How to Scan with a Brother HL-L2380DW: The Ultimate Guide

The Brother HL-L2380DW is a versatile and reliable printer that offers a range of functionalities, including scanning. Whether you need to digitize documents, photos, or receipts, this guide will walk you through the process of how to scan with a Brother HL-L2380DW, ensuring you get the most out of your printer’s capabilities.

Setting Up Your Brother HL-L2380DW for Scanning

Before you can start scanning, you need to ensure your Brother HL-L2380DW is properly set up. This involves connecting the printer to your computer and installing the necessary software.
1. Connect your printer: The Brother HL-L2380DW offers various connection options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Choose the method that best suits your setup and follow the printer’s manual for detailed instructions.
2. Install the Brother software: Download and install the latest Brother printer driver and software from the Brother website. This software package includes the necessary tools for scanning, including the Brother iPrint&Scan application.

Scanning with the Brother iPrint&Scan Application

Once your printer is set up, you can start scanning using the Brother iPrint&Scan application. This application provides a user-friendly interface for managing your scanning tasks.
1. Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan application: Open the application from your computer’s start menu or applications folder.
2. Select the scan type: Choose the type of scan you want to perform, such as document, photo, or business card.
3. Configure scan settings: Customize the scan settings according to your needs. You can adjust the resolution, color mode, document size, and other parameters.
4. Select the destination: Choose where you want to save the scanned document, such as your computer, a network folder, or a cloud storage service.
5. Start scanning: Initiate the scanning process by clicking the “Scan” button. The Brother HL-L2380DW will scan the document and save it to the chosen destination.

Scanning from the Printer Control Panel

For quick and easy scanning, you can use the buttons on the printer’s control panel. This method is convenient for scanning single documents or photos without needing to access the computer.
1. Load the document: Place the document face down on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF).
2. Select the scan mode: Use the buttons on the control panel to choose the desired scan mode, such as “Scan to PC” or “Scan to Email.”
3. Configure scan settings: Adjust the scan settings, such as resolution and color mode, using the buttons on the control panel.
4. Start scanning: Initiate the scanning process by pressing the “Start” button. The Brother HL-L2380DW will scan the document and send it to the chosen destination.

Scanning to Email

The Brother HL-L2380DW allows you to scan documents directly to email, making it easy to share documents with colleagues, clients, or friends.
1. Configure email settings: Access the printer’s settings menu and configure the email address and SMTP server settings.
2. Select “Scan to Email” mode: Choose the “Scan to Email” mode from the printer’s control panel.
3. Enter recipient email address: Enter the email address of the recipient.
4. Add a subject and message: Optionally, add a subject and message to the email.
5. Start scanning: Initiate the scanning process and the Brother HL-L2380DW will scan the document and send it as an email attachment.

Scanning to a Cloud Storage Service

The Brother HL-L2380DW supports scanning to popular cloud storage services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. This allows you to access your scanned documents from any device with internet access.
1. Connect your cloud account: In the Brother iPrint&Scan application, connect your cloud storage account by providing your login credentials.
2. Select the cloud service: Choose the desired cloud storage service as the destination for your scan.
3. Start scanning: Initiate the scanning process, and the Brother HL-L2380DW will scan the document and save it to your cloud account.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

While scanning with the Brother HL-L2380DW is generally straightforward, you may encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Scanned documents are blurry: Check the scan resolution and ensure it’s set to a high enough value for clear images.
• Scanned documents are too dark or too light: Adjust the brightness and contrast settings in the scan settings menu.
• Scanned documents are skewed: Ensure the document is properly aligned on the scanner glass or in the ADF.
• The printer cannot connect to the network: Check your network connection and ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
• The printer cannot find the computer: Verify that the computer and printer are on the same network and that the correct IP address is entered in the printer settings.

Embracing the Future of Scanning: Beyond the Basics

The Brother HL-L2380DW offers a range of features that enhance your scanning experience beyond the basic functionalities.

• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): The ADF allows you to scan multiple documents in a single batch, saving you time and effort.
• Two-sided scanning: The Brother HL-L2380DW can scan both sides of a document automatically, further enhancing efficiency.
• Scanning to a USB drive: You can scan documents directly to a USB drive, providing a convenient way to transport and share your scans.
• Scanning to a network folder: Scan documents directly to a shared network folder, allowing multiple users to access the scans.

A Farewell to the Ordinary: Mastering Scanning with Your Brother HL-L2380DW

Mastering the art of scanning with your Brother HL-L2380DW unlocks a world of possibilities. From digitizing important documents to sharing photos with loved ones, the versatility of this printer empowers you to manage your digital life with ease. Remember to explore the different features and settings available to optimize your scanning workflow and embrace the future of document management.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I scan photos with the Brother HL-L2380DW?
Yes, the Brother HL-L2380DW can scan photos, and you can choose different scan settings to optimize the quality for photos.
2. How do I scan a document to a USB drive?
Insert a USB drive into the printer’s front panel. Then, select the “Scan to USB” mode from the printer’s control panel and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. What is the maximum resolution for scanning with the Brother HL-L2380DW?
The Brother HL-L2380DW offers a maximum resolution of 600 x 600 dpi.
4. Can I scan multiple pages at once?
Yes, you can scan multiple pages at once using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).
5. What are the different scan modes available on the Brother HL-L2380DW?
The Brother HL-L2380DW offers various scan modes, including “Scan to PC,” “Scan to Email,” “Scan to USB,” “Scan to Cloud,” and “Scan to Network Folder.