How to scan documents directly from the Files app on iPhone and iPad

This short tutorial shows you how to scan physical documents like paper, receipts, or a business card right from the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.

Files App Document Scanner

Along with handy features like sharing iCloud folders and zipping or unzipping files, the iOS Files app also allows you to scan documents and save them wherever you want. This is a good way to save a few bucks on a document scanning app as well as save time and effort by scanning documents quickly and easily.

Related: How to turn your physical ID card into an image or PDF using iPhone or iPad

How to use the Files app as a document scanner

1) Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.

2) Tap Browse at the bottom of the Files app and go to the On My iPhone or iCloud Drive folder where you want to save the file.

3) Tap the More button (three-dots icon) on the top and select Scan Documents.

4) Position your document in the viewer to do an automatic or manual scan.

Scan Documents in iPhone Files app

Automatic scan: Even if you don’t tap the capture button, the Files app will automatically snap a picture when you position the scanner properly over the document. You can keep holding it properly, and it will keep scanning them and adding all the scans to one PDF. Finally, tap Save after you have finished scanning, give the file a name, and hit done on the keyboard.

Save scan in Files app on iPhone

Manual scan: If the Files app is not recognizing the document, you can do your best to place it in the scanner frame and then hit the shutter button. After that, use the circles on the four corners to adjust the edges, and tap Keep Scan, which will take you back to the camera scanner screen. If you have another page to scan, you can capture it here.

Next, tap Save, give your scan any appropriate name, and hit done on the keyboard to save it.

Keep Scan in Files app on iPhone

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