How to Scan Documents Using Notes App in iOS 11

Starting with iOS 11, the built-in Notes app can scan documents using your iPhone or iPad camera. You don’t need a third-party scanner app — Notes can detect the edges of a document, flatten the image, and save it as a clean PDF-like scan. This guide walks you through the steps, along with tips and fixes for common issues.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later (the steps below are for iOS 11, but they work similarly in newer versions).
• The Notes app (it’s pre-installed).
• iCloud or an email account set up in Notes if you want to sync scans across devices (optional).
• A document, receipt, or paper you want to scan.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the compose button (a square with a pencil) in the bottom-right corner to create a new note, or open an existing note where you want to add the scan.
2. Tap the camera button — it looks like a camera icon and is located just above the keyboard on the right side. If you don’t see it, tap the plus (+) button in a circle at the bottom center of the screen, then choose “Scan Documents.”
3. Position your document within the camera frame. The app will automatically detect the edges of the paper and highlight them in yellow. Hold your device steady — you don’t need to press the shutter button; it captures automatically. If it doesn’t auto-capture, tap the shutter button at the bottom.
4. Adjust the corners if needed. After the scan is taken, you’ll see a preview with draggable corner handles. Drag them to fit the document exactly, then tap “Keep Scan.”
5. Scan additional pages by positioning the next page and repeating step 3. You can also tap the thumbnail at the bottom-left to review or edit a page you’ve already scanned.
6. Tap “Save” (or “Save” in the top-right corner) when you’re done scanning all pages. The scan is now saved as a PDF in your note.
7. Rename the scan by tapping the note title at the top and typing a name. You can also add text below the scan.
8. Share or export the scan by tapping the share button (a square with an arrow) at the top right. You can send it via email, save to Files, or print it.

Common Mistakes

• Not keeping the document flat: Curled or folded paper can cause shadows and distorted scans. Place it on a flat surface.
• Insufficient lighting: Scanning in dim light can result in dark, blurry scans. Use a well-lit area, but avoid direct glare from windows or lamps.
• Holding the camera at an angle: If you don’t hold the phone directly above the document, the scan will be skewed. Move your body, not just the phone, to align the camera.
• Forgetting to save: If you exit the scanner without tapping “Save,” the scan is lost. Always tap Save when finished.
• Mistaking a photo for a scan: The Notes scanner creates a flat, high-contrast PDF, not a regular photo. If you just take a picture, you won’t get the same result.

Tips

• Use the auto-capture: Let the app detect the edges automatically — it’s usually more accurate than tapping the shutter.
• Edit after scanning: Tap a thumbnail to crop, rotate, or apply filters (like grayscale) to a page.
• Add multiple scans to one note: You can scan several documents into the same note, which is handy for a meeting or a project.
• Search your scans: iOS 11 can recognize text in your scans. Later, you can search for a word inside the scanned document using the Notes search bar.
• Use iCloud: If you have iCloud enabled for Notes, your scans sync across your devices automatically.

Troubleshooting

• No camera button appears: Make sure you’re in a note, not the Notes list. If you still don’t see it, tap the plus (+) button and select “Scan Documents.” If that’s missing, your device may not support the feature (it requires iOS 11 and a compatible camera).
• The scanner doesn’t detect the document: Increase lighting, place the document on a contrasting background (e.g., dark table for white paper), and make sure the entire page is visible in the frame.
• Scan is blurry: Hold the phone steady for a second after the capture. If it’s still blurry, tap the shutter manually and hold still.
• Can’t find the scan after saving: The scan is saved in the note you were in. If you created a new note, it appears at the top of your Notes list. Search for the note title or the text inside.
• Scan looks like a photo, not a clean scan: Try using the “Color” or “Grayscale” filter from the thumbnail edit menu to reduce shadows and improve contrast.
• Notes app crashes when scanning: Restart your device, then try again. If it persists, check for an iOS update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scan multiple pages into one document?

Yes, just keep scanning pages before tapping “Save.” Each page is added to the same PDF.

Is the scan saved as a PDF?

Yes, the scan is saved as a PDF attachment within the note. You can share it as a PDF.

Can I edit the scan after saving?

Yes, tap the thumbnail in the note, then tap the edit (crop) icon to adjust corners, rotate, or apply filters.

Does the scanner work on iPad?

Yes, it works on any iPad that supports iOS 11, including iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and later.

Can I scan a book page or a receipt?

Yes, as long as the item is flat enough. For thick books, you may need to hold the camera closer and adjust the corners manually.

How do I share the scan?

Tap the share button in the note and choose Mail, Messages, Save to Files, or AirDrop.

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