I. Introduction
A lot of people have encountered the problem of needing to scan a document but lacking access to a scanner. It can be frustrating, especially if you have to send the document immediately. However, with the advancement of technology, you don’t have to worry so much. Your iPhone can be of great help when it comes to scanning documents. In this article, you will learn how to scan documents on iPhone and why it is important to know how to do so.
II. An Introduction to Scanning Documents on Your iPhone
Scanning documents refer to converting paper documents into digital format. This process allows you to store, share, and access your documents easily. iPhones have cameras with high resolution, which are capable of scanning documents. You can also download third-party apps that enhance the scanning capabilities of your iPhone.
III. Step by Step Guide: How to Scan Documents on Your iPhone
Here are the steps to follow when scanning documents on your iPhone:
A. Choosing the iPhone App for Scanning Documents
iOS 11 and later versions have a scanning feature built-in, which can be found in the Notes app. If you want a more enhanced scanning experience, you can download third-party apps. Some popular options include:
- Scanner Pro by Readdle
- Adobe Scan
- CamScanner
- Genius Scan
B. Making Preparation for Scanning
Make sure you align the document and ensure there is enough light on the document. If the document is too big for your iPhone, you may need to take multiple shots and merge them into one using the app you choose. You can also use a white background to enhance the document’s clarity and authenticity.
C. Scanning the Document, Adjusting Focus, and Altering the Settings
Open the scanning app of your choice and line up the document on the screen. Tap the shutter button to capture the image. You will have a chance to preview the scan and adjust the focus or alter the settings to make the scan clearer.
D. Saving the Scanned Document on Your iPhone
Choose the format you want your document to be saved in, such as PDF or JPEG, check that everything looks good, and save your scan. You can also rename the document and store it in a specific folder if you like.
IV. The Top Three Document Scanning Apps for iPhone
While iPhone’s built-in scanning feature is commendable, some third-party apps offer better features, flexibility, and usability. Here are some of the top options:
A. Scanner Pro by Readdle
It is widely regarded as the best scanning app on iOS, with excellent image quality, easy-to-use interface, and advanced features like OCR and document editing. You have to pay a one-time fee of $4.99 to use the app.
B. Adobe Scan
This app is free, easy to use, and has strong features like auto-cropping, OCR, and cloud storage integration. The Adobe Scan app also syncs flawlessly with other Adobe apps.
C. CamScanner
CamScanner has a free version, but it has limited features. For those who require advanced document scanning features, CamScanner’s $4.99 monthly premium upgrade is a worthy investment. The app has features like OCR, cloud storage integration, doc linking, and file sharing features.
V. Tips and Tricks: How to Get the Best Results When Scanning Documents on Your iPhone
Here are some best practices to help you get the best results when scanning documents on your iPhone:
A. Using a Tripod to Stabilize Your iPhone
A tripod or a stable surface helps you achieve steadiness. This guarantees a sharp and clear image.
B. Adjusting the Brightness and Contrast
Some documents may look too dim or faded due to poor lighting. Use the brightness and contrast controls to enhance the document’s clarity.
C. Scanning Multiple Pages into a Single Document
If you are scanning multiple pages from the same document, you can scan all pages separately and use the merge feature in your scanning app to create a single document.
D. Choosing the Right File Format for Your Needs
You should choose a file format that suits your needs. For instance, a PDF document is perfect if you want a non-editable document, but a JPEG will be better if you want an image of your document. You also need to consider the size of the file you are creating.
VI. Going Paperless: Benefits of Document Scanning on Your iPhone
There are many advantages to scanning documents and going digital:
A. Benefits of Scanning and Going Digital
- Saves you time and effort– and you no longer have to hunt down physical documents
- Improves security for confidential documents
- Eliminates clutter and frees up space in your home or office
- Enables you to share and access documents with ease
B. Creating Searchable Documents for Easy Access
Scanning documents also makes it easier for you to find the document you need, thanks to the search feature which is available in some of the document scanning apps for iPhone. You can use keywords to search for documents and easily access them.
C. Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly
You can save a lot of money when you scan documents since you no longer need to purchase paper and ink. Scanning also reduces your carbon footprint, which is great for the environment.
VII. Scan, Save, and Share: How to Use Your iPhone to Create Digital Documents
A. Saving Scanned Documents to the iPhone
Most document scanning apps allow you to save the scanned documents directly onto your iPhone’s camera roll or into specific folders.
B. Syncing Scanned Documents to the Cloud or Computer
You can sync your scanned documents to the cloud or computer using the app or syncing tools like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. These services enable you to store, access, and share scanned documents across various devices.
C. Sharing Scanned Documents via Email, Text, or Cloud Storage
After saving the scanned document, you can easily share it via email, text, or cloud storage services. You can also print the document if necessary.
VIII. Advanced Features: Exploring the Power of Document Scanning on Your iPhone
A. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and How It Affects Document Scanning
OCR is a technology that recognizes text within an image and converts it into an editable format. With OCR, you can easily edit the text on your scanned documents. Some document scanning apps have OCR features built-in, while others require you to upgrade to a paid version.
B. Editing Scanned Documents on Your iPhone
You can edit scanned documents using an editing app and the OCR feature. You can crop, resize, and add or remove text or images from your scanned documents.
C. Utilizing Third-party Apps to Enhance the Scanning Experience
There are many third-party apps that provide advanced scanning features. For example, Evernote enables you to integrate your scanned documents with your notes, and Microsoft Office Lens has automatic document straightening, OCR, and seamless syncing with other Microsoft Office services.
IX. Conclusion
Scanning documents on iPhone is an effortless process that can help manage your documents better. In addition to the convenience, it’s environmentally friendly and cost-effective. This article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to scan documents on iPhone, introduced top apps, and highlighted tips and tricks to help you get the best results.
Begin scanning documents on your iPhone today and enjoy seamless access to your documents any time.
