Abstract: The present invention in its various versions includes devices and methods for recognizing, naming, storing, identifying, and reproducing keys. In one preferred example, a relatively small hand-held device includes a key-receiving slot having an internal scanner that captures an image of a key inserted into the slot. In a data storing mode, the key can be named and identified and then stored in memory. In a recognition mode, the scanned image of an inserted key is compared with previously stored keys to find a match. In the event a match is found, an associated display presents information identifying the key, such as the name of the key, the door or other locking device it is assigned to, or other desirable information.