How to make a scanned copy of a document: 4 ways
What is a scanned copy?
A scanned copy is an image or PDF of a paper document captured by a scanner. Compared with a regular photo, it’s flat, square and free of shadows, which is why many forms and offices ask for one.
Is a photo good enough?
It depends on who’s asking. A quick photo is often tilted and shadowed, with the table in view. A phone’s document-scan mode crops and straightens the page automatically, which is close enough to a scan for most uses.
Way 1: Use a scanner or all-in-one printer
Place the document on the glass and scan it to PDF or JPG from your computer. This gives the best quality if you have the equipment.
Way 2: Scan paper with your phone
- iPhone: in Notes, create a note, tap the camera icon and choose Scan Documents. The Files app has Scan Documents too.
- Android: Google Drive has a Scan button, and many phones have a document mode in the camera.
Way 3: Turn an existing photo into a scan
If you only have a photo or screenshot, make the image look scanned by picking an effect. For IDs, use ID card copy to put the front and back on one A4 page.
Way 4: Make a PDF or Word file look scanned
If the document is already digital, there’s no need to print and rescan it. Use Scan Effect to make a PDF look scanned directly; for Word, export to PDF first as shown in Word to scanned PDF.
Open Scan Effect and make a scanned copy
Color or black and white?
Unless you’re told otherwise, black-and-white or grayscale scans are smaller and easier to read. Use color for documents with stamps, photos or color tables.
A processed file only looks like a scan. Use it only for your own documents or ones you are authorized to handle, and never to forge certificates or deceive anyone.
FAQ
How can I scan a document without a scanner?
Use your phone’s document-scan mode for paper. If the document is already digital, make it look scanned online with Scan Effect.
How do I make a scanned copy on my phone?
On iPhone, use Scan Documents in Notes or Files. On Android, use the Scan button in Google Drive or your camera’s document mode. You can also turn a photo into a scan with Image to Scan.
What format is a scanned copy?
Usually PDF or JPG. Use PDF for multi-page documents, and JPG for a single page or when a form asks for an image.
What’s the difference between a scanned copy and a photocopy?
A photocopy is a paper copy; a scanned copy is digital. Many places accept either, but check what’s required before you submit.
Related tools and guides
- PDF to ScanMake a PDF or image look scanned
- Image to ScanTurn photos and screenshots into scans
- ID Card CopyFront and back on one A4 page
- Word to Scanned PDFMake a Word document look scanned in 3 steps