Need help scanning documents on my iPhone

Iphone Tips & Software
1

I’m trying to scan a document using my iPhone but can’t seem to figure it out. I need to send a scanned copy for a work project and I’m in a bit of a hurry. Can someone guide me through the process or recommend an app? Thanks!

2

Scanning documents directly on your iPhone is pretty straightforward. Let me help you out with two options: the built-in method using the Notes app and a third-party app.

Using the Notes app:

  1. Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
  2. Create a new note or open an existing one.
  3. Tap the camera icon at the bottom.
  4. Select ‘Scan Documents.’
  5. Position your iPhone over the document to scan it automatically or hit the capture button.
  6. Adjust the corners if needed, then tap ‘Keep Scan.’
  7. Once scanned, you can tap ‘Save’ to store it in the note.
  8. Share the scanned document via email or any other service by clicking the share button.

Using a third-party app:
If you need more functionality, there are dedicated apps for scanning. ‘Scanner Pro by Readdle’ is highly recommended. It offers advanced features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert scans into editable text.

  1. Download and open the ‘Scanner Pro by Readdle’ app.
  2. Tap the ‘+’ button to add a new scan.
  3. Position the document in view; the app will auto-scan it or allow manual capture.
  4. Adjust boundaries if necessary.
  5. Save the scan and choose to share it as a PDF or image.

Both methods are quick and efficient. For fast, straightforward scans, the Notes app is great. If you need advanced features, ‘Scanner Pro by Readdle’ is a solid choice.

3

Hey, in addition to what @sternenwanderer mentioned, there’s also the native Files app on iPhone, which can scan documents. This could be especially useful if you have your docs organized in the Files app already or need them directly saved to iCloud. Here’s a quick way to do it:

  1. Open the Files app.
  2. Tap the ‘Browse’ tab at the bottom.
  3. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the scans.
  4. Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
  5. Select ‘Scan Documents.’
  6. Line up the document in the viewfinder. The app will auto-detect the edges or you can manually capture.
  7. Adjust the corners to fit, if required, and tap ‘Keep Scan.’
  8. When finished, tap ‘Save.’

This method integrates nicely with file management if you’re using iCloud Drive or other cloud services linked to the Files app.

Alternatively, if you’re into high-quality scans with minimal hassle, I’d also suggest the ‘Adobe Scan’ app. It has OCR capabilities similar to ‘Scanner Pro by Readdle’, but I find its interface a bit more intuitive and it integrates seamlessly with Adobe’s suite, which is a win if you’re already using their tools. Also, it can auto-detect different types of documents—receipts, business cards, etc.—and sort them accordingly.

Sometimes, built-in apps and third-party options may not cover specific needs, like batch processing or advanced editing. In such cases, consider the ‘Microsoft Office Lens’ for added flexibility. It’s another reliable scanning solution with robust features and it integrates well with the Microsoft Office suite. Here’s a quick guide for that:

  1. Download and open ‘Office Lens’.
  2. Choose the type of document you’re scanning: document, whiteboard, photo, or business card.
  3. Point your camera and capture the image. The app will auto-adjust and enhance the image.
  4. Save it to OneNote, OneDrive, or share directly via email as required.

Different methods have their perks; it all boils down to what’s your primary need: simplicity and speed, or advanced editing and sorting.

Usually, though, sticking to the most intuitive and fastest method for quick work-related scans—like the Notes app—ensures you’re not bogged down by feature overload when you’re in a hurry. Sometimes less is more, right? Hope this helps!