Unlocking Efficiency: How to Scan Documents on Brother MFC-L2700DW

Are you looking for a simple and efficient way to digitize your documents? The Brother MFC-L2700DW is a versatile all-in-one printer that can handle your scanning needs with ease. Whether you need to scan a single page or a multi-page document, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you get the most out of your Brother MFC-L2700DW.

Getting Started: Understanding the Basics

Before you start scanning, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basic components of your Brother MFC-L2700DW. The scanner bed is located on the top of the printer, while the automatic document feeder (ADF) is on the right side. The ADF allows you to scan multiple pages automatically, making it ideal for large documents.

Method 1: Scanning with the Scanner Bed

The scanner bed is perfect for scanning single-page documents, photographs, or items that are too thick or fragile to feed through the ADF. Here’s how to scan using the scanner bed:
1. Power On: Ensure your Brother MFC-L2700DW is powered on and ready.
2. Open the Scanner Lid: Gently lift the scanner lid to reveal the scanner bed.
3. Place the Document: Carefully place your document face down on the scanner bed, ensuring it’s aligned with the markings.
4. Close the Lid: Close the scanner lid firmly to ensure proper contact with the document.
5. Select Scan: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Scan” icon or button.
6. Choose Scan Destination: Select your desired scan destination, such as “Computer,” “Email,” “USB,” or “Cloud.”
7. Adjust Scan Settings: Customize your scan settings, including resolution, color mode, file type, and file name.
8. Start Scanning: Press the “Start” button to initiate the scan.
9. Save or Send: Once the scan is complete, you can save the document to your computer, send it via email, or store it on a USB drive depending on your chosen destination.

Method 2: Scanning with the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

The ADF streamlines the process of scanning multiple pages, saving you time and effort. Follow these steps to scan documents using the ADF:
1. Load the ADF: Lift the ADF cover and carefully stack your documents face down, aligning them with the paper guides.
2. Select Scan: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Scan” icon or button.
3. Choose Scan Destination: Select your preferred scan destination, such as “Computer,” “Email,” “USB,” or “Cloud.”
4. Adjust Scan Settings: Customize your scan settings, including resolution, color mode, file type, and file name.
5. Start Scanning: Press the “Start” button to initiate the scan. The ADF will automatically feed the pages one by one.
6. Save or Send: Once the scan is complete, you can save the document to your computer, send it via email, or store it on a USB drive depending on your chosen destination.

Scanning Tips and Tricks

Mastering the art of scanning on your Brother MFC-L2700DW can be enhanced with these helpful tips:

• Optimize Resolution: For high-quality scans, choose a higher resolution like 300 dpi or 600 dpi. However, for everyday use, 150 dpi or 200 dpi is sufficient.
• Choose the Right File Type: Select the appropriate file type based on your needs. For general documents, PDF is a good choice. For images, JPG or TIFF might be more suitable.
• Experiment with Color Modes: Choose “Color” for documents with images or graphics. Opt for “Black and White” for text-only documents to save storage space and reduce file sizes.
• Use the Preview Feature: Before scanning, utilize the preview function to ensure the document is aligned correctly and the scan settings are satisfactory.
• Clean the Scanner Glass: Regularly clean the scanner glass with a soft cloth to prevent dust and debris from affecting the scan quality.
• Check the Paper Guides: Ensure the paper guides are properly adjusted to prevent paper jams and ensure accurate scanning.

Scan to Email: Connecting Your Brother MFC-L2700DW to Your Email Account

The Brother MFC-L2700DW offers the convenience of scanning documents directly to your email address. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
1. Connect to Your Network: Ensure your printer is connected to your wireless network.
2. Access Printer Settings: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Settings” or “Menu” option.
3. Configure Email Settings: Locate the “Email” or “Scan to Email” settings and enter your email address, SMTP server information, and any required authentication details.
4. Test the Connection: Send a test email to verify the connection is successful.
5. Scan to Email: Once configured, you can scan documents directly to your email address by selecting “Email” as the scan destination.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

While the Brother MFC-L2700DW is a reliable machine, you might encounter occasional scanning issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Paper Jams: If a paper jam occurs, follow the instructions in the printer’s manual to clear the jam. Ensure the paper guides are properly adjusted and the paper is loaded correctly.
• Blank or Faded Scans: Clean the scanner glass with a soft cloth to remove dust or debris. Ensure the document is placed correctly on the scanner bed or in the ADF.
• Scan Errors: Check the printer’s control panel for error messages. Refer to the manual for troubleshooting steps or contact Brother support for assistance.

Embracing Efficiency: Scan to Cloud Storage

The Brother MFC-L2700DW supports seamless integration with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. This feature allows you to scan documents directly to your cloud account, making them accessible from any device at any time.
1. Configure Cloud Settings: Access the printer’s settings menu and locate the “Cloud” or “Scan to Cloud” options.
2. Connect Your Account: Enter your cloud storage account credentials and authorize the printer to access your account.
3. Scan to Cloud: When scanning, select your preferred cloud storage service as the destination.
4. Access Your Scans: Log in to your cloud storage account to access your scanned documents.

Beyond the Basics: Utilizing Advanced Scanning Features

The Brother MFC-L2700DW boasts a range of advanced scanning features that can enhance your productivity and efficiency:

• Document Skew Correction: This feature automatically corrects any skew or tilt in your scanned documents, ensuring they are aligned perfectly.
• Automatic Page Size Detection: The printer intelligently detects the size of your document and automatically adjusts the scan area, ensuring optimal results.
• Blank Page Detection: This feature automatically skips blank pages during multi-page scans, saving you time and storage space.
• Multi-page PDF Creation: The Brother MFC-L2700DW allows you to combine multiple scans into a single PDF file, making it easier to manage and share your documents.

Optimizing Your Scanning Workflow: A Final Note

Mastering the art of scanning on your Brother MFC-L2700DW transforms your document management process. By understanding the different methods, customizing scan settings, and utilizing advanced features, you can streamline your workflow and achieve optimal results.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I scan documents in different file formats using the Brother MFC-L2700DW?
A: Yes, the Brother MFC-L2700DW supports various file formats, including PDF, JPG, TIFF, and others. You can select the desired file format based on your needs and preferences.
Q: What is the maximum resolution I can scan at with the Brother MFC-L2700DW?
A: The Brother MFC-L2700DW offers a maximum resolution of 600 dpi. However, for everyday use, lower resolutions like 150 dpi or 200 dpi might be sufficient.
Q: Can I scan both sides of a document simultaneously?
A: Yes, the Brother MFC-L2700DW supports two-sided scanning. You can either select the “Two-Sided” option in the scan settings or use the automatic document feeder (ADF) for automatic two-sided scanning.
Q: How do I access the scanned documents on my computer?
A: The scanned documents will be saved to your chosen destination, such as your computer, email, USB drive, or cloud storage. You can access them from the respective location.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a scanning error?
A: Check the printer’s control panel for error messages. Refer to the manual for troubleshooting steps or contact Brother support for assistance.