How to Scan Brother HL-L2390DW: Boost Your Productivity with These Easy Steps

The Brother HL-L2390DW is a versatile printer known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. But its capabilities extend beyond printing; it’s also a powerful scanner. Whether you need to digitize important documents, create digital copies, or share scanned files, the HL-L2390DW makes it easy. This guide will walk you through the process of scanning with your Brother HL-L2390DW, covering various methods and helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your scanner.

Scanning Basics: Understanding the Interface

Before diving into the different scanning methods, let’s familiarize ourselves with the printer’s interface. Your Brother HL-L2390DW comes equipped with a control panel featuring a clear LCD screen and buttons for navigating the menu. This panel is your gateway to accessing the scanner’s functions.

Method 1: Scanning Directly to Your Computer

This method is ideal for quickly scanning documents and saving them directly to your computer. Here’s how it works:
1. Connect your printer: Ensure your printer is connected to your computer via USB or wireless network.
2. Open the Brother iPrint&Scan utility: This software is usually installed with your printer driver. You can find it in your Start menu or by searching for it.
3. Select “Scan” from the menu: The iPrint&Scan utility will display a window with various scanning options.
4. Choose your settings: Customize the scan type (color or black and white), resolution, document size, and file format (PDF, JPG, etc.).
5. Place your document: Load your document onto the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF).
6. Start the scan: Click the “Scan” button in the iPrint&Scan utility.
7. Save the scan: Choose a destination folder on your computer to save the scanned file.

Method 2: Scanning to a Network Folder

This method allows you to scan documents directly to a shared network folder, making it convenient for multiple users to access the scanned files.
1. Access the printer’s web interface: Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your printer. The IP address is usually printed on the back or bottom of the printer.
2. Navigate to the “Scan” settings: Look for the “Scan” or “Network Scan” section in the printer’s web interface.
3. Configure the network folder: Select “Scan to Network Folder” and enter the path to the shared folder on your network.
4. Choose your scan settings: Customize the scan type, resolution, document size, and file format.
5. Place your document: Load your document onto the scanner glass or in the ADF.
6. Start the scan: Click the “Scan” button on the printer’s control panel.

Method 3: Scanning from the Printer’s Control Panel

This method is the most straightforward if you only need a quick scan and don’t require specific settings.
1. Place your document: Load your document onto the scanner glass or in the ADF.
2. Select the “Scan” function: Press the “Scan” button on the printer’s control panel.
3. Choose your scan destination: Select the desired destination for the scanned file, which could be a USB drive, a network folder, or the printer’s internal memory.
4. Adjust the scan settings: Customize the scan type, resolution, and file format if needed.
5. Start the scan: Press the “Start” button on the control panel.

Tips for Optimal Scanning

To achieve the best possible scan quality, keep these tips in mind:

• Clean the scanner glass: Dust and smudges can affect the clarity of your scans. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the scanner glass before placing your document.
• Use the correct document feeder: The ADF is ideal for multi-page documents, while the scanner glass is better for single pages or thicker items.
• Adjust the resolution: Higher resolution scans produce larger files but offer greater detail. Choose the resolution that suits your needs.
• Use the appropriate scan type: Select “Color” for documents with colored text or images, and “Black and White” for documents with only black text.
• Experiment with different settings: The best settings may vary depending on the document you are scanning. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different options to find what works best for you.

Troubleshooting Common Scan Issues

While scanning with the Brother HL-L2390DW is generally smooth, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to address them:

• “Scan Failed” error: This error can occur due to a paper jam, an incorrect document type, or a problem with the scanner glass. Check for these issues and try again.
• Blank or distorted scans: Ensure the document is properly aligned on the scanner glass or in the ADF. Also, check for any dust or smudges on the scanner glass.
• Slow scanning speed: The scanning speed may be affected by the resolution and file format you choose. Try reducing the resolution or using a different file format.
• Unable to connect to the network: Make sure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer. Check the network settings on both devices.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Features

The Brother HL-L2390DW offers additional features that can enhance your scanning experience.

• Scanning to email: You can scan documents directly to an email address, making it easy to share files with others.
• Scanning to cloud storage: Save scanned documents to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for easy access from any device.
• OCR (Optical Character Recognition): This feature converts scanned text into editable text, allowing you to search and edit the content.
• Duplex scanning: This feature allows you to scan both sides of a document simultaneously, saving time and effort.

Embracing the Power of Scanning: A Final Thought

The Brother HL-L2390DW is more than just a printer; it’s a versatile tool that can streamline your workflow and make document management a breeze. By understanding the different scanning methods, optimizing your settings, and utilizing the advanced features, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful scanner.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What is the maximum scan resolution of the Brother HL-L2390DW?
A: The maximum scan resolution of the Brother HL-L2390DW is 600 x 600 dpi.
Q: Can I scan directly to a USB drive?
A: Yes, you can scan directly to a USB drive using the printer’s control panel.
Q: Does the Brother HL-L2390DW support duplex scanning?
A: Yes, the Brother HL-L2390DW supports duplex scanning, allowing you to scan both sides of a document at once.
Q: Can I scan photos with the Brother HL-L2390DW?
A: Yes, you can scan photos with the Brother HL-L2390DW. However, the scan quality may not be as high as with a dedicated photo scanner.
Q: How do I update the firmware on my Brother HL-L2390DW?
A: You can update the firmware on your Brother HL-L2390DW by downloading the latest firmware from the Brother website and installing it on your computer. You can then use the Brother iPrint&Scan utility to update the firmware on your printer.