How To Scan Documents on Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Scanning documents using your iPhone is a convenient way to digitize paperwork and reduce clutter. Whether you need to scan receipts, contracts, or important documents, your iPhone can serve as a portable scanner. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to scan documents using your iPhone, making it easier than ever to organize and share important information.

Disclaimer: The steps provided below are applicable to iPhones running iOS 13 and later. Some features may vary depending on the iPhone model and iOS version.

Step 1: Open the Notes app

Launch the Notes app on your iPhone. If you can’t find it on your home screen, swipe down on the screen and use the search bar to locate it.

Step 2: Create a new note

Tap the “+” icon in the bottom center of the screen to create a new note. Alternatively, you can open an existing note if you prefer.

Step 3: Access the document scanning feature

Tap the camera icon located above the keyboard within the note. A menu will appear with options like “Take Photo or Video,” “Scan Documents,” and more.

Step 4: Start scanning

Select “Scan Documents” from the menu. Your iPhone’s camera will activate, and a yellow frame will appear around the document you want to scan. Ensure the document is well-lit and aligned within the frame.

Step 5: Capture the document

Tap the shutter button to capture the document. You can also press and hold the shutter button to enable continuous scanning, allowing you to capture multiple pages in one go.

Step 6: Adjust the scan if needed

After capturing the document, you can adjust the edges by dragging the blue dots to crop out any unnecessary portions. Tap “Keep Scan” to save the scanned document.

Step 7: Scan additional pages (optional)

If you have multiple pages to scan, tap the “+” button to capture additional pages. Repeat steps 4 to 6 until you’ve scanned all the necessary pages.

Step 8: Save and share the scanned document

Once you’ve finished scanning all the pages, tap “Save” to store the scanned document in your note. From there, you can share it via email, messaging apps, or any other platform by tapping the share icon.

Want to scan QR codes instead? Take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to scan QR codes on your iPhone without any third-party apps.

We also have a guide on how to record your iPhone screen and save it as a video file.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scanning Documents Using an iPhone

Q: Can I scan documents using third-party apps?

A: Yes, there are several third-party apps available on the App Store that offer advanced scanning features and integration with cloud storage services. Some popular options include Adobe Scan, Microsoft Office Lens, and Scanbot.

Q: Can I scan documents without using the Notes app?

A: Absolutely! Besides the Notes app, you can also use other built-in apps like Files or Mail to scan documents on your iPhone. Additionally, third-party scanning apps offer more comprehensive features and customization options.

Q: Can I scan documents in color?

A: Yes, the scanning feature on your iPhone allows you to scan documents in color, grayscale, or black and white. You can choose the preferred scanning mode within the scanning interface.

Q: Can I edit scanned documents on my iPhone?

A: While the scanning feature primarily focuses on capturing documents, you can use various apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word to edit and annotate scanned documents on your iPhone.