How to Scan a Document to PDF With Your Phone

Scans & OCRUpdated Sep 23, 2026
Quick answer

On iPhone, open the Files app (or Notes), tap … > Scan Documents, point the camera at the page, and save as PDF. On Android, open Google Drive, tap + > Scan. Both auto-crop, straighten and enhance the page. Scan several pages into one PDF before saving.

iPhone and iPad (built-in)

Files app:

  1. Open Files, go to a folder, tap … (top-right) > Scan Documents.
  2. Hold the phone above the page. It captures automatically when it detects the edges.
  3. Scan more pages, then tap Save. You get a multi-page PDF.

Notes app: create a note > tap the camera icon > Scan Documents. Share > Save to Files to export the PDF.

Android (Google Drive)

  1. Open Google Drive and tap + (or the camera icon) > Scan.
  2. Photograph the page. Drive crops and enhances it.
  3. Tap + to add pages, then Save as PDF.

Other free scanner apps

  • Adobe Scan: automatic OCR, so the result is searchable.
  • Microsoft Lens: scan to PDF, Word or PowerPoint.

Tips for a perfect scan

  • Lighting: bright, even light and no shadow from your phone or hand.
  • Contrast: place white paper on a dark surface so edges are detected.
  • Hold flat and parallel to the page.
  • Choose the filter: Black & White or Greyscale for text (smaller, sharper), Color for photos.
  • Check page order and rotation before saving.

Frequently asked questions

Is a phone scan as good as a real scanner?

For most everyday documents, yes. Modern scanner apps correct perspective and lighting well. For archival quality, photos or very fine print, a flatbed scanner is still better.

Why is my phone-scanned PDF so large?

It may be saved in full colour at high resolution. Choose black-and-white or greyscale for text, or compress the PDF afterwards.

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