How to Scan from Canon Printer to Computer in 3 Ways

Among all printers in the market, Canon is ranked at the top, gaining numerous enterprise and individual users. Specialized in photos, Canon, especially the PIXMA line is a perfect option for colorful images and high-quality book scans.

Whether the Canon printer model you’re using here we provide you a complete guide to scan to Windows, macOS, and other devices. With the methods below, you can efficiently get the files digitized and organized.

How to Scan from Canon Printer to Computer Wirelessly

Aside from the traditional USB connection, many Canon printers now support wireless networks, allowing you to connect the printer to your computers, mobile devices, or tablets in the same network. A salient advantage for office workers is that you can connect up to five devices to the printer simultaneously.

To enable wireless connections, you need to download and install IJ Scan Utility from Canon’s official website first. IJ Scan Utility is a free app developed by Canon. It facilitates various scan modes and helps with file management.

After the app installation, follow the steps to start the scan.

1. Prepare a Canon printer and your computer. Ensure they function.

2. Set up the printer in the operation panel. Tap the Wi-Fi icon on the screen > Choose “LAN Settings” > “Wireless LAN setup” > Select “Manual connect” > Choose the wireless router.

3. Place the document or photo in the scanning area. Ensure that the document is aligned with the edges of the scanner frame, and close the lid.

4. Launch the IJ Scan Utility app on your computer. Choose the scan mode you prefer and adjust the settings if needed. This app provides multiple scan modes to adapt photos, documents, and other file types.

5. When the scan is done, the documents are automatically saved in the folder you’ve set. You can then view and edit the scanned document the scanned documents on your PC.

Although Canon’s scan utility is reliable, the installation is a bit complicated for some users. If you’re looking for an easier method, you might want to try using Windows Fax and Scan.

How to Scan from Canon Printer to Computer with Windows Fax and Scan

Without needing to download and install any additional apps, you can quickly scan from your printer to your computer using Windows Fax and Scan. This built-in app is available on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, enabling direct scanning from Canon printers.

In addition to basic scan features, Windows Fax and Scan has extras for specific DPI and file type options.

1. Power on both the printer and your Windows PC.

2. Connect them via USB or wireless direct.

3. Go to the Start menu on your computer, and click “Windows Fax and Scan” to launch it.

4. Place the document face down on the printer’s platen glass or feeder.

5. In Windows Fax and Scan, choose “New Scan“in the upper left corner. Select your printer in the dropdown of scanners. Adjust the settings in the window to set up the scan.

6. Click the “Scan” button to start, and the scanned document will show up in a new window.

How to Scan from Canon Printer to Mac Using macOS Image Capture

For Mac users, you can enjoy the efficiency of scanning from a printer with Image Capture.

This is a pre-installed app available on all versions of macOS. Powerful, but less known than iPhoto, the handy tool Image Capture manages pictures from a scanner and other devices.

Quickly connect your Canon printer to the Mac and get documents scanned now:

1. Launch the Image Capture app from the Applications folder.

2. From the list of devices on the left side of Image Capture, select your scanner.

3. Begin the scan by clicking the “Scan” button; the scanned document will appear in Image Capture.

4. Click on “Show Details” to access advanced settings. Here, adjust parameters such as color, size, contrast, and brightness. Once adjustments are made, click “Scan” again to finalize the settings.

5. Drag the scanned PDF file to your desired location and save it.

FAQs

Why is my Canon printer not scanning to my computer?

There are several reasons why your Canon printer is not scanning to your computer: 

• The printer is not connected to your computer
• The driver or software is not updated
• The printer or computer can’t function
• The printer is not recognized by your computer
• There are software conflicts 

How do I get my printer to scan as a PDF?

To scan as a PDF, use your printer’s software. In settings, select “PDF” as the file type, adjust other settings as needed, and start the scan. Ensure your printer and software are properly configured and updated.

Does Canon have a scanning app?

Yes. Canon has a scanning app Canon PRINT. It is an excellent resource for Canon printer users, providing an efficient way to scan to a mobile device. It offers an intuitive interface and extensive features that make managing printing and scanning tasks straightforward.

How do I scan a document to Google Drive from my Canon printer?

You can utilize Canon PRINT to scan a document from a Canon printer to Google Drive. This app is available on mobiles and ChromeOS. Install Canon PRINT > Connect a Canon printer and the device wirelessly > Register your printer with the Canon Inkjet Cloud Printing Center > Sign into Google Drive in Cloud Printing Center > Start scan.