Brother iPrint&Scan software is a powerful tool for users of Brother printers and scanners, offering seamless access to scanning and document management functionalities directly from your PC or Mac. One of the most efficient features within iPrint&Scan is the ability to create and utilize workflows. Workflows are essentially custom shortcuts that streamline your frequently used scanning and editing tasks. Instead of manually configuring settings each time you scan, a pre-set workflow allows you to initiate complex tasks with a single click, saving you valuable time and effort.
This guide will walk you through the process of creating, editing, and deleting workflows in Brother iPrint&Scan, enabling you to optimize your scanning processes for maximum efficiency.
Creating a Scan and Edit Workflow in Brother iPrint&Scan
Setting up a workflow in Brother iPrint&Scan is straightforward and involves a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below to create your personalized scan and edit shortcuts:
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Launch Brother iPrint&Scan:
- Windows Users: Locate the Brother iPrint&Scan shortcut icon, which looks like this: and double-click to open the application. This shortcut is typically found on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
- Macintosh Users: Navigate to your Applications folder by clicking on “Go” in the menu bar, then selecting “Applications”. Find “Brother iPrint&Scan” in the list and double-click to launch it.
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Machine Detection:
Upon opening, Brother iPrint&Scan will automatically search for compatible Brother machines connected to your computer or network.
- Troubleshooting: If your Brother machine is not detected automatically, ensure it is powered on and properly connected to your computer via USB or to the network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), depending on your printer’s capabilities. You can click the “Select your Machine” button within the application to initiate another search if needed.
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Initiate Workflow Creation:
Once your machine is recognized, you will see the main interface of Brother iPrint&Scan. To begin creating a workflow, click on the “Create Workflow” button, usually located in the software’s main menu or toolbar.
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Service Verification (If Prompted):
In some cases, the software may ask for verification to use the workflow service. If prompted with a dialog box asking to confirm workflow creation, click “Create” to proceed.
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Choose Workflow Function:
Next, you need to select the primary function you want to automate with this workflow. This could be “Scan to File,” “Scan to Email,” “Scan to Image,” or other available options depending on your Brother machine and software version. Choose the function that best suits your needs and click “Create.”
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Configure Scan and Function Settings:
This is where you customize your workflow. Adjust the scan settings according to your preferences. Typical scan settings include:
- Document Size: Select the size of the document you are scanning (e.g., Letter, A4, Legal).
- Resolution (DPI): Choose the scan resolution. Higher DPI results in better image quality but larger file sizes. 300 DPI is generally sufficient for most documents, while 600 DPI is better for images or detailed text.
- Color Mode: Select color, grayscale, or black and white scanning.
- File Type: Choose the desired file format for your scan (e.g., PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF). PDF is often preferred for documents due to its compatibility and searchability.
- Destination Folder: Specify where you want to save the scanned files on your computer.
In addition to scan settings, you can also configure function-specific settings, such as email recipients for “Scan to Email” workflows. Carefully adjust these settings to match your typical scanning requirements.
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Proceed to Naming:
Once you have configured all desired settings, click “Next” to move to the final step of workflow creation.
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Name and Save Your Workflow:
Give your workflow a descriptive name that will help you easily identify its purpose. For example, “Scan to PDF – Documents” or “Scan to Email – Photos.”
- One-Touch Workflow (Optional): For quick access directly from the iPrint&Scan home screen, check the box next to “One touch workflow.” This will place a shortcut icon for your workflow on the main screen of the application.
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Save the Workflow:
Click “Save” to finalize the workflow creation process. Your newly created workflow is now ready to use.
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Run Your Workflow:
To use your saved workflow, simply place your document on the scanner, open Brother iPrint&Scan, and click on the workflow icon that you created. The scan will initiate automatically using your pre-defined settings.
Editing or Deleting a Scan and Edit Workflow
Over time, your scanning needs might change, or you may want to refine your existing workflows. Brother iPrint&Scan makes it easy to edit or delete workflows you’ve created:
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Open Brother iPrint&Scan:
- Windows Users: Double-click the Brother iPrint&Scan shortcut icon: .
- Macintosh Users: Go to Applications → Brother iPrint&Scan.
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Machine Detection:
Ensure your Brother machine is detected by the software. Refer to step 2 in the “Creating a Workflow” section for troubleshooting if needed.
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Access Application Settings:
To manage workflows, click on the “Application Setting” button within Brother iPrint&Scan. This button is often represented by a gear or settings icon.
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Navigate to Workflow Management:
In the Application Settings menu, look for and click on “Workflow Management.” This will open a list of your created workflows.
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Select Workflow for Editing or Deletion:
From the Workflow Management list, select the specific workflow you wish to modify or remove.
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Edit or Delete:
Once you have selected a workflow, you will see options to “Edit” or “Delete.”
- Edit: Click “Edit” to modify the settings of the selected workflow. This will take you back to the settings configuration screens (similar to steps 6-8 in “Creating a Workflow”), where you can adjust scan settings, function settings, and the workflow name. After making changes, remember to click “Save.”
- Delete: Click “Delete” to permanently remove the selected workflow. The software will likely ask for confirmation before deleting. Confirm your decision to delete the workflow.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your scan and edit workflows in Brother iPrint&Scan, streamlining your document management and enhancing your productivity. Experiment with different workflow configurations to discover the most efficient setups for your specific needs.
