Scanning documents is an essential skill with both personal and professional applications. Whether you’re preserving old documents, signing and sharing files, or simply organizing digital copies, the convenience of scanning can make many tasks easier.
While the newly released iPhone 16 is drawing attention for its advanced camera capabilities, Apple has been enhancing iPhone cameras for years. Their ability to capture fine details in documents is better than ever.
Here, we’ll explore some of the best ways to scan documents using your iPhone, including tools like Google Drive, Apple’s Notes app, Adobe Scan, and Microsoft Lens. Many of these apps also utilize Optical Character Recognition (OCR), allowing them to extract data from various formats, including JPEG images.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- A document to scan
- An iPhone
- A scanning app
Steps for Scanning a Document
Prepare the Document for Scanning
- Place your document on a flat, well-lit surface and ensure it’s free of smudges or blemishes. Although the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, have excellent cameras, they still may not capture quite the same level of detail as a dedicated scanner.
Using Apple Notes for Document Scanning
- The built-in Notes app on iOS is a powerful, often underused feature that allows you to scan documents without any additional software. Open the Notes app, tap the Camera icon, then select Scan Documents. Position your document in view, and the app will automatically capture it in Auto mode. You can make adjustments by dragging the corners of the scan, and once complete, save it to a note, share via AirDrop, or upload it to iCloud.
Using Adobe Scan for More Features
- For those who need additional features, Adobe Scan offers powerful document stitching and editing tools. Open the app, prepare the document, and scan it. Adobe Scan provides advanced export options, including Google Drive and Dropbox integration, making it ideal for business needs.
Using Google Drive as a Scanning Tool
- Google Drive is another free, convenient scanning option. For users already within Google’s ecosystem, scanning a document is straightforward. Open Google Drive, tap Add, select the Camera icon, and a blue border will appear to help you crop the document accurately. Once you’re satisfied, tap Done, and your scan can be saved or shared easily.
Using Microsoft Lens for Flexible Capture Options
- Microsoft Lens is perfect for users within Microsoft’s ecosystem, such as those using Microsoft 365. Open the app and select the appropriate capture mode—Whiteboard, Document, Business Card, or Photo. Each mode is tailored to capture specific types of content, making Lens an excellent choice for office tasks. After capturing the image, you can edit it (e.g., cropping), and a wide range of export formats are available for seamless integration with Microsoft apps.
FAQs for Scanning Documents with an iPhone
Which App Should You Choose?
For most casual needs, Apple’s Notes app is more than capable. However, if you need advanced features, Adobe Scan is a solid, versatile choice, while Google Drive and Microsoft Lens are best suited for those already using Google or Microsoft services.
Is an iPhone Camera Sufficient for Scanning?
With the high-resolution camera on the iPhone 16, you can get excellent scans for most purposes. However, for professional scanning or archiving high-quality photos, a dedicated scanner still provides a slight edge in detail and consistency.
Final Thoughts: iPhone Scanning as a Practical Solution
Using an iPhone for scanning is a convenient and effective solution when you don’t have access to a traditional scanner. With today’s iPhone cameras nearly rivaling scanners in clarity, scanning with your phone is a reliable option for most users.
