How to Scan Multiple Documents into a Single PDF with a Canon Scanner

Scanning multiple documents into a single PDF file is a useful feature for anyone needing to digitize paperwork efficiently. Canon scanners, known for their quality and user-friendly interfaces, make this process straightforward. This guide will walk you through the steps to combine multiple pages into one PDF document using your Canon scanner, enhancing your document management workflow.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scan Multiple Documents into One PDF Canon

To begin, ensure your Canon scanner is properly set up and connected to your computer. The following steps outline how to use the IJ Scan Utility to achieve your goal.

1. Load Your Documents: Place your documents in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) of your Canon scanner. Ensure they are neatly stacked and aligned to prevent misfeeds.

2. Launch IJ Scan Utility: Open the IJ Scan Utility software on your computer. This software is typically included with your Canon scanner installation.

   Alt text: The main screen of the Canon IJ Scan Utility software, highlighting the settings button.

3. Access Settings: Click on the “Settings…” button located in the main IJ Scan Utility window. This will open the settings dialog box, allowing you to configure your scan preferences.

   Alt text: Button labeled “Settings…” within the Canon IJ Scan Utility interface, used to access scan configurations.

4. Select Document Scan: In the Settings dialog box, choose “Document Scan”. This option configures the utility for scanning documents, as opposed to photos or other media.

   Alt text: The “Document Scan” button selected in the Canon IJ Scan Utility settings window, specifying the type of scan.

5. Choose Source Type: Select the appropriate “Source Type” based on your document and scanning needs.

   • Document (ADF/Platen) or Document (ADF Simplex): Choose this option to scan only the front side of each document. This is suitable for single-sided documents.
   • Document (ADF Manual Duplex): Select this option to scan both sides of each document. The utility will guide you to flip the documents manually after the first side is scanned.

   Alt text: Drop-down menu showing different source type options in Canon IJ Scan Utility settings, including ADF and Platen choices.

6. Configure Scan Settings: Adjust the color mode, document size, and scanning resolution as needed for your documents.

   • For setting document orientation, click “Original Scan Orientation Settings…”. Here, you can specify the “Orientation” and “Binding Side.” The document placement for scanning the back side depends on the selected “Binding Side.”

   Alt text: The “Original Scan Orientation Settings…” button in the Canon IJ Scan Utility, allowing users to define document orientation for scanning.

   Note: Settings configured in this dialog will be saved for future scans.

   Within the Settings dialog, you can also adjust image processing settings like slant correction and specify the save location for your scanned PDF file. Once you have configured all settings, click “OK”.

   Alt text: The complete settings dialog box in Canon IJ Scan Utility with various scan parameters and the “OK” button highlighted.

   The main IJ Scan Utility screen will reappear.

7. Initiate Scan: Click the “Document” button on the main IJ Scan Utility screen. This will start the scanning process.

   Alt text: The “Document” button on the main IJ Scan Utility interface, which initiates the multi-page document scanning process.

   The scanner will now scan your documents.

   Note: To cancel the scan at any time, click “Cancel.”

   If you selected “Document (ADF Manual Duplex)” as the Source Type, proceed to step 8.

8. Manual Duplex Scanning (If Applicable): Follow the on-screen instructions to reload the scanned documents for duplex scanning.

   Note: The instructions below are exemplified with “Portrait” orientation.

   • Long edge binding: Rotate the output document 180 degrees before reloading for scanning the second side.

   Alt text: Dialog box for manual duplex scanning in Canon IJ Scan Utility, instructing users on document reloading for long edge binding.

   • Short edge binding: Reload the documents without changing their orientation to scan the second side.

   Alt text: Manual duplex scanning dialog in Canon IJ Scan Utility, showing document reloading instructions for short edge binding without rotation.

9. Complete the Scan: Click “OK” to proceed with scanning the second side of the documents (if manual duplex is selected). Once completed, the scanned documents will be combined into a single PDF file and saved to your specified location.

By following these steps, you can efficiently scan multiple documents into a single, easily manageable PDF file using your Canon scanner and the IJ Scan Utility. This process streamlines your workflow and helps keep your digital documents organized.