically adds the IGNORE code

Benefits of automatic cover pages:

• Consistent formatting across all copies
• IGNORE code placed automatically
• Cover pages excluded from processing
• No manual QR code placement needed

Best practices

For instruction pages

• Create a PDF template with instructions
• Upload via Survey Settings for automatic handling

For consent forms

• If signatures aren't needed on the form, use the IGNORE system
• If signatures are needed, design as part of your survey
• Consider keeping consent forms separate from survey data

For reference materials

• Mark all reference pages with IGNORE codes
• Place at the end of your survey packet
• Use clear page headers to prevent confusion

Common issues and solutions

Problem: Instruction pages generating errors Solution: Add IGNORE QR code before scanning

Problem: Mixed single/double-sided scanning Solution: IGNORE codes help manage blank reverse sides

Quick tips

• Test your setup with a small batch first
• Ensure QR codes are clearly visible after printing
• Keep IGNORE pages separate in your original files
• Train staff on which pages should have IGNORE codes

This system gives you complete control over which pages are processed while maintaining efficient batch scanning workflows.