How to Scan Documents Fully on Your iPhone and iPad

You can easily digitize your paper documents using just your iPhone or iPad. The Notes app and Files app offer built-in document scanning features. This guide will show you how to use these tools to get a complete and clear scan of your documents right on your iOS device.

Scanning Documents in Notes for a Full Capture

1. Start by opening the Notes app. You can either select an existing note or create a new one for your scanned document.

2. Tap the Attachment button, which looks like a camera icon. From the options that appear, choose “Scan Documents”.

   Alt text: Scan Documents icon in the attachment menu of the Notes app, indicating the option to initiate document scanning for a full document capture.

3. Position your document in front of your device’s camera. Ensure the entire document is within the frame to get a full scan.

4. If your device is in Auto mode, it will automatically scan the document as soon as it detects the edges. For manual scanning, tap the Shutter button or press one of the Volume buttons. After the initial scan, you might need to adjust the corners to perfectly fit the page and ensure you’ve captured the full document. Then, tap “Keep Scan”.

5. Tap “Save” to finalize. You can continue to add more pages to your document if needed for a complete, multi-page scan.

   Scanning a document with iPhone Notes app for full digital copy

Alternatively, within an open note, you can also tap the More button (three dots in a circle), and then select “Scan” to begin the document scanning process for a full page capture.

Learn how to use Continuity Camera to scan notes from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac

Explore document scanning in Notes on iOS 17 and earlier versions

Signing Documents in Notes After a Full Scan

1. Open the Notes app and locate the scanned document within a note.

2. Tap the scanned document to view it, then tap the Markup button, which looks like a pen icon.

   Alt text: Markup icon in Notes app, used to access annotation and signature features after a full document scan.

3. Tap the Add button (+), then tap “Signature”. You can choose a saved signature or create a new one. Once added, you can resize and place your signature anywhere on the document to finalize your full scan and signed document.

4. Tap “Done” to save your signed, fully scanned document.

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

Using Files App for Complete Document Scans

1. In the Files app, tap the More button, represented by three dots in a circle.
2. Tap “Scan Document” from the menu.
3. Similar to the Notes app, position your document for a full scan. If in Auto mode, the scan will happen automatically. For manual control, use the Shutter button or Volume buttons. Adjust the corners to ensure a full page scan, then tap “Keep Scan”.
4. Tap “Save” to store your fully scanned document in the Files app.

Do More with Notes After Scanning

Discover more about the capabilities of Notes on your iPhone or iPad.

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