How to Scan Documents on iPhone: Complete Guide (2026) - Shamo's

How to Scan Documents on iPhone: Complete Guide (2026)

Turn your iPhone into a powerful document scanner with built-in features - no app required!

Why Scan Documents on Your iPhone?

Your iPhone has a powerful built-in document scanner that eliminates the need for bulky scanners or third-party apps. Here's why you should use it:

  • Always available: Your phone is always with you
  • High quality: iPhone cameras produce sharp, clear scans
  • Automatic processing: Auto-detects edges, corrects perspective, and enhances text
  • Instant sharing: Email, text, or save scans immediately
  • Free: Built into iOS - no app purchase needed
  • Secure: Scans stay on your device or in iCloud

Method 1: Scan Documents Using Notes App (Easiest)

The Notes app has a built-in document scanner that's incredibly easy to use.

Step 1: Open Notes App

Open the Notes app on your iPhone (yellow icon with lined paper).

Step 2: Create or Open a Note

Either create a new note by tapping the compose icon (pencil and paper) or open an existing note where you want to save the scan.

Step 3: Access the Scanner

Tap the camera icon above the keyboard, then tap Scan Documents.

Step 4: Position Your Document

Hold your iPhone over the document you want to scan. The camera will automatically detect the document edges and highlight them in yellow.

Tip: For best results, ensure good lighting and hold your phone steady about 6-12 inches above the document.

Step 5: Capture the Scan

The scanner will automatically capture the document when it detects clear edges. You can also tap the shutter button to manually capture.

If auto-capture is disabled, you'll need to tap the button manually.

Step 6: Adjust the Scan (Optional)

After capturing, you can adjust the corners by dragging the blue dots to ensure the entire document is included. Tap Keep Scan when satisfied.

Step 7: Scan Additional Pages

To scan multiple pages, repeat the process. Each page will be added to the same document. Tap Save when you're done scanning all pages.

Step 8: Edit and Share

Tap the scanned document thumbnail to view it. You can:

  • Tap the share icon to email, text, or save to Files
  • Tap the markup icon (pen tip) to annotate or sign
  • Tap individual pages to adjust, rotate, or delete them

💡 Pro Tip: To enable auto-capture, go to Settings > Notes > and toggle on "Auto-Scan Documents." This makes scanning even faster!

Method 2: Scan Documents Using Files App

The Files app also has a built-in scanner, perfect for organizing scans into specific folders.

  1. Open the Files app
  2. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the scan
  3. Tap the three dots (•••) in the top right
  4. Tap Scan Documents
  5. Position your document and capture (same as Notes method)
  6. Adjust corners if needed and tap Keep Scan
  7. Scan additional pages or tap Save

The scan will be saved as a PDF in your chosen folder.

Method 3: Scan Documents Using Camera App (iOS 15+)

On newer iPhones, you can scan documents directly from the Camera app using Live Text.

  1. Open the Camera app
  2. Point your camera at a document with text
  3. Look for the Live Text icon (text lines in a box) in the bottom right
  4. Tap the icon
  5. Tap Copy All to copy text, or tap Share to save as image

Note: This method captures text but doesn't create a PDF like the Notes or Files scanner.

How to Edit Scanned Documents

After scanning, you can edit your documents to improve quality or add annotations.

Adjust Scan Quality

  1. Open the scanned document in Notes
  2. Tap the document thumbnail
  3. Tap a page to view it
  4. Tap the filter icon (three circles) in the top right
  5. Choose from:
    • Color: Full color scan
    • Grayscale: Black and white
    • Black & White: High contrast, best for text
    • Photo: Preserves original image quality

Crop or Rotate Pages

  1. Tap the page you want to edit
  2. Tap the crop icon to adjust corners
  3. Tap the rotate icon to rotate 90 degrees
  4. Tap Done to save changes

Add Annotations or Signatures

  1. Tap the scanned document
  2. Tap the markup icon (pen tip)
  3. Use tools to:
    • Draw or write with pen tool
    • Add text boxes
    • Insert signature
    • Highlight text
    • Add shapes
  4. Tap Done when finished

How to Share and Export Scanned Documents

Once you've scanned a document, you have multiple sharing options.

Share as PDF

  1. Open the scanned document in Notes
  2. Tap the share icon
  3. Choose how to share:
    • Mail: Send via email
    • Messages: Send via text
    • AirDrop: Send to nearby Apple devices
    • Save to Files: Save to iCloud or local storage
    • Print: Print to AirPrint printer

Save to Files App

  1. Tap the share icon on your scan
  2. Tap Save to Files
  3. Choose a location (iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, etc.)
  4. Tap Save

The scan will be saved as a PDF file.

Tips for Better Scans

Get professional-quality scans with these tips:

  • Good lighting: Scan in bright, even lighting. Avoid shadows and glare.
  • Flat surface: Place documents on a flat surface for best results.
  • Steady hands: Hold your iPhone steady or use a stand.
  • Clean lens: Wipe your camera lens before scanning.
  • Contrast: Use a contrasting background (dark document on light surface or vice versa).
  • Straight angle: Hold your phone parallel to the document, not at an angle.
  • Fill the frame: Get close enough so the document fills most of the camera view.
  • Multiple pages: For multi-page documents, scan all pages in one session for a single PDF.

Best Practices for Document Scanning

Organize Your Scans

  • Create folders in Files app for different categories (Receipts, Contracts, Medical, etc.)
  • Use descriptive names for scanned documents
  • Add dates to file names for easy sorting

Security and Privacy

  • Lock sensitive scans with Face ID/Touch ID in Notes
  • Store important documents in encrypted folders
  • Regularly back up scans to iCloud or external storage
  • Delete scans you no longer need

File Management

  • Convert scans to PDF for universal compatibility
  • Compress large files before emailing
  • Use cloud storage for easy access across devices

Protect Your iPhone While Scanning

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Can I scan documents on iPhone without an app?

Yes! Your iPhone has built-in document scanning in the Notes app and Files app. No third-party app is required. Simply open Notes, tap the camera icon, and select "Scan Documents."

What file format are iPhone scans saved as?

iPhone scans are saved as PDF files by default. PDFs are universally compatible and maintain quality across all devices and platforms. You can also save scans as images (JPEG/PNG) if needed.

How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF on iPhone?

When using the Notes or Files scanner, simply keep scanning pages without tapping "Save." Each page you scan will be added to the same document. When you're done scanning all pages, tap "Save" and all pages will be combined into a single PDF.

Can I edit scanned documents on iPhone?

Yes! After scanning, tap the document thumbnail, then tap a page. You can adjust corners, change filters (color, grayscale, black & white), rotate pages, crop, and add annotations using the markup tools. You can also add signatures and text.

Where are scanned documents saved on iPhone?

Scans made in the Notes app are saved within that note. Scans made in the Files app are saved to the folder you selected. You can also manually save scans to Files, iCloud Drive, or other cloud storage services using the share menu.

How do I improve scan quality on iPhone?

For better scans: use bright, even lighting; place documents on a flat surface; hold your phone steady and parallel to the document; clean your camera lens; use a contrasting background; and ensure the document fills most of the frame. After scanning, use the filter options to enhance text clarity.

Can I scan documents in color on iPhone?

Yes! By default, iPhone scans in color. After scanning, you can change the filter to Color, Grayscale, Black & White, or Photo mode. Color mode preserves all colors in the original document.

How do I email a scanned document from iPhone?

Open the scanned document in Notes, tap the share icon, then tap Mail. The scan will be attached as a PDF to a new email. Enter the recipient's email address, add a subject and message, then send.

Can I scan receipts on iPhone?

Absolutely! The iPhone scanner works perfectly for receipts. Use the Notes or Files app scanner, and the small receipt will be automatically detected and captured. Save receipts in a dedicated folder in Files for easy organization.

What's the maximum number of pages I can scan on iPhone?

There's no official limit to the number of pages you can scan into a single PDF on iPhone. However, very large PDFs (100+ pages) may become slow to load and share. For best performance, keep individual PDFs under 50 pages.

Can I scan documents to Google Drive from iPhone?

Yes! After scanning in Notes or Files, tap the share icon, then tap "Save to Files." If you have the Google Drive app installed and enabled in Files, you can select Google Drive as the save location. Alternatively, use the Google Drive app's built-in scanner.

How do I delete pages from a scanned document on iPhone?

Open the scanned document in Notes, tap the thumbnail to view all pages, tap the page you want to delete, then tap the trash icon. Confirm deletion. The page will be removed from the PDF.

Can I scan documents in low light on iPhone?

While possible, low light produces poor quality scans. The iPhone scanner works best in bright, even lighting. If you must scan in low light, use your iPhone's flashlight or move to a better-lit area for clearer results.

Are iPhone scans good enough for legal documents?

iPhone scans are generally high quality and acceptable for most purposes, including many legal documents. However, for critical legal documents, check with the receiving party or institution about their specific requirements. Some may require original documents or certified copies.

Can I scan documents and convert them to text on iPhone?

Yes! Use Live Text feature (iOS 15+). After scanning, tap the document, then tap the Live Text icon. You can select and copy text from the scan. Alternatively, use the Camera app's Live Text feature to capture text directly without creating a PDF.

Final Thoughts

Scanning documents on your iPhone is quick, easy, and produces professional-quality results. Whether you're digitizing receipts, contracts, or important papers, the built-in scanner in Notes and Files apps provides everything you need without downloading additional apps.

Remember to organize your scans in folders, use good lighting for best quality, and take advantage of editing features to enhance your documents. With these tips and techniques, you'll be scanning like a pro in no time!

Need more iPhone tips? Check out our complete guide to iPhone features and tricks!

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