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Printers
How do I scan a document from my printer to my computer?
Scanning is usually easier from the computer than from the printer screen. Put the paper on the glass, open the computer's scan tool, preview, then save.
The short answer
Place the document face down on the scanner glass, open the scan app on your computer, choose the printer, preview the scan, then save it as a PDF.
Now try it on your device
Choose your path
Pick the device or situation that matches the screen in front of you.
Steps for Windows
- 1Open the Windows Scan app or the printer brand's app.
- 2Choose your printer or scanner.
- 3Set file type to PDF for documents.
- 4Preview, scan, and save the file somewhere you can find it, like Documents.
One safety note
Do not send private documents to an unfamiliar online scanning site.
Before you change settings
1Use the scanner glass for one or two pages; use the feeder only if the pages are loose and flat.
2Choose PDF for documents and JPG for photos.
3Preview before saving so you can rotate or crop the page.
What to know first
What this usually means
- The printer is added for printing but not scanning.
- The printer app needs to be opened from the computer.
- The paper is upside down or on the wrong edge of the glass.
- The scan saved somewhere unexpected.
Do not do this yet
- Do not send private documents to an unfamiliar online scanning site.
- Do not install driver bundles from unofficial download pages.
- Do not scan financial or medical papers to a shared computer unless you know where the file saves.
Copy this to Emily
You do not need perfect technical words. Send the plain version and a screenshot if you have one.
I need to scan a document from my printer to my [Windows/Mac] computer. The printer brand is [brand]. Can you walk me through it?