No Scanner? No Problem! Use Your Mobile Phone to Scan Documents

Today, scanning documents shouldn’t be a challenge. Did you ever think to use your mobile phone to scan documents? Whether you’re working remotely, on the go, or simply don’t have access to a traditional scanner, your smartphone has you covered. With the right app, you can scan, save, and send high-quality documents directly from your mobile device. Here’s a guide to help you get started with mobile scanning.

1. Use Your Camera App

Most smartphones come with built-in scanning capabilities right in the camera app. Here’s how it works:

• On iPhone: Go to the Notes app, create a new note, and tap the camera icon. Select “Scan Documents.” Position your document in view, and the app will automatically detect edges and capture a clear scan. You can adjust the crop and save the document as a PDF.
• On Android: Open Google Drive, tap the “+” icon, and select “Scan.” Google Drive will launch your camera with scanning features that help capture a clean scan. Once captured, it will save directly to your Drive as a PDF.

This option is simple and works well for single-page documents that don’t require extensive editing.

2. Download a Scanning App

Dedicated scanning apps offer advanced features, like automatic edge detection, filters, and options to enhance the document’s readability. Here are a few popular options:

• Adobe Scan: Adobe’s free scanning app is popular for its ease of use and document enhancement features. It automatically detects document edges, applies filters to improve clarity, and saves scans as PDFs or JPEGs. You can even edit text if you’re a subscriber to Adobe’s premium services.
• Microsoft Lens: Formerly known as Office Lens, this app lets you scan, crop, and save documents in multiple formats, including Word, PDF, and PowerPoint. It integrates well with Microsoft Office applications, making it ideal for professionals who work within that ecosystem.
• CamScanner: This app is well-regarded for its powerful features, including multi-page scanning, OCR (optical character recognition), and options to adjust brightness and contrast. You can save scans to the cloud or share them directly via email.

These apps work for both Android and iOS, and they’re designed for efficiency, letting you scan multi-page documents and apply enhancements quickly.

3. Save and Share Your Scans

Once you’ve scanned the document, you’ll likely want to send or save it somewhere accessible:

• Save as PDF: Most scanning apps save documents as PDFs by default, but make sure to select PDF if the app offers multiple file formats. PDFs are typically more versatile and professional for sharing.
• Share Directly: Use the app’s sharing options to send the scanned file via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage services. Most apps integrate with services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, making it easy to save your documents directly to the cloud.

Tips for Better Mobile Scans

• Good Lighting: Ensure the document is well-lit to avoid shadows and enhance clarity.
• Flat Surface: Place the document on a flat, contrasting background to help the app’s edge detection.
• Avoid Glare: If you’re scanning glossy documents, tilt the phone slightly to minimize glare.

With your smartphone and a little know-how, scanning documents has never been easier. Whether you’re using a built-in option or a dedicated scanning app, you can quickly create professional-looking documents without needing a physical scanner. Try out a few methods, and find what works best for your workflow—scanning on the go is now more accessible than ever.

John Hagan, founder and CEO of TeleData Select, leads a managed IT and data company based in Atlanta, GA, serving clients across the US and internationally. The company uses a hybrid collaboration team model that leverages a network of technology providers to help businesses find the right IT solutions at the best prices. TeleData Select offers complimentary telecom audits and assistance with managed IT projects to help businesses stay ahead in the evolving tech landscape.

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