Name: Your iPhone has a hidden document scanner. This is how to use it
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Your iPhone has a hidden document scanner. This is how to use it

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Don't fret the next time you're asked to scan a document -- just pick up your iPhone or iPad.If you don't own one of those fancy that includes a scanner, being asked to sign, scan and send a document can seem like an impossible task. Not to mention a task from a decade ago.But you may have a scanner right in your hand. Instead of buying a new printer, or going to the office just to scan a document, you can use your or .&nbsp;Everything AppleCNET's Apple Report newsletter delivers news, reviews and advice on iPhones, iPads, Macs and software.I don't mean take a picture and then crop it -- that's more work than it's worth. Better to use the document scanner that's buried in the Notes app. The feature was added in iOS 11 in 2017, but if you don't use Apple's Notes app, you'd never know it was there.&nbsp;Below I'll show you where to find the scanner, how to use it and cover some general tips to get the most of the hidden feature.&nbsp;Place the document(s) on a flat surface, in a well-lit area. Open the Notes app and either create a new note or open an existing note. I created a folder called Scanned Documents where I can store and easily find anything I've scanned.&nbsp;With a note open, tap on the camera icon then Scan Documents.&nbsp;Your iPhone or iPad will open the camera, complete with a shutter button near the bottom of the screen. Don't push it yet; instead, follow the prompts on your screen. To get the best results, hold your device directly above the document.&nbsp;A yellow box will appear as the camera begins scanning and looking for the document. You'll see tips like "get closer" as your device looks for the edges and corners of the paper. Once it identifies the entire document, it will automatically capture a scan. If your iPhone is struggling to find the document, you can press the shutter button.A small thumbnail of each page will show in the bottom-left corner, and the scanner will remain open to continue scanning multiple pages. When you're done, tap Save.After you scan the document, you can make adjustments like defining the corners if the scan isn't quite right, change the color scheme, rotate the document or add more pages.&nbsp;Tap on the document to open it, and you'll find all of the editing tools along the bottom of the screen. Use the crop tool to adjust the corners or cut out a section of the document if you don't want that information included.&nbsp;I've found the easiest way to use the crop tool is to place your finger near the small circle located on each corner of the document, each one doubling as a magnifying glass. That will give you a better view of your adjustments instead of covering them up.&nbsp;Now that you have a document scanned and adjusted, you have a few options. You can keep it in the Notes app for future reference, or you can sign and share it.&nbsp;To bring up the share sheet when viewing a document, tap the share button in the top-right corner of the screen. To add your signature, scroll below the app shortcuts and tap Markup. The markup tool has tools to draw, write or add text or add your signature. Tap on the "+" sign to see all of the tools options.&nbsp;When you're done signing or annotating the document, you can then email it, save it to the Files app or treat it as you would any other document on your iPhone or iPad.&nbsp;Now that you know about Apple's hidden scanner feature, make sure to . If you'd rather deal with a scanned document on your Mac, here's&nbsp; and send it directly to your Mac. For more general but ever-so-useful iOS 14 tips, .CloseSign in to commentBe respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.

Don't fret the next time you're asked to scan a document -- just pick up your iPhone or iPad.If you don't own one of those fancy that includes a scanner, being asked to sign, scan and send a document can seem like an impossible task. Not to mention a task from a decade ago.But you may have a scanner right in your hand. Instead of buying a new printer, or going to the office just to scan a document, you can use your or .&nbsp;Everything AppleCNET's Apple Report newsletter delivers news, reviews and advice on iPhones, iPads, Macs and software.I don't mean take a picture and then crop it --...

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Jason Cipriani

CNET, formerly Computer Network, is an American media website that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos on technology and consumer electronics globally. Founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition in 2008.

Your iPhone has a hidden document scanner. This is how to use it

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