Your iPhone is a Powerful Document Scanner
You don't need a flatbed scanner anymore. Your iPhone camera can capture documents in high quality, and with the right workflow, you can convert them to professional PDF format.
This guide covers multiple methods to scan documents on iPhone and save them as PDF.
Method 1: iPhone Notes App (Built-in Scanner)
Step-by-Step:
Open the **Notes** appCreate a new note or open existingTap the **camera icon** → Select **Scan Documents**Position document in frameiPhone auto-captures or tap shutterAdjust corners if neededTap **Save**Tap share → **Create PDF**Pros: Built-in, no app needed
Cons: Limited editing options
Method 2: Files App Scanner
Step-by-Step:
Open the **Files** appTap **...** (three dots) in top rightSelect **Scan Documents**Capture your documentSaves directly as PDF to FilesPros: Direct PDF output
Cons: Basic functionality
Method 3: Camera + Convertify (Most Flexible)
For maximum control and quality:
Step 1: Take Photos
Open Camera appPhotograph each page of your documentUse good lighting, keep steadyStep 2: Convert to PDF
Open SafariGo to [convertify.work/jpg-to-pdf](/jpg-to-pdf)Upload your photosArrange in correct orderConvert to PDFDownload to FilesPros:
Full control over page orderCombine multiple documentsBest quality outputNo app limitationsTips for Better Scans
Lighting
Use natural light when possibleAvoid shadows across the documentOverhead lighting works bestPositioning
Place document on flat, contrasting surfaceKeep iPhone parallel to documentFill the frame with the documentStability
Hold phone steady or use a surfaceTake multiple shots and keep the bestMulti-Page Documents
For lengthy documents:
Photograph each page separatelyUse [Convertify JPG to PDF](/jpg-to-pdf) to combineArrange pages in correct order before convertingOrganizing scanned documents:
Create folders in Files appName files descriptively (e.g., "Tax_Receipt_2026_Jan")Back up to iCloudAfter Scanning: Next Steps
Once you have your PDF, you might want to:
[Compress it](/compress-pdf) before emailing (especially image-heavy scans)[Merge with other PDFs](/merge-pdf) to create document packages[Split pages](/split-pdf) if you only need certain pagesShare via AirDrop, email, or messaging appsScanning Specific Documents
Receipts
Great for expense trackingCompress afterwards for smaller file sizeOrganize by date or categoryContracts
Scan all pages including signaturesUse high resolutionKeep both paper and digital copiesID Cards/Passports
Scan both front and backKeep secure, consider password protectionUse for travel or verificationBusiness Cards
Quick scan and convertCreate a digital contact archiveEasier to search than physical cardsQuality Comparison: Methods
| Method | Quality | Flexibility | Ease |
|--------|---------|-------------|------|
| Notes App | Good | Low | ✅ Easy |
| Files App | Good | Low | ✅ Easy |
| Camera + Convertify | Best | High | Medium |
Sharing Scanned PDFs
After scanning, share your PDFs via:
**Email** - Attach to messages (compress first if large)**AirDrop** - Instant sharing to nearby Apple devices**WhatsApp** - Max 16MB ([compress if needed](/compress-pdf))**Cloud** - Upload to iCloud, Dropbox, Google DriveRelated Tools
[JPG to PDF](/jpg-to-pdf) - Convert photos to PDF[Compress PDF](/compress-pdf) - Reduce scan file sizes[Merge PDF](/merge-pdf) - Combine multiple scans[Split PDF](/split-pdf) - Extract specific pages[PDF to JPG](/pdf-to-jpg) - Convert back to images if neededThird-Party Scanner Apps
While built-in methods work great, these apps offer advanced features:
**Microsoft Lens** - OCR, text recognition**Adobe Scan** - Cloud integration**CamScanner** - Batch scanningHowever, for most users, the built-in Notes app + Convertify workflow is sufficient and free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What resolution should I use?
Your iPhone's default camera resolution is perfect for documents.
Q: Can I scan in color or B&W?
Yes to both! Color is default; B&W reduces file size.
Q: How do I improve readability of scanned text?
Use good lighting and keep camera parallel to document.
Q: Can I edit scanned PDFs?
Not directly. For text editing, you'd need OCR software. For simple tasks, the scan is usually sufficient.
Start Scanning Now
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