What To Know
- Turn on your printer and place the document you want to scan face down on the flatbed scanner glass.
- With the Canon PRINT app, you can scan documents and photos directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Once the scan is complete, you can save the image to your device or share it directly to social media, email, or cloud storage services.
If you’re the proud owner of a Canon TR4720, you’ve got a versatile machine that can handle both printing and scanning. But mastering the art of scanning from your TR4720 can feel a bit daunting at first. This guide will demystify the process, equipping you with the knowledge to scan documents, photos, and more, with ease.
Getting Started: Connecting Your Canon TR4720
Before you dive into scanning, ensure your Canon TR4720 is properly connected to your computer. This can be done in two primary ways:
- USB Connection: The most straightforward method is using a USB cable. Connect one end to your printer’s USB port and the other end to your computer’s USB port. Your computer should automatically recognize the printer.
- Wireless Connection: For a more flexible setup, connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network. This allows you to scan from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without a physical cable. To connect wirelessly, follow the instructions in your printer’s manual or use the Canon PRINT app for guidance.
Scanning Documents: The Essentials
Scanning documents is a breeze with your Canon TR4720. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Power On and Load: Turn on your printer and place the document you want to scan face down on the flatbed scanner glass. Ensure it’s positioned properly within the scanning area.
2. Select Scan Function: Open the Canon IJ Scan Utility software on your computer. This software is typically included on the installation disc that came with your printer. You can also download it from the Canon website if needed.
3. Choose Scan Settings: Within the software, select “Document” as the scan type. Adjust settings like resolution (for image clarity), color mode (grayscale or color), and file format (PDF, JPEG, TIFF). Higher resolution scans create larger files, but offer greater detail.
4. Start the Scan: Click the “Scan” button in the software. Your Canon TR4720 will begin scanning the document, and the scanned image will appear on your computer screen.
5. Save and Share: Once the scan is complete, you can save the digital copy to your computer. You can also choose to directly email the scanned document or print it again.
Mastering Photo Scans
Scanning photos is a great way to preserve memories and share them digitally. Here’s how to get the best results:
1. Prepare Your Photos: Before placing photos on the scanner, make sure they’re clean and dust-free. Use a soft cloth or a photo cleaning brush to remove any particles.
2. Choose Photo Settings: In the Canon IJ Scan Utility, select “Photo” as the scan type. Experiment with different resolution settings based on the size and quality of your photos. Higher resolutions are ideal for large prints or detailed images.
3. Adjust Brightness and Contrast: The software allows you to fine-tune brightness and contrast for optimal photo clarity.
4. Scan and Save: After adjusting settings, start the scan. The scanned photo will appear on your computer screen. Save the image as a JPEG or TIFF file for best quality.
Scanning from Your Smartphone or Tablet
With the Canon PRINT app, you can scan documents and photos directly from your smartphone or tablet. Here’s how:
1. Download and Install: Download the Canon PRINT app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Pair Your Device: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your smartphone or tablet to your Canon TR4720.
3. Scan Documents or Photos: Within the app, select “Scan” and choose the document or photo you want to scan.
4. Adjust Scan Settings: The app allows you to adjust settings like resolution, color mode, and file format.
5. Save or Share: Once the scan is complete, you can save the image to your device or share it directly to social media, email, or cloud storage services.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While scanning with your Canon TR4720 is generally straightforward, you might encounter some occasional hiccups. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- The scanner isn’t recognized: Ensure your printer is connected properly via USB or Wi-Fi. If using a USB connection, try a different port on your computer.
- Scanned image is blurry: Increase the resolution settings in the scan software or app.
- Scanned image is too dark or light: Adjust the brightness and contrast settings in the scan software or app.
- The scan process is slow: Ensure your computer or mobile device has sufficient processing power and memory.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Basics
Understanding the fundamentals of scanning with your Canon TR4720 opens up a world of possibilities. You can now easily create digital copies of important documents, preserve cherished memories with scanned photos, and even scan multi-page documents into a single PDF file. Experiment with the various settings and features to find the optimal workflow for your needs.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I scan multiple pages at once?
A: Yes, the Canon TR4720 supports automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning, allowing you to scan multiple pages consecutively without manual intervention.
Q: What file formats can I scan to?
A: The Canon IJ Scan Utility software supports various file formats, including PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG.
Q: Can I edit scanned images after scanning?
A: Yes, the Canon IJ Scan Utility software offers basic editing features like cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness and contrast. You can also use external image editing software for more advanced edits.
Q: Is there a way to scan directly to a cloud storage service?
A: While the Canon TR4720 doesn’t have a built-in feature to scan directly to cloud storage, you can save the scanned image to your computer and then upload it to your preferred cloud storage service.