How to Scan to PDF on Computer and Mobile with 5 Methods

It is much easier and simpler to scan paper documents into digital formats like PDF. However, now with the help of mobile phone scanners, you need not have a huge scanner to help you scan to PDF. There are several software options that can assist you in scanning your document to PDF. Now let’s take a look.

👉 Directly download the recommended free scanner app PDFgear Scan to scan to PDF on iPhone and iPad.

Scan Documents to PDF Using Notes App

The Apple Notes App on iOS is one of the most powerful tools that also lets you scan a document to PDF. It offers you a built-in option to help you scan to PDF.

That would mean you do not need to download any third-party app or tool on your device. One downside that you may find of the method is it involves complex steps that may not be that easy to handle for those of you who may not be tech-savvy.

Step 1: Create a new Note on the Notes app

Open the Notes app and create a new Note. On the Notes app, click on the option for a new Note. You should find the icon with the edit feature.

Step 2: Launch the camera to scan the document

Tap on the Camera icon to scan the document. Tap on the Scan Documents option. Scan the document that you want to save as PDF.

Step 3: Begin scanning the document

When you tap on Scan Documents, the Notes app will open from the camera view and begin looking for the document to scan. Place your camera over the document and adjust it properly. The app automatically captures the document and then automatically adds the document to the scanned documents list.

You can even opt for the Manual scanning option. This will need you to tap on the Auto to Manual. In this mode, you will need to tap on the camera icon to manually scan the document.

Step 4: Save the scanned document

Once you are happy with the scanned document, you can save it by tapping on the Save icon. You can scan all your pages and then save them together.

Scan Documents to PDF on iPhone with App

If you are looking to scan a document on the go with your iPhone and iPad mobile devices, you have several scanners that help you with the task. PDFgear Scan is one such tool that helps you scan your document as PDF.

The best part about this tool is it works completely free and does not need any subscription. However, the need for app installation is what makes it a little annoying – especially if you are not fond of installing many apps on your phone. For scanning on Android, you can also check out other scan apps for Android.

Step 1: Download and install the app on your phone

Go to your respective app stores and download the PDFgear Scan app. The app does work without registration.

Step 2: Scan your document

Tap on the camera icon on the app to begin scanning your document. Adjust the phone over the document. Take proper scanning by adjusting the corners so that no part is missing.

Step 3: Adjust the scanned document and save the file

Once the document has been scanned, adjust the corners and save the file as PDF.

Scan Documents to PDF Using the Google Drive

Google Drive app is an excellent choice for scanning and saving documents as PDFs. The best part about the application lies in the fact that it comes pre-installed with an Android device, and blends well with the Android ecosystem. That apart, it also offers you an easy-to-use interface. It also offers better sharing and remote working options. However, it may not be the right pick if you are looking for advanced and professional features.

Step 1: Access the Google Drive app on your Android and choose New Document

Open the Google Drive app from your App Drawer and click on + icon to create a new document. Choose the Scan option from the list to enter the Scan feature.

Step 2: Scan the document

Position the document within the camera viewfinder. Make sure that you have proper lighting and that the document is well-aligned. Hit the Scan option. Give permission to scan the drive if you have not yet done.

Step 3: Confirm scan and save 

Once the document is scanned as per your preferences, click on OK, and on the next screen, make edits to scanned documents as per your needs. Once you are done, tap on Save to save the file. You can rename the file or choose to keep the name as suggested by Google Drive.

Scan Documents to PDF with Windows Fax and Scan 

If you have a document that you want to scan and save as PDF on Windows, the built-in Windows Fax and Scan tool should be the best one for your needs. You can simply connect your PC to a scanner and save the file as a PDF.

However, the tool cannot save the scanned document as PDF by default. You need to go through a workaround to help you save the file as PDF.

Step 1: Open Windows Fax and Scan app on your Windows PC

Use the Windows Search feature to look for and launch Windows Fax and Scan built-in app.

Step 2: Scan your document

Place the document in your scanner and click on New Scan on the Fax and Scan app. The tool will detect the scanner. If not, you will need to add the scanner to your PC. Select your scanner from the interface and click on Scan. The tool will scan the document.

Step 3: Print the document as PDF

Since the tool does not save the file as PDF, we will use the Print option to save the file as PDF. We are not actually printing the document, but instead, we will use the PDF printer option to save the PDF file as PDF. Click on File -> Print and select Microsoft Print to PDF from the Printer drop-down.

Click on Print and your document will be saved as PDF file.

Scan to PDF on Mac with Printers & Scanners

The best way to scan a document to PDF on a Mac is to use the inbuilt Printers & Scanners app. It is equivalent to using Windows Fax and Scan, but you can access your scanner directly and save the document to PDF. The issue with the method is that it needs you to have a compatible scanner that works with Mac devices.

Before you proceed, make sure that your scanner is connected to your Mac device. The scanner may be connected via WiFi or USB cable.

Step 1: Insert your document into the scanner

Depending on which scanner you have, insert the document into your scanner. Make sure that you have placed the document as per the markings on the scanner.

Step 2: Access Printers and Scanners 

Go to the Apple Menu at the top left corner of your screen and click on it. Choose Printers and Scanners using the path – System Preferences -> Printer and Scanners. Choose your scanner from the list of scanners.

Step 3: Scan your document

Depending on whether you have a flatbed scanner or any other type of scanner, choose the document from the scanner and follow the instructions as per your scanner to scan the document.

Choose the format as PDF before you can begin scanning, the scanned page will be saved as a PDF file on your system.

Key Takeaway 

Those were the five best options to help you scan to PDF and save your files as a PDF. Each of the methods has its own positive and negative factors. Based on what your requirements are and what would you want to do with your scanned document, you can use the relevant methods.

We found the scan options through iOS or Android devices to be the best as it does not need you to use an additional printer or scanner to scan the documents.