To scan a document on an iPhone, the easiest way is to use the built-in Notes app or the Files app, both of which provide native scanning features without needing extra apps. Here are the main methods:
Using the Notes App
- Open the Notes app and either open an existing note or create a new one.
- Tap the Camera icon, then choose Scan Documents.
- Position the document in view of your iPhone camera; it will automatically detect edges and scan.
- If needed, adjust the corners to fit the document and tap Keep Scan.
- Tap Save to store the scan in your note.
- You can also scan multiple pages and save them all in one note.
- Optionally, use the Markup feature to add signatures or annotations.
Using the Files App
- Open the Files app.
- Tap Browse at the bottom, then tap the three-dot menu (top right) and select Scan Documents.
- Position the document in frame and scan automatically or manually tap the shutter button.
- Adjust the scan edges and tap Keep Scan.
- Tap Save to store the scanned documents in the Files app, typically on iCloud Drive, as a PDF.
- You can also use Live Text on the scan to copy text from the document if enabled in settings.
Additional Notes
- Good lighting and a flat surface help improve scan quality.
- You can use third-party scanner apps with features like OCR (text recognition), batch scanning, and document organization if you want advanced options beyond the native tools.
In summary, using the iPhone's Notes or Files app allows quick, easy document scanning, saving directly as PDFs, with optional editing and sharing capabilities—all without needing extra apps. This makes digitizing papers convenient whether at home or on the go.