How Do I Scan a Document Without A Scanner? 3 Easy Methods

In different situations, we find ourselves scanning documents for our studying, working, etc. purposes. But all the time you may haven’t scanners around you. There are several ways that can be of help when you are willing to scan your documents without a scanner. In that case, you can use your smartphone as an alternative to a scanner.

The process of scanning documents with the help of a smartphone is very easy. You can use the camera to scan your documents. To know in depth about how you can scan a document without a scanner, go through this entire article and grab the methods of scanning with your smartphone.

Let’s begin then!

What to Do to Scan Documents without a Scanner

Technology has blessed us with its inventions and made our life easier. They have provided alternative things and in the case of scanners, the alternative solution is smartphones. The main thing is the camera of your smartphone. Here we have shared the ways that you can follow to scan documents using the camera of your smartphone –

Method 1: By Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Applications

While scanning documents by using your smartphone, the OCR applications are the best choice to do so. You may become confused between OCR applications and scanner applications. The difference between a scanner and an OCR application is, OCR applications offer more features rather than scanner applications.

For example, OCR applications allow you to convert the scanning document into digital text. It will help you to edit the document as you want. Besides, it offers a text-to-speech feature, as well. Here are the procedures for scanning a document with an OCR app, for example, you can use Adobe Scan on iOS and android smartphones.

• Step 1: Download and install Adobe scan from the App store or play store.
• Step 2: Launch it on your phone.
• Step 3: Now, it will ask for permissions, provide the permissions.
• Step 4: Now, at the bottom right corner, you will see a camera icon. Tap on it.
• Step 5: It will ask for camera permission, provide it.
• Step 6: Now place your document on the surface and tap on the Camera icon to start the scanning process.
• Step 7: Capture the images, resize the pictures, and tap on the Save PDF which is located at the bottom right corner.
• Step 8: Now, tap on the More option and then tap on rename option. Rename your file.
• Step 9: Lastly, tap on the Share option and there you will find different options that you can use to share the document.

NOTE: The scanning process for an OCR app and a scanner app is the same. If you are using a scanner application, then follow these steps to scan a document on your phone.

Method 2: By Using Google Drive to Scan Documents

If you are using an android phone then google drive can be helpful for scanning documents. Here are the steps to scan documents –

• Step 1: Launch Google Drive and tap on the + icon.
• Step 2: There you will find Create New tab, under it look for the Scan option. Now tap on it.
• Step 3: Now, take the document and position the camera over it. When the framing is done, tap on the Shutter button.
• Step 4: Next, tap on the check mark to save the picture.
• Step 5: Next, tap on the + icon to continue the scan process. When you are done, tap on Save. If you want to edit, there you will find various options namely, crop, rotate, adjust color, etc.
• Step 6: When the scan is done, name the PDF file and choose the save path. Lastly, press Save.

Method 3: By Using the Notes App to Scan Documents

If you are using an iOS device then you can use the Notes app to scan documents. The steps are provided below.

• Step 1: Launch Notes on your phone and tap on the square with a pen icon which is located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
• Step 2: There you will find a Camera icon at the bottom, tap on it and choose Scan documents.
• Step 3: Now, take your document, place the phone camera on it, and capture the image.
• Step 4: When you are done with capturing, resize or edit the pictures. Lastly, tap on Save to save the scanned document as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

How do I scan a document directly to my computer?

You can use a webcam that is connected to your PC to scan a document on your computer.

How do I scan a document and email it?

You can use scanner applications on your phone, scan the document, make a PDF, and then you can send it via email.

For related issues, see Should I Scan 24-Bit or 48-Bit Color Scans, How to Scan Using HP Envy 4500, What Is 48-Bit Color Scan? Things You Need to Know.

Conclusion

Lastly, it’s very easy to scan a document without a scanner. Your smartphone is capable enough to help you scan a document. You can also use your laptop’s camera or PC’s webcam to scan documents but scanning with your smartphone is easier and can save you time compared to scanning with a webcam.