Key takeaways
- Light and background matter more than the phone model.
- Use a dark, plain surface so edges are detected instantly.
- Hold the phone parallel to the page and let auto-capture take the photo.
- Pick the filter that matches the document, then check each page before saving.
A great scan isn't about an expensive phone. It's about a few habits that help the camera and the software do their job. Here are twelve that make a visible difference.
Before you scan
- Clean the lens. A single fingerprint makes everything soft and hazy. Wipe it with your shirt or a cloth.
- Use daylight. Scan near a window. Daylight is even and makes paper look naturally white.
- Pick a dark, plain background. A wooden table, a dark folder or a desk mat lets the app find edges instantly. Avoid patterned tablecloths.
- Flatten the page. Unfold creases and hold curly corners with coins outside the text.
While scanning
- Hold the phone parallel to the paper. The app corrects angles, but straighter photos are sharper at the edges.
- Fill most of the frame. Leave a small margin around the page — don't crop it tightly.
- Don't zoom. Move closer instead. Digital zoom throws away detail.
- Let auto-capture do it. Pressing the button shakes the phone. Wait for the outline to lock and the photo is taken at the steadiest moment.
- Watch your shadow. Stand so the light comes from the side or the front, never from behind you.
- Skip the flash unless the room is truly dark; it causes glare and hotspots.
After scanning
- Choose the right filter. Auto color for most papers, Light text for faded receipts, Black & white for plain text, Whiteboard for boards.
- Check every page. Open any page that looks off and adjust the corners, brightness or contrast. It takes seconds.
Quick troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Edges not found | Use a darker background or tap the shutter manually and adjust corners |
| Grey or blotchy paper | Better light, then Auto color or Clean background |
| Faint text | Light text filter or more contrast |
| Wavy lines | Flatten the page or turn on Flatten curved page |
| Yellow tint | Auto color fixes white balance |
Saving the result
Save as PDF for documents, choose Standard quality for everyday use and High for printing. Turn on OCR if you'll want to search the text later.
Follow these tips once and they become automatic — and your scans will look like they came out of an office scanner.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my scans blurry?
Usually because the phone moved during the shot or the lens is dirty. Let auto-capture take the photo when the outline is steady, and wipe the lens.
Should I use the flash?
Only in very dark rooms. Flash creates glare and a bright spot, especially on glossy paper.
What resolution do I need?
Any modern phone camera captures more than enough detail for documents. Hold the phone closer rather than zooming.
Why are the colors yellow?
Warm indoor light tints the paper. The Auto color filter corrects white balance automatically.