jump to:
- scan documents
- Mark Scanned Documents
- Convert scanned documents to PDF
- Share scanned documents
- Delete Scanned Documents
Did you know that your iPhone is a walking, talking mobile scanner that can turn any photo, letter, document or anything else related into a scanned PDF with just a few simple clicks?
Long ago, scanning documents on an iPhone meant downloading a special app, or snapping a weird photo with your camera and hoping for the best, but nothing more. With iOS 16 and the upcoming iOS 17, scanning documents on iPhone has never been easier or more intuitive. Now it's built into the Notes app on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to instantly convert documents from paper to digital.
Here's how to scan documents on iPhone and iPad.
How to Scan Documents on iPhone and iPad
The document scanner can be found in the Notes app on iOS devices. With just a few taps, you have a meticulously scanned document that can be marked up, converted to PDF, and shared with other applications.
- OpennotesOn your iPhone or iPad
- Createnew noteor click on an existing document to add a document
- clickcamera buttonat the bottom of the screen or above the keyboard
- tapscan document
- queuedocumentyou want to scan
- clickshutter buttonIf the scanner does not automatically scan the document. Repeat this step for each document you want to scan
- tapsaveAfter scanning all necessary pages. This button will record the number of pages you have scanned
The scanned pages will populate a new note in the Notes app. Feel free to add additional text or images if necessary. The nice thing about having a scanner in your notes app is that it's still a note, and it works exactly the way you're used to.
How to Markup Scanned Documents on iPhone and iPad
After scanning a document, you can mark it up using any of the built-in markup tools in the Notes application. Using the markup tool, you can highlight, handwrite, cut and move parts (magic rope style), as well as add text boxes, shapes or arrows. You can also add your signature within the Notes application - signing documents has never been easier.
- clickscan documentin your notes
- clickshare buttonIn the upper right corner
- tapmark. You may need to scroll the action menu to see this option
- clicktoolyou want to use
- clickcolor pickerIf you want to change the color your tool of choice will use
- tap+If you want to add atext box,sign,magnifier, orshapeto your document
- mark yourdocument
- tapcompletewhen you are done
All markup changes will now be saved.
How to save a scanned document as a PDF
While previously requiring you to manually convert scanned documents to PDF, the Notes applicationiOS 16This is now done automatically. Saving PDFs in the Files app is the easiest way to get hold of these documents, here's how.
- tap yourscan document
- clickshare buttonIn the upper right corner
- clickapplicationWhere you want to save the PDF
Want to send scanned documents to friends, family or colleagues? You can do this easily through the Notes application.
- tap yourscan document
- clickshare buttonIn the upper right corner
- Tap the app with which you want to share the note
- share your PDF
How to Delete Scanned Documents on iPhone and iPad
If you accidentally scan the same document twice, or decide to try again after saving a scanned document, you can delete individual scans without deleting the entire document.
- tap yourscan document
- clicktrash canIn the lower right corner
- tapdelete scan
You will only delete specific scanned pages that you select. If you want to delete the entire document, just delete the comment.
Scanning documents on iPhone and iPad has never been easier
This guide contains everything you need to convert some physical documents into digital versions to make your life easier. Store and share them directly from your iPhone without any hassle. Once you master this simple tool, you can smoothly organize your life digitally.
Where is the scanning tool on the iPhone?
The scanning tool on iPhone is in the Notes app on iPhone and iPad.
How to scan with phone camera?
You can scan documents using your iPhone's camera by opening the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad, creating a new note, and selecting the camera icon.
Master your iPhone in minutes
iMore's expert team has decades of experience with Apple devices to provide targeted advice and guidance. Learn more with iMore!
John Anthony DeSoto
how to edit
John-Anthony Disotto is iMore's How-To Editor, making sure you get the most out of your Apple products and helping with your technology when things go wrong.
John-Anthony lives in Scotland and works as a technician at Apple's Genius Bar, specializing in iOS and iPhone repairs. He has used the Apple ecosystem for over a decade and is proud to have completed the Apple Watch activity ring.
John-Anthony previously worked as an editor at the TCG Collection website and is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde, where he was the Editor-in-Chief of University Papers and won the Scottish Student Journalism Awards Website of the Year. He is also an avid film geek, has written film reviews and won the Edinburgh International Film Festival Student Critic Award in 2019.
John-Anthony also enjoys fiddling with other non-Apple technologies and enjoys gaming emulation and Linux on his Steam Deck.
In his spare time, John Anthony watches everything from football to darts, taking the term "Lego House" too literally because he doesn't have the space to display more plastic bricks, or sit on the couch Relax on. with his French bulldog, Kermit.
Contributed from
- Stephen Warwicknews editor
more about ios
Newest
most popular
go throughJames Bentley
go throughOliver Haslam
go throughAlex Walker-Todd
go throughandrew williams
go throughSarah Thwaites
go throughian osborne
go throughalex black
go throughandrew williams
go throughStephen Warwick
go throughandrew williams
go throughGerald Lynch, Karen S. Freeman
FAQs
How to Scan Documents on iPhone and iPad? ›
Scan Directly with an iPhone or iPad
Open the Files app, tap Browse in the toolbar, and navigate to the folder where you want the scanned document to end up. icon at the upper right and select Scan Documents. The camera viewfinder appears.
Scan Directly with an iPhone or iPad
Open the Files app, tap Browse in the toolbar, and navigate to the folder where you want the scanned document to end up. icon at the upper right and select Scan Documents. The camera viewfinder appears.
- Open a note in the app.
- Tap Camera > Scan Documents.
- Capture an image of your document, just like you would take a picture.
- Tap Keep Scan > Save.
Scan a document
, then choose Scan Documents. Position iPad so that the document page appears on the screen; iPad automatically captures the page. (on an iPad with a flash). Scan additional pages, then tap Save when you're done.
You can use the Notes app to scan documents and add signatures on your iPhone or iPad.
What is the best way to scan documents on an iPad? ›With a note open, tap on the camera icon then Scan Documents. Your iPhone or iPad will open the camera, complete with a shutter button near the bottom of the screen. Don't push it yet; instead, follow the prompts on your screen. To get the best results, hold your device directly above the document.
How do I scan a document and email it as a PDF? ›- Open your Scan app;
- Take a picture of the document to scan it;
- Save the document → Select the PDF format;
- Locate it → Right click → Click Share;
- Select Mail;
- Prepare your mail → Send the scanned PDF.
Open Notes and create a new Note (or open a Note to which you wish to add a scan). Tap the Camera icon and then choose Scan Documents. Hold your iPhone over your document until it is highlighted. You can press the shutter or hold your iPhone (or iPad) still until the scan captures automatically.