The Tint Estimator turns your phone's camera into a quick VLT% (visible light transmission) checker — point it at a light source, take a photo or two, and get a percentage back in seconds. It lives in the More menu and is available to installer, sales, and manager roles. Installers use it for a fast QC check right after a job; sales reps use it as a walk-in tool to quickly check the VLT% of a customer's existing tint on the spot.
Before it can take a reading, the app will ask for camera permission — you'll need to allow it (or turn it on later from your phone's Settings) the first time you open the screen.
Once you're in, you'll see a toggle at the top for two measurement methods.
Split-screen method (default)
This is the method the screen opens to, and it only takes one photo. Hold the piece of tinted glass (or film) so it covers the right half of the frame only, aim at an even, bright light source, and tap the capture button. The app compares the brightness of the left half (no glass) against the right half (through the tint) in that single shot and reports an estimated VLT%.
Because both halves come from the same photo, they're captured under identical lighting and exposure — that's why this is the more accurate of the two methods, and why it's the default.
2-step method
The 2-step method is more practical when the tint is already installed on a vehicle and you can't easily get a "no glass" and "through glass" view in the same frame. It walks you through two separate captures:
1. Baseline — aim at a bright, steady light with nothing in the way and capture. 2. Through tint — aim at the same light, from the same distance, now through the tint, and capture.
Because these are two separate photos, your phone's camera can re-adjust exposure between them, which makes this method somewhat rougher than the split-screen method. Use split-screen when you can.
Reading and calibrating the result
After a successful capture, the screen shows the estimated VLT% along with a shaded bar and a quick note on how it compares to the common 35% front-window legal limit used in many states. A prominent warning is shown with every result: this is an estimate only, not a certified reading — see Things to know below.
If you have a known film on hand (say, a factory-rated 20% or 35% sample) and the estimator's reading is off from what you know it should be, tap the matching percentage chip in the calibration row on the result screen. The app adjusts future readings on that phone to line up with your known reference. You can see when calibration is active and reset it back to an uncalibrated reading at any time from the result screen.
From the result screen you can also jump straight to your state's legal tint limits, or tap "Measure again" to take a new reading.
Things to know
- Camera permission is required. If you deny it, the screen shows an "Allow camera" prompt and a shortcut to your phone's Settings — the estimator can't take a reading without it.
- Access is role-gated. Only installer, sales, and manager accounts can open the Tint Estimator; other roles will see a "Field access needed" message instead.
- This is an estimate, not a certified or legal reading. The app displays this warning directly on every result. Lighting conditions and your phone's automatic exposure affect accuracy — don't quote a Tint Estimator reading to a customer as a compliance or legal measurement. For that, use a calibrated hardware meter.
- Split-screen is the more accurate method because it's a single photo, so both halves share identical lighting/exposure. The 2-step method is more convenient for an already-installed window but is inherently rougher, since exposure can shift between the two captures.
- Calibration is saved on that phone only. It's stored locally on the device you calibrated, not synced to your account or shared with teammates' phones — if you switch devices, you'll need to calibrate again.
- A steady, even, bright light source matters. Uneven lighting or a shaky shot is the most common cause of a failed or unreliable reading.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Tint Estimator's reading as a legal or compliance measurement?
A: No. The app labels every result as an estimate, not a certified reading. Camera-based lighting and exposure can shift the number, so it should never be quoted to a customer as proof of legal compliance — use a calibrated hardware meter for that.
Which method should I use, split-screen or 2-step?
A: Split-screen is the default and the more accurate option, since it reads both the "no glass" and "through tint" areas from a single photo taken under identical lighting. Use 2-step when you can't fit both areas in one frame, such as checking a window that's already installed.
Do I need any special equipment?
A: No — just your phone's camera and an even, bright light source (daylight through a window, an overhead light, etc.). No add-on hardware is required.
How does calibration work, and does it follow me to another phone?
A: If you have a film of known VLT%, tap its percentage on the result screen to calibrate. The adjustment is saved locally on that device only — it won't carry over to a teammate's phone or a different device, so you'll need to recalibrate if you switch.
Who can access the Tint Estimator?
A: Installer, sales, and manager roles. Other roles will see a message that field access is needed rather than the camera screen.
What if the app can't get a reading?
A: You'll see a message asking you to point at a more even, bright light and hold still, then try again. Uneven lighting or camera shake during capture is the most common cause of a failed reading.