Master the iPhone Document Scanner App

These are all situations that technology, specifically iPhone document scanner apps, has made more straightforward. Before document scanner apps existed, you’d have to mail your signed documents to the recipient. This had its own complications, including longer wait times and lost or stolen mail. 

Why You Need an iPhone Document Scanner 

Save Time with Instant Scanning

Using your phone to scan documents is fast and efficient. With just a few taps, you can take a picture of your document and have it ready to be shared or stored. This way, you don’t have to search for a clunky scanner, which is a huge time-saver, especially when you’re on a tight schedule or need to send something urgently.

Stay Organized with Digital Files

Keeping track of physical papers can take time and effort. Gone are the days of file cabinets holding some of your most important documents. Scanning papers with your iPhone allows you to maintain a clutter-free workspace and ensure your files are always organized and easily retrieved. Digital forms are much easier to store and search, saving you time throughout your day.

Versatility Beyond Documents

While the first thing you may consider using a document scanner for is signing documents, they’re much more versatile. Document scanners can be used for photos, receipts, and more. This can make holding onto your memories and keeping track of finances for taxes more manageable and less stressful.

Doesn’t My Phone Have a Document Scanner Built-In?

Benefits of iPhone Scanner

The built-in iPhone document scanner is convenient and often preferred among iPhone users due to its integration into the Notes app. You can quickly scan documents without switching between different apps, and the scanned documents are stored in the Notes app. Additionally, your saved notes can be backed up and accessed across all your Apple devices via iCloud, so all your scanned documents can be retrieved anywhere, anytime.

Limitations of iPhone Scanner

Despite the convenience of the iPhone’s system document scanner, it has some drawbacks. While it’s handy for quick scans, it lacks the advanced features found in third-party apps, such as OCR (optical character recognition) and more advanced editing tools. The Notes app primarily saves scans as PDFs, offering fewer options for different file formats or cloud storage integrations. So, while it’s a quick, easy, and affordable document scanner, consider downloading a third-party app if you’re looking for a more advanced application to edit and revise your scans.

Third-Party Apps to Scan Documents

Adobe Scan

Adobe Scan is a branch of the more extensive parent software program, Adobe. It has many powerful editing tools and produces high-quality scans using advanced algorithms like OCR (optical character recognition). OCR functions by converting scanned images of text into editable and searchable digital text by analyzing and recognizing character patterns. Adobe Scan also integrates well with Adobe Acrobat, making managing and annotating your PDFs easy.

Microsoft Lens

Microsoft Lens is a reasonably versatile phone scanning app using OCR technology. It has various settings for scanning documents, including whiteboards, business cards, and handwritten notes. It also allows you to integrate documents directly with Microsoft Office products to export your scans to Word, PowerPoint, or OneNote.

The Scanner App

For a scanning app with a user-friendly interface that doesn’t sacrifice quality, the Scanner App by Municorn Apps is a great option. It offers high-resolution scans and advanced editing and annotating tools, allowing you to crop, rotate, and adjust color and contrast. This app supports batch scanning, too, which is helpful if you need to scan multiple pages quickly. Additionally, it integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, ensuring your documents are always accessible.
While all scanning apps are similar in that they can scan documents, edit, and save or integrate into a cloud-based platform, they’re not identical. Each app has its benefits and drawbacks. Let’s look into why the Scanner App could stand out above other options in the App Store.

Tips for Getting the Best Scans

1. Keep Your Document Flat: Start by ensuring your document is flat and free of wrinkles or folds. A smooth surface helps the app capture a clear, undistorted image. 
2. Optimize Lighting: Natural light works best, but ensure even lighting without shadows if you’re indoors. Avoid direct overhead lights that can create glare. Also, a contrasting background can help the scanner app detect the document’s edges more accurately.
3. Use the Edit Tools: After taking the scan, crop it to eliminate any unnecessary background. You can also adjust hues like brightness, contrast, and color to enhance readability. 
4. Play with Settings<>: Experiment with your app’s settings to find the best resolution and file format for your needs. Higher resolution settings provide more detailed scans, particularly useful for documents with small text.

Following these tips will put you on a great path to taking professional, easy-to-read scans.

Maintaining Privacy and Cybersecurity with a Document Scanner App

Be Cautious with App Permissions

When you receive a pop-up box requesting permission for the application to access your personal information, only grant the permissions required for the app to function. Specifically, avoid apps that request excessive access to your data. Apps can change their permissions settings, so regularly review and adjust app permissions to minimize exposure.

Secure Your Device

Strong passwords or authentication features like fingerprint or facial recognition can limit unauthorized access to your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security, especially for accounts linked to cloud storage services where your scanned documents might be saved.

Think About Storage

When scanning documents on your phone, be mindful of where you store and share them. For example, if your phone is stolen and your documents are stored on it, the thieves could have access to plenty of private information. Also, avoid public Wi-Fi networks when uploading sensitive documents to the cloud since these networks can be hacked, causing your document data to be leaked. Instead, use secure, private networks to reduce the risk of interception.

Try a Scanner App Today

However, not all scanning apps are built the same. Opt for one with OCR technology, like the Scanner App. Our unique, easy-to-use interface lets you scan, edit, and annotate without hassle. Download our app to streamline your document workflow today!