Scanning documents on your iPhone is a breeze. With just a few taps, you can capture, save, and share any document right from your device. No need for a scanner or computer. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a digital copy of your document in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Scan Documents on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you’d want to scan documents with your iPhone. Whether it’s a receipt, a contract, or a cherished family recipe, scanning documents on your iPhone allows you to keep a digital record that’s easy to store, search, and share.
Step 1: Open the Notes app
Open the Notes app on your iPhone. This is where the magic happens.
The Notes app is pre-installed on all iPhones and is the go-to place for jotting down quick thoughts. But did you know it also has a built-in document scanner? That’s right, no need to download any third-party apps.
Step 2: Create a new note
Tap on the icon to create a new note. It’s usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Once you’ve opened the Notes app, you’ll want to start with a fresh note to scan your document into. This keeps everything organized and easy to find later.
Step 3: Tap on the camera icon
Within the new note, tap on the camera icon. It can often be found above the keyboard.
The camera icon is your gateway to scanning documents. Tapping on it will bring up a few options, including the option to scan documents.
Step 4: Select ‘Scan Documents’
After tapping the camera icon, choose ‘Scan Documents’ from the pop-up menu.
This will activate your iPhone’s camera, but in a special mode optimized for capturing documents.
Step 5: Position your document
Place your document on a flat surface and position it within the camera’s viewfinder.
Good lighting and a contrasting background help the camera distinguish the edges of your document for a clean scan.
Step 6: Capture the document
Press the shutter button to capture the document. If auto-capture is enabled, the iPhone will scan the document automatically when it’s in focus.
Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect on the first try. You can scan multiple pages or retake a scan if needed.
Step 7: Adjust the corners
If necessary, adjust the corners of the scanned document by dragging them to fit the page.
The app will automatically guess where the edges of your document are, but sometimes it needs a little help. This step ensures your document is cropped correctly.
Step 8: Save the document
Tap ‘Keep Scan’ to save the document, then tap ‘Save’ when you’re done scanning all the pages you need.
Your scanned document is now saved within the note, and you can add text, share, or print the document right from your iPhone.
After you’ve completed the scanning process, your document will be stored as a digital file within the Notes app. You can access it anytime, share it via email or messages, and even export it as a PDF. It’s a convenient way to keep all your important documents in one place, right at your fingertips.
Tips for Scanning Documents on iPhone
- Ensure that the document is well-lit and on a contrasting background for the best scan quality.
- Use the auto-capture feature for a hands-free scanning experience.
- Scan multiple pages at once by tapping ‘Add Page’ after each scan.
- Rename your scans by tapping on the scanned document within the note.
- Share your scans directly from the Notes app by tapping the share icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scan multiple pages into one document?
Yes, you can scan multiple pages into one document. Simply tap ‘Add Page’ after each scan.
Do I need to download a separate app to scan documents?
No, you don’t need to download a separate app. The Notes app on your iPhone has a built-in document scanner.
Can I edit the scanned document?
You can crop and rotate the scanned document, but you cannot edit the text within the scan. For text edits, you’ll need to use a different app with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities.
How can I share my scanned document?
You can share your scanned document by tapping the share icon within the note and choosing how you’d like to share it—via email, messages, or other apps.
Can I save my scanned document as a PDF?
Yes, you can save your scanned document as a PDF. Tap on the scanned document within the note, then tap the share icon and choose ‘Create PDF’.
Summary
- Open the Notes app
- Create a new note
- Tap on the camera icon
- Select ‘Scan Documents’
- Position your document
- Capture the document
- Adjust the corners
- Save the document
Conclusion
In a world that’s quickly going digital, knowing how to scan documents on your iPhone is a skill that’s not just convenient, but necessary. Gone are the days of bulky scanners and waiting to get to a computer to process paperwork. Your iPhone is a powerful tool that can handle almost anything you throw at it, including keeping digital copies of important documents. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who likes to stay organized, mastering the art of scanning documents with your iPhone is a game-changer. So, next time you’re handed a paper document, don’t fret. Whip out your iPhone and scan away. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. Now, go ahead and give it a try – who knew being efficient could feel this good?
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.