In today’s fast-paced digital world, the need for digital documents is greater than ever. Hard copies of documents are becoming less common compared to their soft copy counterparts. Sending documents via email is now a standard practice, saving time, effort, and costs. Therefore, printed documents or important papers such as receipts, payment slips, and personal documents (IDs, diplomas, transcripts, report cards, resumes) often need to be digitized and emailed to meet various requirements.
Scanning Documents with Your Canon Printer
To convert hard copy documents into email-ready digital formats, you’ll need a scanner. While standalone scanners are available, many people opt for the convenience of using a multi-function printer that includes a scanning feature. These printers, readily available from brands like Canon, Epson, HP, and Brother, simplify scanning and copying tasks, eliminating the need to visit a copy shop. Printers equipped with both scanning and photocopying functions are commonly known as Multi-Function Printers.
Alt text: Close-up of a Canon MP287 multi-function printer with the scanner lid open, ready for document scanning.
Popular Canon models like the MP237, MP287, MP258, and MG2570 series, as well as Epson’s L210, L220, L1800, and various HP models, all offer built-in scanning capabilities.
If you own a Canon multi-function printer, such as the MP287, and are unsure how to use its scanning feature, this guide provides a complete walkthrough.
Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning with a Canon MP287 Printer
While this tutorial focuses on the Canon MP287, the scanning process is generally similar across various Canon multi-function printer models, including the MP237, MP198, MP258, and others. You can confidently apply these steps to your Canon multi-function printer.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A Canon multi-function printer with scanning capability (e.g., Canon MP287).
- A laptop or PC.
- The document you wish to scan (e.g., ID card, resume, photograph).
- Confirm that your printer driver is correctly installed and the printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable.
Once you have everything prepared, follow these steps to scan your documents using your Canon printer:
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Power on your computer. Connect the printer’s USB cable to a USB port on your laptop or PC.
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Turn on your Canon printer by pressing the “ON” button. Wait for the power light to stop blinking, indicating that the printer is ready.
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Open the scanner cover on your Canon printer.
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Place your document face-down on the scanner glass. Align the document with the size markings on the scanner bed to ensure it is straight.
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Close the scanner cover.
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You can initiate the scan either directly from the printer or through your computer. For computer-initiated scanning, proceed with the following steps.
Alt text: Screenshot of the MP Navigator EX 4.0 software interface, highlighting the options to initiate document scanning from a Canon MP287 printer.
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On your computer, locate and open the MP Navigator EX 4.0 software. You can usually find this by clicking the Start button (Windows icon), then navigating to Canon Utilities, and selecting MP Navigator EX 4.0. Using the software method eliminates the need to press the “Scan” button on the printer itself, as the software will control the scanning process.
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Wait for the scanning process to complete. The software will communicate with the printer to scan your document.
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Locate your scanned document. By default, scanned images are saved in PDF format. You can find your scan by going to Start, then Computer or This PC, then Libraries, and finally My Pictures. Look for the Folder MP Navigator EX 4.0 where your scanned document will be saved.
By default, the output format for scans is PDF. However, if you prefer to save your scans as JPG images, you can easily adjust the output settings within the MP Navigator EX 4.0 software before initiating the scan. This allows you to choose your preferred file format.
Scanning documents with your Canon printer is remarkably straightforward. You no longer need to rely on external copy or print shops to digitize your documents. With your Canon MP printer, you can accomplish this task quickly and efficiently from the comfort of your home or office.
Quick Guide to Photocopying with a Canon Printer
In addition to scanning, your Canon multi-function printer also offers a convenient photocopying feature. Here’s a quick guide on how to copy documents:
- Ensure your Canon multi-function (MP) printer is powered on. You do not need to connect the USB cable to your computer for photocopying.
- Place the document you want to copy face-down on the scanner glass, ensuring it’s aligned correctly. Load blank paper into the printer tray for printing the copied document.
- Press the Black button if you want a black and white copy. Press the Color button for a color copy.
- Wait a few moments as the printer processes and duplicates your document. The copied document will be printed out.
- Once printing is complete, you have successfully photocopied your document.
This guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to scan and photocopy using your Canon printer. We hope this information is helpful and empowers you to utilize your printer’s features effectively. Thank you for visiting, and we wish you continued success!
