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Scan Documents with Your Phone

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🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series

Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.

No printer, no problem — I scan everything right from my phone now.

Scan Documents with Your Phone

In short

Your phone can replace a desktop scanner. Use built-in tools or free apps to capture, auto-crop, enhance, and export multipage PDFs—optionally with OCR for searchable text.

Quick Setup for Best Results

  • Lighting: Use bright, even light. Avoid direct glare; move under diffuse light or near a window.
  • Background: Place the page on a high-contrast surface (dark desk for white paper).
  • Alignment: Hold the phone parallel to the page. Let the app auto-detect edges.
  • Stability: Rest elbows on a table or use a book as a stabilizer.
  • Modes: Choose “Document/Black & White” for text, “Photo/Color” for images or stamps.
  • Multipage: Add pages in one session to keep order and file size efficient.

iPhone/iPad: Built-in & Free Apps

Method 1: Apple Notes (built-in)

  1. Open Notes → new note → tap Camera → Scan Documents.
  2. Align the page; edges auto-capture. Adjust corners if needed.
  3. Tap Save (adds as a multipage scan). Use filters: Color, Grayscale, B&W.
  4. Share → Save to Files to export as PDF or send via Mail/Drive.

Method 2: Files app (quick to PDF)

  1. Open Files → pick a folder → tap the ⋯ menu → Scan Documents.
  2. Capture pages → Keep Scan → Save. The scan is saved directly as a PDF.

Method 3: Free apps with OCR (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens)

  1. Install a scanning app and select the Document mode.
  2. Enable Auto-crop and OCR if available.
  3. Export as PDF (Searchable) to Files, iCloud, or Drive.
💡 Tip Rename scans like 2025-01-10_receipt_store.pdf for easy search and chronological sorting.

Android: Built-in & Free Apps

Method 1: Google Drive (built-in scanner)

  1. Open Google Drive → + → Scan.
  2. Auto-crop and enhance, then tap Add for more pages.
  3. Tap Save → choose folder → saved as PDF in Drive.

Method 2: Files by Google + scan app

  1. Capture with a scan app (Lens/Adobe Scan) and export to Downloads.
  2. Use Files by Google to manage, share, or move the PDF to cloud storage.

Method 3: Third-party apps (Lens, Adobe Scan, vFlat)

  • Perspective fix: Auto-flattens pages captured at an angle.
  • Shadow removal: Improves text contrast for crisp results.
  • Batch mode: Rapid multipage capture with consistent filters.
⚠️ Note Some apps require sign-in or cloud upload for OCR. For sensitive documents, pick offline processing in settings when offered.

Exporting, Sharing & OCR

  • Export format: Prefer PDF for multipage and easy sharing; use JPEG/PNG only for single photos.
  • Searchable text (OCR): Enable Recognize Text to make PDFs searchable and copyable.
  • File size: Use Grayscale/B&W and medium quality to keep PDFs small.
  • Security: Avoid public Wi-Fi for uploads; share via trusted cloud or encrypted messaging.
  • Backup: Store critical scans in two places (cloud + local).
💡 Tip When emailing, use a clear subject like “Invoice 2025-03 (PO 1234)” and attach one consolidated PDF.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Cropping is wrong: Switch to manual corner adjust; ensure the background contrasts with the paper.
  • Text looks fuzzy: Re-scan under brighter light; hold the phone steady and tap to focus.
  • File too large: Export in grayscale, reduce DPI/quality, or compress the PDF.
  • Search doesn’t work: Run OCR again or export as Searchable PDF.
  • Pages out of order: Use the app’s thumbnail grid to drag-reorder before exporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. Is a phone scan good enough for official documents?
    A. Yes, if the capture is sharp and legible. Use high contrast, avoid shadows, and export as PDF. Check the recipient’s submission rules.
  2. Q. What’s the difference between a photo and a scan?
    A. A scan is a flattened, cropped, contrast-enhanced image of a document, often compiled into a multipage PDF with optional OCR.
  3. Q. Do I need an internet connection?
    A. Not for basic scanning. Some apps require internet for OCR or cloud sync; choose offline OCR if privacy is important.
  4. Q. How do I keep scans organized?
    A. Use folders (Receipts, IDs, School), consistent names (YYYY-MM-DD_title.pdf), and tag/star important files in your cloud storage.

Notes

Note. Always review the final PDF before sending: verify page order, rotation, readability, and—if required—run OCR so text is searchable.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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