How to Scan Documents Using Your iPhone Without Extra Apps

In today’s digital world, signing and sharing documents electronically is commonplace, but sometimes you still need to handle physical papers. If you don’t have a scanner handy, your iPhone can step in as a surprisingly effective document scanner using the built-in Notes app. This feature has been available since iOS 11, but improvements in iPhone cameras and iOS updates, especially iOS 18, have made scanning easier and more reliable.

How to Scan Documents with Your iPhone

To scan a document, place it on a flat, well-lit surface. Open the Notes app and start a new note or open an existing one. On iOS 17 and earlier, tap the Camera icon and select "Scan Documents." With iOS 18, the Camera icon is replaced by the Attachments (paperclip) icon, where you’ll find the "Scan Documents" option.

Hold your iPhone over the document, and a yellow rectangle will highlight the area to be scanned. The phone will automatically capture the scan, or you can tap the shutter button manually. You can scan multiple pages in one session.

Editing, Signing, and Sharing Your Scanned Document

After scanning, you can edit the document by cropping or applying color filters such as black and white or grayscale. The Markup feature lets you add signatures, text, shapes, or drawings directly onto the scan.

To share or save the document, tap the Share button. You can send it via Messages, email, save it to the Files app, or print it. Exporting as a PDF involves selecting the Print option, then using the Share button again to send the PDF version. Alternatively, third-party apps like Adobe Acrobat can convert scans to PDFs, though they may prompt for subscriptions.

Troubleshooting and Tips

If you don’t see the Camera or Attachments icon, check that your note is saved in iCloud or On My iPhone folders, as scanning is only available there. This feature is one of many hidden gems in iOS that enhances productivity without needing extra downloads.

With each iOS update, Apple continues to refine these native tools, making your iPhone a versatile device for more than just communication. Whether you’re signing contracts on the go or digitizing receipts, the Notes app’s scanning feature is a powerful, built-in solution.