Unlocking the Secrets of How to Scan from Brother HL-L2390DW: A Comprehensive Guide

The Brother HL-L2390DW is a versatile printer known for its reliable performance and user-friendly interface. But did you know its capabilities extend beyond just printing? This powerful machine can also serve as a high-quality scanner, allowing you to digitize documents, photos, and more. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply looking to organize your paperwork, mastering the art of scanning with your Brother HL-L2390DW is a valuable skill. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of how to scan from your Brother HL-L2390DW, covering everything from basic scans to advanced techniques.

Getting Started: Preparation is Key

Before we dive into the scanning process, let’s ensure you have everything you need:

• Your Brother HL-L2390DW printer: Make sure it’s powered on and connected to your computer or network.
• The document or photo you want to scan: Ensure it’s clean and free from any creases or wrinkles.
• Scanning software: You can use the Brother iPrint&Scan app (available for both iOS and Android), the Brother ControlCenter software (installed with the printer driver), or the built-in scanner driver on your computer.

Scanning Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App

The Brother iPrint&Scan app offers a convenient way to scan documents wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and Install: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Connect to the Printer: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to your Brother HL-L2390DW. This usually involves selecting your printer from a list or entering its network name.
3. Select Scan: Once connected, tap the “Scan” icon on the app.
4. Choose Scan Settings: Select the type of document you’re scanning (photo, document, etc.), the scan resolution, and the output format (JPEG, PDF, etc.).
5. Place the Document: Place the document face down on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF) if you’re scanning multiple pages.
6. Start Scanning: Tap the “Scan” button to initiate the scanning process.
7. Save or Share: Once the scan is complete, you can save it to your device’s gallery or share it directly to email, social media, or cloud storage.

Scanning Using Brother ControlCenter

Brother ControlCenter is a powerful software package that comes with your printer driver. It provides a comprehensive interface for managing your scans and offers a wider range of customization options compared to the iPrint&Scan app.
1. Open Brother ControlCenter: Locate the Brother ControlCenter icon on your computer’s desktop or in the Start menu.
2. Select Scan: Click on the “Scan” icon in the Brother ControlCenter window.
3. Choose Scan Settings: Customize your scan settings, including scan type, resolution, color mode, and output format.
4. Place the Document: Place the document face down on the scanner glass or in the ADF.
5. Start Scanning: Click the “Scan” button to begin the scanning process.
6. Save or Share: Your scan can be saved directly to your computer or shared to other applications.

Scanning Using the Built-in Scanner Driver

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can use your computer’s built-in scanner driver to scan documents. This method eliminates the need for additional software and is often the simplest option.
1. Open the Scanner Driver: Access the scanner driver from your computer’s “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” settings.
2. Choose Scan Settings: Select the desired scan settings, including scan type, resolution, and output format.
3. Place the Document: Place the document face down on the scanner glass or in the ADF.
4. Start Scanning: Click the “Scan” button to begin the scanning process.
5. Save or Share: The scan will be saved directly to your computer or opened in a default image viewer.

Advanced Scanning Techniques

While the basic scanning methods are straightforward, the Brother HL-L2390DW offers a range of advanced features to enhance your scanning experience:

• Scanning Multiple Pages: Use the ADF to scan multiple pages automatically, saving you time and effort.
• Two-Sided Scanning: Scan both sides of a document simultaneously using the ADF’s automatic two-sided scanning feature.
• Scanning to Cloud Storage: Directly scan documents to cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, eliminating the need for manual uploads.
• Scanning to Email: Send scanned documents directly to email recipients, making it easy to share information with colleagues or clients.

Optimizing Your Scans: Tips for Success

To achieve the best possible scan results, consider these tips:

• Clean the Scanner Glass: Regularly clean the scanner glass to ensure clear and crisp scans.
• Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when scanning documents, especially for photos and color documents.
• Document Orientation: Place the document flat and centered on the scanner glass for optimal results.
• Scan Resolution: Choose a higher resolution for detailed scans, such as for photos or documents with fine print. For everyday documents, a lower resolution might suffice.
• File Format: Select the appropriate file format based on your needs. JPEG is suitable for photos, while PDF is preferred for documents.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Features

The Brother HL-L2390DW offers a wealth of features that can further enhance your scanning workflow. Explore the following options:

• Document Feeder Capacity: The ADF can hold up to 50 sheets, enabling you to scan large batches of documents efficiently.
• Scan to USB: Save scans directly to a USB flash drive for easy portability.
• Scan to Folder: Automate your scanning process by configuring the printer to save scans to specific folders on your computer.
• Scan to Network Folder: Share scanned documents with other users on your network by saving them to a shared network folder.

Wrapping Up: Mastering the Art of Scanning

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ve gained the knowledge to confidently scan documents and photos using your Brother HL-L2390DW. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply looking to organize your paperwork, mastering the art of scanning unlocks a world of possibilities. Embrace the versatility of your Brother HL-L2390DW and take control of your digital documents today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I scan photos with the Brother HL-L2390DW?
A: Yes, the Brother HL-L2390DW is capable of scanning photos. Ensure you choose the appropriate settings for photo scanning, including a higher resolution and a suitable file format like JPEG.
Q2: How do I scan a multi-page document?
A: Use the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) to scan multiple pages at once. Place the documents face down in the ADF, and the printer will automatically scan each page.
Q3: Can I scan to a cloud storage service?
A: Yes, some scanning software, like Brother iPrint&Scan, allows you to scan directly to cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.
Q4: What is the resolution of the Brother HL-L2390DW scanner?
A: The Brother HL-L2390DW has a maximum optical resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. You can choose different resolutions based on your needs, but the maximum resolution will be limited by the hardware.
Q5: Can I scan to a USB flash drive?
A: Yes, the Brother HL-L2390DW supports scanning to a USB flash drive. Simply insert the USB drive into the printer’s USB port and select the “Scan to USB” option in the scanning settings.