What To Know
- For example, you might choose a higher resolution for a document you plan to print, while a lower resolution might suffice for a document you’ll be sharing online.
- You can choose to save it directly to a USB drive, network location, or to your computer if it’s connected.
- After the scan is complete, you can save the file to your mobile device, share it via email, or print it directly from the app.
If you own a Brother printer, you’re likely aware of its versatility. But did you know that your Brother printer can also be a powerful scanning tool? From documents to photos, you can easily digitize your physical items with just a few clicks. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to scan in Brother printers, covering both basic and advanced techniques.
Getting Started: Preparing Your Documents and Printer
Before you begin scanning, ensure your documents are ready. This includes:
- Flattening Documents: Ensure your documents are flat and free of any wrinkles or folds. This will ensure a clear scan.
- Adjusting the Document Feeder: If you’re scanning multiple pages, make sure the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is properly adjusted. This will prevent jams and ensure smooth scanning.
- Choosing the Right Scan Settings: Brother printers offer a variety of scan settings. Consider the type of document you’re scanning and the intended use. For example, you might choose a higher resolution for a document you plan to print, while a lower resolution might suffice for a document you’ll be sharing online.
Scanning with the Brother Printer Software
The Brother printer software provides a user-friendly interface for scanning documents. Here’s how to scan using the software:
1. Open the Brother Software: Locate and open the Brother printer software on your computer. This software is usually installed during the printer setup process.
2. Select “Scan”: Within the software, find the “Scan” option. This will typically be under a “Tools” or “Utilities” menu.
3. Choose Your Scan Settings: You’ll be presented with various options for customizing your scan. These options might include:
- Scan Type: Select “Document” for text-based documents, “Photo” for pictures, or “Mixed” for a combination.
- Resolution: Choose the resolution based on the intended use of the scan. Higher resolutions are better for printing, while lower resolutions are suitable for online sharing.
- Color Mode: Select “Color” for full-color scans, “Grayscale” for black and white, or “Black and White” for pure black and white scans.
- File Type: Choose the desired file format for your scan, such as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF.
4. Start the Scan: Once your settings are configured, click “Scan” to begin the process.
5. Save the Scan: After the scan is complete, you’ll be prompted to save the file. Choose a location and a name for your scan.
Scanning Directly from the Printer Control Panel
For a quicker scan, you can scan directly from the printer’s control panel. Here’s how:
1. Load Your Document: Place your document on the flatbed scanner or in the ADF, depending on your scanning needs.
2. Access the Scan Menu: Locate the “Scan” button on your printer’s control panel. This button may be labeled differently depending on your printer model.
3. Select Your Scan Settings: Use the navigation buttons on the control panel to select the desired scan settings, such as resolution, color mode, and file type.
4. Start the Scan: Press the “Start” or “Scan” button to initiate the scan.
5. Save the Scan: After the scan is complete, you’ll be prompted to save the file. You can choose to save it directly to a USB drive, network location, or to your computer if it’s connected.
Scanning from Your Mobile Device
Many Brother printers offer mobile scanning capabilities. This allows you to scan documents directly from your smartphone or tablet.
1. Download the Brother App: Search for “Brother iPrint&Scan” in your app store and download the app. This app is compatible with most Brother printers.
2. Connect Your Device: Connect your mobile device to your printer’s Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch the App: Open the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your mobile device.
4. Select “Scan”: Tap on the “Scan” option within the app.
5. Choose Your Scan Settings: Adjust the scan settings as needed, including resolution, color mode, and file type.
6. Start the Scan: Tap “Scan” to begin the process.
7. Save the Scan: After the scan is complete, you can save the file to your mobile device, share it via email, or print it directly from the app.
Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues
While scanning is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Blank or Empty Scans: Ensure that the document is properly placed on the flatbed scanner or in the ADF. Also, check if the scanner glass is dirty or smudged.
- Blurry or Fuzzy Scans: Make sure the document is flat and free of wrinkles or folds. Adjust the resolution settings to a higher value for sharper scans.
- Skewed or Crooked Scans: Ensure the document is aligned properly on the flatbed scanner or in the ADF.
- Scanning Errors: Check the printer’s paper tray for any obstructions or jams. Restart the printer and try scanning again.
Beyond Basic Scanning: Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic scanning techniques, you can explore advanced features offered by your Brother printer. These might include:
- Scanning to Email: Some Brother printers allow you to scan documents directly to an email address. This is convenient for quickly sharing documents with others.
- Scanning to Cloud Storage: Many Brother printers support cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. This allows you to easily store your scans in the cloud for easy access from any device.
- Scanning with OCR (Optical Character Recognition): OCR technology can convert scanned documents into editable text. This is useful for creating searchable PDF files or for editing text from scanned documents.
Wrapping Up: Your Journey to Scanning Mastery
Congratulations! You’ve now learned the ins and outs of how to scan in Brother printers. From basic scanning techniques to advanced features, you’re equipped to digitize your documents with ease. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you scan, the more comfortable you’ll become with the process. And don’t hesitate to explore the advanced features offered by your Brother printer to enhance your scanning experience.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: My scans are always too dark. What can I do?
A: Adjust the brightness and contrast settings in your scan settings. You can also try using a different color mode, such as “Grayscale” or “Black and White”.
Q: Can I scan multiple pages at once?
A: Yes, you can scan multiple pages at once using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Simply load the pages into the ADF and select the “Multiple Pages” option in the scan settings.
Q: How do I save a scan as a PDF?
A: In the scan settings, choose “PDF” as the file type. You can also choose to save the PDF as a single file or as multiple pages.
Q: Can I scan photos?
A: Yes, you can scan photos using the flatbed scanner. Simply place the photo on the scanner glass and select the “Photo” scan type in the settings.
Q: What if my Brother printer doesn‘t have a flatbed scanner?
A: If your Brother printer only has an ADF, you can still scan photos, but you’ll need to use a separate photo scanner.
