How to Scan Using HP Envy 4500 | HP Envy 4500 User's Manual

The HP Envy 4500 e-All-in-One printer packs robust scanning capabilities alongside its printing prowess. But with several options available, what is the best way to get those documents and photos scanned? This article will go through the various methods to scan using the versatile HP Envy 4500.

Scanning is a breeze on the Envy 4500 – you can digitize everything from family photos to important tax paperwork quickly. But getting your scans saved directly where you need them does require some simple setup depending on the method chosen.

The good news is the Envy 4500 gives you flexibility, with scanning possible directly from the printer screen, your computer apps, or even your mobile device. I’ll outline the main techniques step-by-step so you can start archiving and organizing in no time!

How to Scan Using HP Envy 4500 — HP Envy 4500

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Methods for Scanning Using HP Envy 4500

Here are the primary options for scanning originals with the HP Envy 4500:

Method 1 – By Using HP Smart App

The HP Smart App, available for both mobile devices and computers, provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for scanning with your HP Envy 4500 printer. If you don’t have the app, then you can download it from 123.hp.com

Follow these simple steps to embark on your scanning journey:

Step 1 – Download and install the HP Smart App on your preferred device.
Step 2 – Ensure your HP Envy 4500 printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your device.
Step 3 – Launch the HP Smart App and sign in or create an account if you haven’t already.
Step 4 – Locate your HP Envy 4500 printer on the app’s home screen and tap on it.
Step 5 – Select the Scan option from the available menu.
Step 6 – Choose whether you want to scan a document or photo.
Step 7 – Place the document or photo on the scanner bed of your printer.
Step 8 – Adjust the scanning area if necessary.
Step 9 – Tap the Scan button to initiate the scanning process.
Step 10 – Once the scanning is complete, you can save the scanned file as a PDF or JPEG image.
Step 11 – The scanned file will be stored on your mobile device or computer.

Method 2 – By Using Windows Fax and Scan

If you’re comfortable with the Windows operating system, you can utilize the built-in Windows Fax and Scan utility to scan documents and photos using your HP Envy 4500 printer. Here’s how to proceed:

Step 1 – Open the Start Menu and search for Windows Fax and Scan.
Step 2 – Select Windows Fax and Scan from the search results.
Step 3 – Click on the New Scan button.
Step 4 – Choose your HP Envy 4500 printer from the list of available devices.
Step 5 – Configure the scanning settings according to your preferences, such as scan type, resolution, and file format.
Step 6 – Preview the scan to ensure it meets your expectations.
Step 7 – Click on the Scan button to initiate the scanning process.
Step 8 – Once the scanning is complete, you can save the scanned file in your desired location.

Method 3 – By Using Windows Devices and Printers

Another option for scanning using your HP Envy 4500 printer within the Windows environment is through the Devices and Printers control panel. Follow these steps to navigate this method:

Step 1 – Open the Start Menu and type Control Panel into the search bar.
Step 2 – Select Control Panel from the search results.
Step 3 – Click on Hardware and Sound.
Step 4 – Choose Devices and Printers.
Step 5 – Right–click on your HP Envy 4500 printer and select Scan.
Step 6 – Configure the scanning settings as per your requirements.
Step 7 – Preview the scan to confirm its accuracy.
Step 8 – Click on the Scan button to start the scanning process.
Step 9 – Once the scanning is complete, you can save the scanned file in a suitable location.

Method 4 – By Using HP printer Embedded Web Server

For those seeking an alternative approach, the HP Envy 4500 printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) offers a web-based interface for scanning. Follow these steps to access and utilize the EWS:

Step 1 – Open a web browser on your computer.
Step 2 – Enter the IP address of your HP Envy 4500 printer into the address bar.
Step 3 – The printer’s EWS will open.
Step 4 – Navigate to the Scan section or option.
Step 5 – Select the scanning settings you prefer, such as document type, file format, and resolution.
Step 6 – Click on the Start Scan button to initiate the scanning process.
Step 7 – Once the scanning is complete, the scanned image will be displayed in the web browser.
Step 8 – Right–click on the scanned image.
Step 9 – Select the Save As option.
Step 10 – Choose a location on your computer to save the scanned image

NOTE – if you don’t know the IP address of your printer then you can find out it from the smart app. Inside the app, click on the HP Envy 4500 image, then click on Network Information, and in the Supply status, you will get the IP of your Printer.

So in summary, the main paths are using the HP Smart app, Windows Fax & Scan, Devices and Printers, or the printer’s embedded web server.

Tips for Getting Better Scan Document

To optimize quality:

Clean the scanner glass before scanning. Smudges cause artifacts.
Select a higher DPI setting for crisp text. But large files for photos.
Choose the correct document type like photo, document or text.
Adjust brightness, contrast and color as needed.
Save as PDF for pristine digital copies. JPG compresses photos.

Taking a little extra time with the settings really helps scanning.

Bonus Tips – Use HP Smart App to Scan Documents with Your Webcam

If you don’t have access to a scanner, the HP Smart app lets you scan papers with your device’s camera!

Position the document in view of your smartphone or computer webcam.
Open the HP Smart app and select Scan with Camera.
Capture the document – app cleans up perspective.
Save scanned documents to your device.

Handy for digitizing a page when traveling light!

Wrapping Up

The HP Envy 4500 packs flexible scanning options to digitize and archive your print media. Using the HP Smart app provides quick mobile scanning, while Windows tools allow fine-tuning results. With a range of methods available, you can easily implement a workflow to get documents and photos scanned and organized with your capable Envy 4500. Just be sure to keep the scanner glass clean and adjust settings to optimize quality.