How to Scan Documents on Your iPhone or iPad

As a content creator for carcodepro.com and an auto repair expert, I’m here to guide you through a useful feature on your iPhone and iPad that extends beyond cars – document scanning. You can easily digitize your documents using the built-in Notes and Files apps. This guide will show you how to use these tools to scan documents directly on your iOS device.

Scanning Documents Using the Notes App

The Notes app on your iPhone or iPad offers a convenient document scanning feature. Follow these steps to scan your documents:

1. Open Notes: Launch the Notes app and either select an existing note or create a new one.

2. Access the Scan Feature: Tap the attachment button, which looks like a plus sign within a circle, and then select “Scan Documents”.

   Alt text: The “Scan Documents” icon in the attachment menu of the Notes app on an iPhone, used to initiate document scanning.

3. Position Your Document: Place the document you want to scan in front of your device’s camera.

4. Automatic or Manual Capture: If your device is in Auto mode, it will automatically scan the document. For manual scanning, tap the shutter button or press a volume button.

5. Adjust the Scan: Drag the corners of the scan to adjust and fit the page correctly. Once you’re satisfied, tap “Keep Scan”.

6. Save or Continue Scanning: Tap “Save” to save the scanned document, or add more scans to the same document if needed.

   Scanning a document with iPhone Notes app and saving the scan

Alternatively, within an open note, you can tap the “More” button, represented by three dots, and then choose “Scan” to start the scanning process.

For users interested in transferring scans to a Mac, Apple provides a feature called Continuity Camera. Learn how to use Continuity Camera to scan notes from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac.

Users with older iOS versions might find slight differences. Learn how to scan documents in Notes on iOS 17 and earlier versions.

Digitally Signing Documents in Notes

The Notes app also allows you to sign documents digitally after scanning them:

1. Open the Scanned Document: In Notes, open the note containing the document you wish to sign.

2. Access Markup: Tap on the scanned document, then tap the Markup button, which looks like a pen icon.

   Alt text: The Markup icon in the Notes app, indicated by a pen inside a circle, used to access annotation and signing tools.

3. Add Signature: Tap the “Add” button, and then select “Signature”.

   Alt text: The “Signature” icon within the Markup menu, depicted as a stylized signature, allowing users to add digital signatures to documents.

4. Insert or Create Signature: Choose a saved signature or create a new one. You can then resize the signature box and place it anywhere on the document.

5. Finalize: Tap “Done” to save the signed document.

For manual signing, follow steps 1-2, then select a pen tool and sign directly on the document using your finger or an Apple Pencil with compatible iPads.

Scanning Documents Using the Files App

The Files app provides another way to scan documents on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Files App: Launch the Files app on your device.
2. Access Scan Function: Tap the “More” button, represented by three dots in a circle, usually located in the browse view.
3. Select Scan Documents: Choose “Scan Documents” from the menu.
4. Capture and Adjust Scan: Follow steps 3-5 from the “Scanning Documents Using the Notes App” section to capture and adjust your scan.
5. Save the Scan: Tap “Save” to save the scanned document in the Files app.

Explore More with Notes

To further explore the capabilities of the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad, learn more about using Notes.

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