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Overview

Klaus requires a camera to see the pages you’re reading. The camera should provide a clear, stable view of your entire reading surface. A USB document camera (also called a visualiser) provides the best experience with:
  • Stable mounting
  • Consistent lighting
  • Clear full-page capture
  • No additional setup required
Recommended Model: PAKOTOO/kitchbai Document Camera with built-in light: This model includes:
  • Adjustable gooseneck arm
  • Built-in LED light for low-light conditions
  • USB plug-and-play connectivity
  • Compatible with macOS and Windows

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Option 2: Phone as Webcam

A smartphone on a gooseneck mount (~$10-15) works well as an alternative. Point the phone camera straight down at your reading surface.
Auto-RotationKlaus automatically detects portrait orientation and rotates images. You can override this with camera_rotation in ~/.klaus/config.toml.

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Phone Webcam Apps

If using your phone as a camera, use these apps to connect it to your computer:
PlatformAppDetails
macOS + iPhoneContinuity Camera (Built-in)iOS 16+, macOS Ventura+. No installation needed, works wirelessly
macOS + AndroidCamoFree tier, 1080p. Install on phone + Mac, pair via QR or USB
Windows + iPhoneCamoFree tier, 1080p. Install on phone + PC, pair via QR or USB
Windows + AndroidDroidCamFree. Install on phone + PC, connect over Wi-Fi or USB

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Camera Configuration

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During Setup

The first-run setup wizard lets you:
  1. Select your camera from a list of detected devices
  2. Preview the live feed
  3. Test page capture

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Camera Settings

You can adjust camera settings in ~/.klaus/config.toml: 
camera_index = 0          # Change if you have multiple cameras
camera_width = 1920       # Resolution width
camera_height = 1080      # Resolution height
camera_rotation = "auto"  # Options: auto, none, 90, 180, 270

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Changing Cameras

If you need to switch cameras after setup:
  1. Open Klaus
  2. Click the settings button (gear icon)
  3. Go to the Camera tab
  4. Select a different camera from the dropdown
  5. Changes apply immediately

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Positioning Tips

1

Mount the camera directly above your reading surface

The camera should point straight down at your desk or book stand.
2

Ensure the entire page is visible

Position the camera high enough to capture a full page (or spread) without cutting off edges.
3

Check lighting

Avoid shadows on the page. Use ambient lighting or the camera’s built-in light if available.
4

Test the view

Use the live preview in Klaus to verify the page is clear and readable.

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Troubleshooting

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Camera not detected

  • Ensure the camera is plugged in and recognized by your OS
  • On macOS, check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
  • On Windows, check Device Manager for camera drivers
  • Try a different USB port

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Image is rotated incorrectly

  • Klaus auto-rotates portrait images by default
  • Override by setting camera_rotation in config: 
    camera_rotation = "90"  # or 180, 270, none

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Blurry or dark image

  • Increase ambient lighting
  • Clean the camera lens
  • Reduce camera_width/camera_height if your camera doesn’t support 1080p
  • Check camera focus (some document cameras have manual focus rings)

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Multiple cameras detected

  • Klaus lists all available cameras by name
  • Select the correct one in the setup wizard or settings
  • The camera_index in config.toml controls which camera is used (0 = first, 1 = second, etc.)

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Next Steps

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