How to scan documents on iPhone and iPad

Did you know that your iPhone is a walking, talking, mobile scanner that can turn any photo, letter, document, or anything else for that matter into a scanned PDF with just a few simple taps? 

Long ago scanning a document on iPhone meant downloading a special app, or taking a wonky photo with your camera and hoping for the best, but no more. With iOS 16 and the upcoming iOS 17, scanning a document on iPhone has never been easier or more intuitive. Now, it's built right into the Notes app on both your iPhone and your iPad, letting you convert documents from physical to digital in moments. 

Here's how to scan documents on your iPhone and iPad. 

How to scan documents on iPhone and iPad

The document scanner can be found in the Notes app on your iOS device. With just a couple of taps, you'll have a well scanned document ready to mark up, convert to PDF, and share with another app.

1. Open Notes on your iPhone or iPad
2. Create a new note or tap on an existing one to add a document
3. Tap the camera button at the bottom of the screen or above the keyboard

4. Tap Scan Documents
5. Line up the document you want to scan
6. Tap the shutter button if the scanner doesn't automatically scan the document. Repeat this step for every document you want to scan
7. Tap Save after scanning all of the necessary pages. The button will keep count of how many pages you've scanned

The scanned pages will populate in a new note in the Notes app. Feel free to add other text or images if necessary. The great thing about using the scanner in the Notes app is that it's still a note and works exactly the same way that you'll already be used to. 

How to mark up a scanned document on iPhone and iPad

Once you've scanned a document, you can mark it up with any of the built-in markup tools in the Notes app. With the markup tools you can highlight, handwrite, cut out and move sections (magic rope style), and add a text box, shape, or arrows. You can also add your signature, all from within the Notes app - signing documents has never been so easy.

1. Tap the scanned document in your note
2. Tap the share button in the upper-right corner
3. Tap Markup. You may need to scroll through the action menu to see this option

4. Tap on the tool you'd like to use
5. Tap the color picker if you'd like to change the color that your chosen tool will use
6. Tap + if you want to add a text box, signature, magnifier, or shape to your document

7. Mark up your document
8. Tap Done when you're finished

All of markup changes will now be saved.

How to save a scanned document as a PDF

While you were previously required to turn your scanned documents into PDFs manually, the Notes app in iOS 16 now does this automatically. Saving the PDFs in the Files app is the easiest way to keep on top of these documents, here's how to do it.

1. Tap your scanned document
2. Tap the share button in the upper-right corner
3. Tap the app that you want to save your PDF to

How to share a scanned document on iPhone and iPad

Want to send your scanned document to a friend, family member, or colleague? You can do that easily from the Notes app.

1. Tap your scanned document
2. Tap the share button in the upper-right corner
3. Tap on the app you want to share the note with
4. Share your PDF

How to delete a scanned document on iPhone and iPad

If you've accidentally scanned the same document twice or decide you want to try again after you've saved a scanned document, you can delete a single scan without having to delete an entire document.

1. Tap your scanned document
2. Tap the trash can in the bottom-right corner
3. Tap Delete Scan

You will only delete the specific scanned page you've selected. If you want to delete the entire document, simply delete the note.

Scanning documents on iPhone and iPad has never been so easy

This guide is everything you need to convert some physical documents into digital versions to make your life easier. Store them and share them right from your iPhone without any hassle. Once you've mastered this simple tool, you'll be well on the way to digitally decluttering your life.