What To Know
- Whether you need to scan documents, photos, or other materials, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can maximize the scanning capabilities of your Brother MFC-L8900CDW.
- If you frequently scan to the same folder on your computer, you can set up a default scan destination.
- This could be due to the document being placed incorrectly on the scanner glass, a jammed document in the ADF, or a problem with the scanner itself.
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a powerful multi-function printer that offers a wide range of features, including scanning. Whether you need to scan documents, photos, or other materials, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can maximize the scanning capabilities of your Brother MFC-L8900CDW.
Getting Started: Connecting Your Brother MFC-L8900CDW
Before you can scan, you need to connect your Brother MFC-L8900CDW to your computer. There are a few ways to do this:
- USB Connection: The most common and straightforward method is using a USB cable. Simply connect one end to your printer and the other to a USB port on your computer.
- Network Connection: For a more flexible setup, you can connect your printer to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This allows you to scan from any computer on the network.
Once connected, ensure your printer is powered on, and the paper tray is loaded with the appropriate paper type.
Scanning Using the Control Panel
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW’s control panel provides a convenient way to scan directly to your computer, memory card, or email. Here’s how:
1. Place Your Document: Load the document you want to scan onto the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF).
2. Select the Scan Function: On the control panel, find the “Scan” or “Copy” button.
3. Choose Your Destination: Select where you want to save the scan:
- Computer: This will save the scan to your computer’s designated folder.
- Memory Card: For saving directly to an SD card inserted into the printer.
- Email: You can send the scan directly to an email address.
4. Adjust Scan Settings: You can adjust the scan resolution, color mode (color or black and white), and file format (PDF, JPEG, etc.) to suit your needs.
5. Start Scanning: Press the “Start” or “Scan” button to begin the process.
Scanning Using Brother’s iPrint&Scan App
For a more mobile-friendly approach, you can use Brother’s iPrint&Scan app. This app allows you to scan directly from your smartphone or tablet.
1. Download the App: Download the iPrint&Scan app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Connect to Your Printer: Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to your Brother MFC-L8900CDW.
3. Select Scan: Choose the “Scan” option within the app.
4. Configure Settings: Adjust the scan settings, such as resolution, color mode, and file format.
5. Start Scanning: Press the “Scan” button to begin the process.
6. Save or Share: You can save the scan to your device, share it via email, or print it directly from the app.
Scanning to a Specific Folder
If you frequently scan to the same folder on your computer, you can set up a default scan destination. This simplifies the process and saves you time.
1. Access the Brother Control Center: This software is usually installed automatically when you set up your printer.
2. Navigate to Scan Settings: Look for the “Scan” or “Scan Settings” option within the software.
3. Choose Default Destination: Select the “Computer” option and then browse to the folder where you want your scans to be saved.
4. Save Settings: Apply the changes and save your settings.
Now, when you scan using the printer’s control panel, your scans will automatically be saved to the chosen folder.
Scanning Multiple Pages with the ADF
The automatic document feeder (ADF) makes scanning multiple pages a breeze. Here’s how to use it:
1. Load the ADF: Place the pages you want to scan in the ADF, ensuring they are aligned correctly.
2. Select Scan Settings: Choose your preferred settings, such as resolution, color mode, and file format.
3. Start Scanning: Press the “Start” or “Scan” button to begin scanning all the pages in the ADF.
4. Save or Share: Once the scan is complete, you can save it to your computer, memory card, or share it via email.
Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues
While scanning with the Brother MFC-L8900CDW is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Blank Scans: This could be due to the document being placed incorrectly on the scanner glass, a jammed document in the ADF, or a problem with the scanner itself. Check the document placement and clear any jams. If the issue persists, contact Brother support.
- Poor Scan Quality: Ensure the document is clean and free of wrinkles or folds. Adjust the scan settings, particularly the resolution, to improve the quality. If the issue is persistent, try cleaning the scanner glass or contacting Brother support.
- Scans Not Saving to Computer: Check that your printer is connected to your computer and that the correct driver is installed. Ensure the folder you are saving to has sufficient storage space.
- Scans Not Sending to Email: Double-check your email address and password settings. Ensure the printer is connected to your network and that the network connection is stable.
Wrapping Up: Maximizing Your Scan Potential
With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW empowers you to scan documents, photos, and other materials with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently scan to your computer, memory card, or email, and even customize settings for optimal results. Whether you’re a home user or a small business owner, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a reliable and powerful tool for all your scanning needs.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I scan directly to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox?
A: While the Brother MFC-L8900CDW doesn‘t have direct cloud integration, you can scan to your computer and then upload the scan to your chosen cloud storage service.
Q: Can I scan both sides of a document at once?
A: Yes, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW supports two-sided scanning using the automatic document feeder (ADF).
Q: What is the maximum scan resolution of the Brother MFC-L8900CDW?
A: The Brother MFC-L8900CDW has a maximum scan resolution of 19200 x 19200 dpi (dots per inch).
Q: How do I clean the scanner glass?
A: Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to gently clean the scanner glass. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Q: Where can I find the user manual for the Brother MFC-L8900CDW?
A: You can find the user manual on the Brother website or by searching online for “Brother MFC-L8900CDW user manual”.
