Scanning documents has become an essential part of our daily lives, and with the advancement of technology, scanning documents using our iPhones has become a breeze. With just a few taps, you can quickly scan a document and save it as a PDF or share it via email or messaging apps. Let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial on how to scan a document on your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Scan a Document on iPhone
Before we begin, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. Scanning a document on your iPhone can be useful when you need to digitize physical paperwork, save important information, or share documents with others. It’s a simple process that uses your iPhone’s camera and the built-in Notes app.
Step 1: Open the Notes App
Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
The Notes app is a built-in application that comes with all iPhones. It’s primarily used for taking notes, but it also has a handy scanning feature. To start, find and tap on the Notes app icon on your home screen.
Step 2: Create a New Note
Tap on the ‘New Note’ button to create a new note.
Once you’re in the Notes app, you’ll see a list of your current notes. To scan a document, we need to create a new note. Look for the ‘New Note’ button, which is a square with a pencil, usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on the Camera Icon
Tap on the camera icon within the new note.
In the new note, you’ll see a keyboard and a toolbar above it. On this toolbar, there’s a camera icon. Tap on it to access the scanning feature.
Step 4: Select ‘Scan Documents’
Choose ‘Scan Documents’ from the menu that pops up.
After tapping the camera icon, a menu will appear with a few options. Select ‘Scan Documents’ to start scanning.
Step 5: Position Your Document
Position your document within the camera’s viewfinder.
Make sure the document is on a flat surface with good lighting. Position your iPhone so that the document fits within the camera’s viewfinder. The app will automatically detect the document’s edges.
Step 6: Capture the Scan
Press the shutter button to capture the scan.
Once the document is positioned correctly, and the app has detected its edges, press the shutter button (just like you would when taking a photo) to capture the scan. You can adjust the corners manually if the app doesn’t get it quite right.
Step 7: Save the Scan
Save the scanned document by tapping on ‘Save.’
After capturing the scan, you can review it and make any necessary adjustments to the crop or color. When you’re satisfied with the scan, tap ‘Save’ to add it to your note.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a digital copy of your document saved in the Notes app. You can then share, export as a PDF, or print the scanned document directly from your iPhone.
Tips for Scanning Documents on iPhone
- Ensure the document is well-lit and on a contrasting background to help the camera detect edges more accurately.
- Hold your iPhone steady when capturing the scan to avoid blurriness.
- Use the color filter options to improve the readability of the scanned document.
- If you’re scanning multiple pages, you can add each page to the same note by tapping ‘Keep Scan’ after each capture.
- You can share the scanned document by tapping the share icon within the note.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the scanned document after saving it?
The scanned document will be saved within the note you created. You can find it by opening the Notes app and selecting the note you scanned the document into.
Can I scan multiple pages into one document?
Yes, you can scan multiple pages into one document by selecting ‘Keep Scan’ after each page and then ‘Save’ when you’ve scanned all the pages.
What file format are the scanned documents saved as?
Scanned documents are saved as attachments within the note. You can export them as PDFs by tapping the share icon and selecting ‘Create PDF.’
Can I edit the scanned document after saving it?
You can crop, rotate, or apply color filters to the scanned document before saving it. However, you cannot edit the text within the scanned document.
Is it possible to scan a document without using the Notes app?
Yes, there are third-party apps available on the App Store that offer scanning features, but the Notes app is a convenient and built-in option for iPhone users.
Summary
- Open the Notes App
- Create a New Note
- Tap on the Camera Icon
- Select ‘Scan Documents’
- Position Your Document
- Capture the Scan
- Save the Scan
Conclusion
Scanning a document on your iPhone is a convenient way to digitize information and share it with others. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to go paperless, this feature can significantly simplify your document management. The process is straightforward, and with the built-in Notes app, you don’t need any additional software. Plus, with the tips provided, you’ll be able to scan documents like a pro. So, the next time you need to capture a paper document, remember that your iPhone is more than capable of doing the job. Happy scanning!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.