momoChef logomomoChef

iOS Import Options

Last updated: 2026-10-23

momoChef makes it easy to add recipes from anywhere. Import from websites, scan photos, use the share extension, or enter recipes manually.

Choose an import method from the + menu.

Import Methods Overview

Choose the import method that works best for your source:

  • Website URL: Paste a recipe URL and we'll extract the details
  • Share Extension: Send recipes directly from Safari or other apps
  • Paste Text: Paste recipe text and we'll format it
  • Photo / Scan: Scan printed recipes, cookbooks, or handwritten cards (Premium)
  • File Import: Import from PDF, ZIP, JSON, CSV, Markdown, or Paprika files
  • Clipboard Detection: Copy a recipe link or text in any app, then open momoChef
  • Browse: Open any recipe site in momoChef's built-in browser — works even on sites that block imports
  • Video Links: Import from YouTube and TikTok videos
  • Email-in: Forward recipes to [email protected] from your account's email address
  • Manual Entry: Type recipes from scratch
Paste a link to preview and import.

URL Import

The easiest way to add recipes from your favorite cooking websites.

From Within the App

  1. Tap the + button in any recipe book
  2. Select Website URL
  3. Paste the recipe URL
  4. Tap Preview Recipe
  5. Review the parsed draft and make any edits
  6. Tap Save to add to your collection

Supported Websites

momoChef works with thousands of recipe websites including:

  • Major recipe sites (AllRecipes, Food Network, Bon Appetit, etc.)
  • Food blogs and personal recipe sites
  • YouTube cooking videos (extracts description recipes)
  • Most sites with structured recipe data

Tip: If a URL doesn't import correctly, paste the recipe text instead — it's usually the most reliable. The share extension and momoChef's built-in Browse can also grab pages that block imports. If the draft comes out rough, import it anyway and edit.

Importing from Social Media

You can also import recipes shared on social platforms:

  • Instagram posts and reels
  • TikTok cooking videos
  • Facebook recipe posts
  • YouTube videos
  • Twitter/X recipe threads
  • Pinterest pins
  • Reddit posts
  • Bluesky posts

Use the share extension (described below) for the best experience with social media recipes.

Share Extension

The share extension lets you import recipes without leaving Safari or other apps. This is the fastest way to save recipes while browsing.

Using the Share Extension

  1. In Safari (or any app with a recipe), tap the Share button
  2. Scroll horizontally to find Import to momoChef
  3. If you don't see it, tap More and enable momoChef
  4. Tap Import to momoChef to open the import preview
  5. Review the extracted recipe
  6. Select which book to save to
  7. Tap Save Recipe

What Gets Imported

The share extension automatically extracts:

  • Recipe title
  • Ingredients list
  • Instructions
  • Prep and cook times
  • Servings
  • Recipe photo (when available)

Enabling the Share Extension

If momoChef doesn't appear in your share sheet:

  1. Tap the Share button in any app
  2. Scroll to the end of the app icons and tap More
  3. Find momoChef in the list
  4. Toggle it on and tap Done

Photo Import (Premium)

Scan printed recipes, cookbook pages, or handwritten recipe cards using your camera. momoChef uses advanced text recognition to extract the recipe. Photo Import is a Premium feature — free accounts see an upgrade prompt.

Taking a Photo

  1. Tap the + button
  2. Select Photo or Scan
  3. Choose Scan or Photo Library
  4. Position the recipe in the frame with good lighting
  5. Tap the shutter button or select the photo
  6. Wait for processing (usually a few seconds)

Tips for Best Results

  • Use good, even lighting (natural light works best)
  • Hold the camera parallel to the recipe surface
  • Ensure all text is in focus
  • Avoid shadows and glare
  • Crop to just the recipe area for better accuracy

Reviewing and Editing

After scanning, review the extracted text:

  1. Check that ingredients were correctly identified
  2. Verify instruction steps are properly separated
  3. Edit any text that wasn't recognized correctly
  4. Add missing details like prep time or servings
  5. Tap Save when finished

Tip: For handwritten recipes, accuracy may vary. It's helpful to compare the original photo (saved with the recipe) against the extracted text.

Text Import

Have recipe text from an email, message, or document? Paste it directly and momoChef will help format it.

Importing Text

  1. Copy the recipe text to your clipboard
  2. In momoChef, tap + and select Paste Text
  3. Paste the text into the input field
  4. Tap Preview Recipe
  5. Review the parsed ingredients and instructions
  6. Edit as needed and tap Save

Supported Formats

The text importer recognizes various formats:

  • Plain text recipes
  • Recipes with numbered steps
  • Ingredient lists with measurements
  • Free-form recipe descriptions

File Import

Import recipes from other apps or backup files.

Supported File Types

  • PDF: Single recipes or whole cookbook PDFs — multi-recipe files open a picker
  • JSON: momoChef export format or compatible formats
  • CSV: Spreadsheet exports with recipe data
  • Markdown: Text-based recipe exports
  • ZIP: Bulk import with images (momoChef format)
  • Paprika: .paprikarecipe / .paprikarecipes exports

Importing from Other Apps

momoChef can import from popular recipe apps:

  • Paprika Recipe Manager (single recipes or full backup)
  • Pepperplate
  • Any app that exports CSV, Markdown, or momoChef-compatible JSON

How to Import

  1. Export your recipes from the other app (check their support docs)
  2. Transfer the file to your iOS device (AirDrop, Files, etc.)
  3. In momoChef, go to Settings → Data
  4. Tap Import data and choose your file
  5. Select your exported file
  6. Wait for processing to complete

For detailed instructions, see our Import Guide.

Bulk Import

Import multiple recipes at once using the bulk import feature.

Bulk File Import

  1. Go to Settings → Data
  2. Tap Import data
  3. Choose a JSON, CSV, Markdown, ZIP, or Paprika file with all your recipes
  4. Watch progress as each recipe is imported
  5. Review any failures and retry if needed

Import Progress

During bulk import, you can:

  • See real-time progress for each recipe
  • View successful imports
  • See which recipes failed and why
  • Retry failed imports
  • Keep the app open until the import finishes

Tip: Bulk import works best with a stable internet connection. For large imports (50+ recipes), consider doing them in batches.

Manual Entry

Sometimes the best way is to type it yourself. Manual entry gives you complete control over your recipe.

Creating a Recipe Manually

  1. Tap the + button
  2. Select New Recipe
  3. Fill in the recipe details:
    • Title: Recipe name (required)
    • Description: Brief summary or notes
    • Servings: How many people it serves
    • Prep Time: Active preparation time
    • Cook Time: Cooking/baking time
    • Ingredients: One per line with measurements
    • Instructions: Step-by-step directions
    • Tags: Categories for organization
    • Photo: Add from camera or library
  4. Tap Save when finished

Ingredient Formatting

Enter one ingredient per line. Include:

  • Quantity (e.g., "2" or "1/2")
  • Unit (e.g., "cups", "tablespoons", "oz")
  • Item name
  • Preparation notes (e.g., "chopped", "divided")

Example: 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

Instruction Formatting

Enter one step per line or use numbered lists. momoChef will automatically separate steps for the cooking mode view.

The New Recipe sheet lets you pick a source or start from scratch.

After Import: Reviewing Recipes

After any import method, take a moment to review the recipe:

Common Edits

  • Title: Simplify or correct the name
  • Ingredients: Fix parsing errors, standardize units
  • Instructions: Ensure steps are properly separated
  • Photo: Add or replace the recipe image
  • Tags: Add organizational tags
  • Servings/Time: Correct if not detected

Selecting a Recipe Book

During import, you can choose which book to save the recipe to:

  • Select an existing book from the list — the picker remembers your last-used book
  • Create a new book inline

Troubleshooting Import Issues

URL Not Recognized

If a URL fails to import:

  • Paste it anyway — multi-recipe pages (and cookbook PDFs) open a picker of every recipe found
  • Try the share extension instead of paste
  • Copy the recipe text and use text import — usually beats a photo
  • Import as-is and fix the draft — parser improvements arrive later via Recipe Updates
  • Photo Import (Premium) as a last resort for printed pages you can't copy

Photo Import Inaccurate

If text recognition is poor:

  • Retake the photo with better lighting
  • Make sure text is in focus
  • Crop to just the recipe area
  • Manually correct the extracted text

Share Extension Not Working

If the share extension doesn't appear or fails:

  • Make sure momoChef is enabled in the share sheet
  • Restart your device
  • Reinstall the app (your data is synced)

For more help, see our Troubleshooting Guide.

Related Articles