The Notes app can scan paper documents with the iPhone camera, detect page edges, straighten perspective, and save the result as a clean multi-page scan. You do not need a separate scanner app for receipts, forms, letters, and simple paperwork.
These steps apply to recent iOS versions using the built-in Notes app.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you need a PDF-style copy of a paper document and want to save, send, sign, or file it from your iPhone.
Scan a New Document
- Open Notes.
- Tap the new note button.
- Tap the camera button above the keyboard.
- Choose Scan Documents.
- Hold the iPhone over the page on a flat, well-lit surface.
- Let iOS capture automatically, or press the shutter button manually.
- Adjust the corner handles if the detected edges are wrong, then tap Keep Scan.
- Repeat for more pages and tap Save.
Add a Scan to an Existing Note
- Open the note where the scan belongs.
- Tap where you want the scan inserted.
- Tap the camera button.
- Choose Scan Documents.
- Capture all needed pages and tap Save.
Edit, Export, and Sign Scans
Edit the Scan
Tap the scan thumbnail to open it. You can crop, rotate, change filters such as color or black and white, and remove individual pages from a multi-page scan.
Export as PDF
Open the scan, tap Share, and use Save to Files, Mail, Messages, or AirDrop. This keeps multi-page scans together as a shareable document.
Use Markup
While viewing the scan, tap Markup to draw, add text, or place a saved signature. This is handy for signing a form without printing it.
Improve Crooked Scans
Use good light, place the document flat, and put it on a contrasting background. Edge detection works best when the page clearly stands out.
Sources
- Apple Support: Scan documents with iPhone or iPad
- Apple Support: Use Notes on iPhone
- Apple Support: Print, export, or share a PDF of a note