How to scan documents on iPhone and iPad

Need to scan an important essay for uni? Or maybe you’re buying your first house and need to digitally sign a doc? Luckily, your trusty iPhone and iPad can be used as your own personal scanner. Making it super easy to capture, store and edit all your documents on the go. Here’s how…

How to scan a document with Notes or Files

Your iPhone and iPad have a few helpful features when it comes to scanning documents. Here’s how to use Notes or Files for scanning:

1. Open Notes – Launch the ‘Notes’ app on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Make a new note – Create a new note or open up an existing one.

3. Tap the camera icon – In the note, press the camera icon at the bottom.

4. Choose ‘Scan Documents’ – Pick this option when it pops up.

5. Position the doc – Put your document in front of the camera and your phone or tablet will automatically recognise it and snap it.

6. Edit if you need to – When you’re done scanning on iPhone or iPad, you can adjust the colour, crop, and exposure.

7. Save – Press save to store your scanned document in your note.

You can also use the Files app to scan documents by creating a new folder and tapping the ‘+’ button to add a new doc. Choose ‘Scan Documents’ from the menu and then follow the same steps for Notes above.

Sign a document on iPhone or iPad

Need to sign a contract digitally? Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Open the document – Find the doc you have to sign.

2. Tap and hold – Press and hold down your finger on the document. This’ll open up the sharing options.

3. Markup and reply – Pick ‘Markup and Reply’ or ‘Markup’ (depending on your device).

4. Add your signature – Tap the ‘+’ button and choose ‘Signature’. You’ll then be able to add your signature by drawing it or using one you’ve saved before.

5. Place your signature – Drag and resize your signature then tap ‘Done’.

6. Save – Hit ‘Done’ again to save the signed doc.

Where do scans go on iPhone and iPad?

Whenever you scan a document (in Files or Notes), it gets saved as a PDF in either app. They’re all then stored in the ‘Scans’ folder - or under ‘Recently Deleted’ if you got rid of it by accident. So, if you can’t find it straight away, don’t panic. It’ll probably be in there!

Editing and sharing your scans

After you’re done scanning a doc, you might want to make a few tweaks. Here’s how:

1. Open the scan – Find the scan in your ‘Scans’ folder in the Notes or Files app.

2. Edit – Tap the scan to open it up. Then press ‘Edit’ to change up the scan’s crop, colour and more.

3. Share – When you’re ready to share your scan, hit the share button. Then you can choose how you want to send it. Whether that’s over email, messages, or another app.

Third-party scanning apps

While the scanning tools already on your iPhone/iPad are handy, third-party apps have even more advanced features. We’re talking things like cloud storage – giving you more space - and better organisation of all your documents. Which’ll make managing them way easier.

Here’s a couple of our favourites:

• CamScanner – This comes with the sci-fi sounding optical character recognition. Or OCR for short. This clever tech lets you convert and scan text into editable text. So, if you made a mistake on the original, you’ll be able to fix it later in Word. You can also collaborate on any docs. Perfect for when you need to work on something at the same time as your colleagues.

• Adobe Scan – Adobe’s scanning software packs some of the best quality scanning around. It’ll automatically spot and improve the look of your text. And it’s fully compatible with Adobe Document Cloud. Letting you access all your important docs on any gadget from absolutely anywhere.

FAQs

How do I convert a scanned image to PDF on iPhone?

Whenever you scan a doc using your iPhone or iPad, it’ll be automatically saved as a PDF. So, you don’t need to convert it at all. Result.

Is the iPhone’s native scanning good enough for official documents?

The built-in scanning options on your iPad and iPhone are good enough for most business and personal documents. But for legal docs and other super important work, you might want to go for a third-party scanning app instead. These usually come with way more bells and whistles for even better scanning.

Are third-party scanning apps safe to use?

If your app has a good reputation (like Adobe Scan and CamScanner), you don’t have to worry. Just make sure that any you download come from the official App Store. As apps from elsewhere on the internet could be dodgy and might steal your personal info.

So, now you know all about using your iPhone to scan documents. But what else can your iPhone do? Absolutely loads! Misplaced yours? Here’s how to find a lost or stolen iPhone. And if it’s crashing or running into issues? We’ve got all the tips on how to reset and restart your iPhone.