Your iPhone can scan paper documents without a separate scanner. Notes is convenient for attaching a scan to a note, while Files can save a scanned document directly into a file location.
Scan a Document in Notes
- Open Notes.
- Create or open a note.
- Open the attachment or camera controls.
- Choose Scan Documents.
- Position the document in the camera view.
- Let the iPhone capture automatically or use the shutter control.
- Adjust the corners if necessary.
- Continue scanning additional pages.
- Save the scan.
Scan Directly to Files
- Open Files.
- Navigate to the folder where you want the scan.
- Open the More menu.
- Tap Scan Documents.
- Capture and save the pages.
Improve Scan Quality
Place the paper on a contrasting surface with even lighting. Avoid shadows from your hands or the iPhone, and hold the camera as parallel to the page as practical.
Review Before Sending
Open every page and check that text, signatures, dates, and edges are readable before emailing or uploading the document. A quick review can prevent having to rescan paperwork later.
Choose a Useful Filename and Location
After scanning paperwork, rename the file or note so you can find it later. For taxes, receipts, insurance, school forms, or legal records, save the document in a clearly labeled folder and consider a second backup rather than leaving the only copy buried in a generic scan.
Scanned Documents Can Be Marked Up
After scanning, you can use markup tools when you need to add a signature, highlight an area, or make a small annotation before sharing the document.