Have you ever needed to scan and send documents by uploading them to your email or to another website? Were you intimidated by having to learn to use a large, complicated looking machine in order to scan? It turns out that the super computer in your pocket can do the job instead! This can save you time and energy, and can be done from anywhere! Here’s how scanning from your smartphone or tablet works:
Android Devices
If you have an Android device, scanning documents can be done through the Google Drive app.
1. Open the Google Drive app 
2. Tap the + (Add) button, found on the bottom left of your screen.
3. Tap the Scan icon.
4. Ensure that the document is centered in the frame with a little room around the edges.
5. Press the blue Shutter button to scan, found on the bottom center.
6. Once the document is scanned, you can adjust it as needed:
- Crop
- Scan Again
- Add Another Photo
7. Once you’ve finished editing the photo, click Done.
That’s it! The scan will be saved as a PDF, and can be attached to emails and uploaded right away!
Apple Devices
If you happen to have an iPhone or iPad, scanning is just as easy! You will need to use the Notes app for the process. (Pictures taken from www.iMore.com: How to Use to Document Scanner on iPhone and iPad by Lory Gil.)
1. Open the Notes app 
2. Tap the + (New Note) button, found on the bottom left of your screen.
3. Tap the Scan Document button.
4. Ensure that the document is centered in the frame with a little room around the edges.
5. With the Notes app, the document should automatically scan when lined up properly.
6. If the document does not scan automatically, press the Shutter button in the bottom of the screen.
7. Hit the Shutter button for each document you would like to scan as a single document.
8. Tap Save. The number of scanned documents will appear within the Save button.
You’re done scanning! If you are required to send or upload a PDF, Apple products require a few additional steps:
1. Open the scanned document you would like to save as a PDF.
2. Click the Share button, found on the upper left of your screen.
3. Tap the Create PDF button.
4. Viewing the newly created PDF, click the Share button on the lower left of the screen.
5. Select the desired app where PDF will be sent.
These are just two quick and easy ways to scan, upload, and share documents with your device. There are other free apps which you can use to scan!
Adobe Scan
A free scanning app that can be used with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Microsoft Office Lens
A free scanning app that automatically syncs with your Microsoft OneNote account. You can also share scans to OneDrive, PowerPoint, Word, and more.
Feel free to ask at the Reference Desk if you have any questions! Thanks for reading!
-George, FTPL
