From April 22, 2026, until May 27, 2026, all Encircle users will have access to a free trial of Item Descriptions. For information about pricing, visit our pricing page or contact our team.
In this article:
- Creating Items
- Additional Item Details
- Offline Item Descriptions
- Manual Item Descriptions
- Best Practices
Powered by Encircle AI, item descriptions automatically identify and describe items using standardized property restoration language–ensuring clarity, consistency, and professionalism. Reduce manual entry, overcome language barriers, and cut packout time by 50% or more.
Creating Items
Item descriptions are generated automatically as you inventory items.
- In a room, tap the + button.
- Select Add Contents.
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Snap an item photo.
- The AI will begin analyzing the photo immediately.
- Continue documenting the item as you normally would, assigning a disposition, box number, adding notes, etc.
- By the time you're done, the item description will have been added.
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Tap Done and repeat for additional items.
Item descriptions run in the background, so you don't need to wait for an item to be labeled before moving on. You can continue to add items and let the AI label them for you. This frees you up to focus on salvageability, note-taking, packing, etc. - ultimately cutting your packout time by up 50% or more.
Additional Item Details
Brand, quantity, model, and serial number will auto-populate when those details are visible in your item profile photo (i.e the first photo you take of the item). Make sure to capture any brands, logos, and data plates whenever possible.
Offline Item Descriptions
If you're offline, the item descriptions will essentially be queued with your item photos and other data. When you reconnect to the internet, the item descriptions will generate automatically as your data syncs to the cloud.
Manual Item Descriptions
AI descriptions never overwrite user input. If the AI gets any detail wrong, simply open the item, tap Edit Summary, and update the description or any other field.
If an item is impossible to define for a human, it will be similarly difficult for an AI. If an item is heavily fire or water damaged, it is recommended to manually enter a description from human review or speaking to the homeowner.
Best Practices
Framing & Focus
- Start with a clear first photo. The first (profile) photo of the item is what the AI uses to generate the description. Make sure the item is centred, visible, and in focus.
- Isolate the item. One primary object should dominate the frame. Clear some space around it so the AI can pick out the silhouette and edges cleanly.
- Fill the frame. The item should take up about 70–80% of the photo.
- Avoid heavy obstructions. If an item is wrapped in thick plastic or deep inside a box, it will be difficult to identify.
- Pause for a split second to let the camera focus. Sharpness is an important factor. If the image is too blurry or unable to recognize, you will have an opportunity to retake it.
- Avoid motion blur. Capturing photos while moving will lead to inaccurate or failed descriptions.
- Avoid extreme angles or shots that distort the shape of the item. Capture it from a natural, front-facing perspective.
Lighting, Background, & Staging
- Optimize lighting. Use your flash or a headlamp in dark environments. High contrast between the item and the background helps with proper identification.
- Use neutral backgrounds. When possible, use a staging table, clean floor, or other clear surface to ensure the best possible description. Avoid leaning the item against other distinct objects (like a chair against a busy bookshelf).
- Stage items naturally. For example, clothing like t shirts or pants should be unfolded and laid flat.
- Fan out grouped items. For multiples (like dishes or books), fan them out slightly so the AI can see individual edges to provide an accurate QTY estimate.
Details, Labels, & Data Plates
- Prioritize branding & labels. Angle your shot to include visible brand names, logos, or data plates. The AI uses this text to populate the Brand and Model Number fields.
- Avoid obscuring details. Keep fingers, tools, or shadows away from labels and key features. If you cover the brand name with your thumb, the AI cannot capture it.
- Add extra data where required. The AI will never overwrite any manually entered information. If it doesn't capture model numbers, serial numbers, etc - enter them at any time (even while the AI is processing). You can capture additional photos or notes as well without interrupting the AI analysis.
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