How to Scan Documents With an iPhone

If you need to sign, scan, and send a document but don’t have a fancy all-in-one printer, your iPhone or iPad can help. Instead of taking a photo and cropping it, use the document scanner. Below you will find several safe ways that will allow you to scan documents.

How to Scan Documents with Notes App?

Scanning is all about capturing data and converting it into a digital format. Whether it’s your meeting notes or an old family photo, once scanned, you can store, edit, and share these digital files easily. As our world transitions to digital, the need to convert physical documents grows.
One of the most accessible ways to digitize your documents is using your cell phone. Since a scan is essentially an image, your phone’s built-in camera is perfect for the task.

1. Prepare the Document: Place the document on a flat surface in a well-lit area.
2. Open the Notes App: Create a new note or open an existing one. Consider creating a folder called “Scanned Documents” for easy access.
3. Initiate the Scan: With a note open, tap the camera icon, then select “Scan Documents”.
4. Capture the Scan: Hold your device directly above the document. Follow on-screen prompts for best results. The camera will automatically capture the scan when it identifies the document. If necessary, press the shutter button manually.

Review and Save: A thumbnail of each page will appear in the bottom-left corner. Continue scanning additional pages as needed. When finished, tap “Save”.

Please note! For everyday documents and images, your phone offers a quick and affordable scanning solution. However, if you need high-quality scans—like accurately capturing the colors of a photograph—specialized scanners are the way to go. Modern multifunction printers (MFPs) with built-in scanners provide controlled lighting, angles, and stability for high-quality outputs.

Scan and Prepare a Document for Sending

You probably want to scan a document to send it to a recipient. In today’s digital world, this is a much smarter, more convenient, and more cost-effective way to share documents. Even the fax has gone electronic. Digital faxing technology allows you to send documents securely. All you need to do is install a fax app and create your fax address. Then the iPhone app completely replaces the fax machine. It can also scan documents.

How to scan and fax a document:

1. Open the app or visit the provider’s website on your iPhone.
2. Create an account or sign in (Google, Apple ID, etc.).
3. Request a fax number (optional).
4. Upload the document you want to fax. You can capture the document and digitize any number of documents right in the app.
5. Enter the recipient’s name, fax number, and subject (similar to sending an email).
6. Press “Send.”

With the rise of sustainability, mobile faxing is becoming essential for paper-free workflows. Faxing from your iPhone offers flexibility, boosting productivity and efficiency. It’s secure, too—no more sensitive documents left lying around. Just one click, and your file is sent globally. However, traditional faxing is still required for some government agencies, courts, and the IRS. While mobile faxing simplifies many processes, be prepared for specific exceptions.

Edit Scanned Document

Once you’ve scanned and adjusted a document, you have several options. You can store it in the Notes app for future reference or sign and share it.
To share the document, tap the share button in the top-right corner of the screen. If you need to add your signature, scroll down and tap “Markup.” The markup tool allows you to draw, write, add text, or insert your signature. Tap the “+” sign to access all the available tools.
After signing or annotating the document, you can email it, save it to the Files app, or manage it like any other document on your iPhone or iPad.

Conclusion

Your iPhone’s camera is a versatile tool that can help you scan, edit, and share documents quickly and easily. With the right apps and techniques, you can digitize your documents and streamline your workflows. So next time you need to scan a document, don’t reach for the traditional scanner—try using your iPhone instead! Whether it’s for business or personal use, this simple process can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
So why wait? Give these methods a try today and start organizing your documents in a more efficient and sustainable way. Say goodbye to bulky scanners and hello to the convenience of scanning with your iPhone! The possibilities are endless!

FAQ

Can I scan documents without using the Notes app?
Absolutely! Apart from the Notes app, you can use other built-in apps like Files or Mail to scan documents on your iPhone. Additionally, third-party scanning apps provide more features and customization options.

Can I scan documents in color?
Yes, your iPhone’s scanning feature supports scanning in color, grayscale, or black and white. You can select your preferred scanning mode within the scanning interface.

Can I edit scanned documents on my iPhone?
While the primary focus of the scanning feature is capturing documents, you can use apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word to edit and annotate scanned documents on your iPhone.