What To Know
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your printer and the other end to your router or network switch.
- This enables you to scan both sides of a document in one go.
- If using a USB connection, verify the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and your computer.
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Brother MFC-L2700DW multifunction printer? While it’s known for its impressive printing capabilities, its scanner is equally powerful, offering crisp scans and seamless integration into your workflow. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of setting up your Brother MFC-L2700DW scanner, ensuring you can efficiently capture and manage documents.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Before diving into the scanner setup, let’s ensure your Brother MFC-L2700DW is ready to go.
1. Unboxing: Carefully unpack your printer and remove all packaging materials.
2. Connecting Power: Connect the power cord to the printer and a wall outlet.
3. Setting Up the Cartridges: Locate the toner cartridges in the box. Follow the instructions in your user manual to install them correctly.
4. Initial Setup: Once the printer is powered on, you’ll be guided through an initial setup process. This typically involves selecting your language and network settings.
Connecting to Your Network
Connecting your Brother MFC-L2700DW to your network is crucial for seamless scanning and sharing documents. Here’s how to do it:
1. Wireless Connection (Recommended):
- Using the Printer’s Display: Access the printer’s menu and navigate to the network settings. Choose your wireless network from the list and enter the password when prompted.
- Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet. Follow the app’s instructions to connect your printer to your wireless network.
2. Wired Connection:
- Using an Ethernet Cable: Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your printer and the other end to your router or network switch.
Understanding Your Scanner Interface
The Brother MFC-L2700DW offers a user-friendly interface for scanning.
1. The Control Panel: This intuitive panel on the printer allows you to initiate scans directly. You’ll find buttons for different scan types, such as document, photo, and business card.
2. The Brother iPrint&Scan App: This handy app lets you scan documents wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. You can even preview and edit scans before saving them.
3. Your Computer: You can scan documents using the Brother software installed on your computer. This option provides more advanced settings and customization.
Scanning Documents: The Basics
Now that your printer is connected and you’re familiar with the interface, let’s explore the scanning basics.
1. Document Placement: Place the document you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Ensure it’s flat and aligned with the markings on the glass.
2. Selecting the Scan Type: Choose the appropriate scan type from the control panel, app, or computer software. Options include:
- Document: For scanning text documents.
- Photo: For scanning images.
- Business Card: For scanning business cards.
- Custom: For setting specific scan settings.
3. Scan Resolution and File Format: Choose the desired scan resolution and file format. Higher resolutions produce larger files but offer better detail. Common file formats include PDF, JPEG, and TIFF.
4. Saving Your Scan: Choose where you want to save your scanned document. You can save it to your computer, network folder, or cloud storage.
Advanced Scanning Features
The Brother MFC-L2700DW is packed with advanced features to enhance your scanning experience:
1. Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): This feature lets you scan multiple pages automatically, saving you time and effort.
2. Duplex Scanning: This enables you to scan both sides of a document in one go.
3. Scan to Email: You can send scans directly to email recipients.
4. Scan to Cloud: Save your scans to popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
5. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): This feature converts scanned text into editable text, allowing you to search, edit, and copy the content.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the Brother MFC-L2700DW is a reliable scanner, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
1. Scanner Not Responding:
- Check the Power: Ensure the printer is turned on and the scanner is connected.
- Check the USB Cable: If using a USB connection, verify the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and your computer.
- Restart the Printer: Restart your printer and computer.
2. Scan Quality Issues:
- Clean the Scanner Glass: Dust or debris on the glass can affect scan quality.
- Adjust the Scan Settings: Experiment with different scan resolutions and file formats to find the optimal settings.
- Check the Document: Ensure the document is flat and free of wrinkles.
3. Network Connectivity Problems:
- Verify the Network Connection: Ensure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device.
- Check the Network Settings: Access the printer’s menu and verify the network settings are correct.
- Restart Your Router: Restart your router and your printer.
Maximizing Your Scanning Efficiency
To make the most of your Brother MFC-L2700DW scanner, consider these tips:
1. Create Scan Profiles: Save your frequently used scan settings as profiles for quick access.
2. Use the ADF for Multi-Page Documents: Avoid manually scanning each page by using the ADF.
3. Explore the Software Features: The Brother software offers additional features like batch scanning and OCR.
4. Regularly Clean the Scanner: Dust and debris can affect scan quality.
5. Update the Firmware: Check for firmware updates to ensure your printer has the latest features and bug fixes.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Power of Your Scanner
By following this guide, you’ve unlocked the full potential of your Brother MFC-L2700DW scanner. From basic scans to advanced features, you can now efficiently capture and manage documents, streamlining your workflow and boosting your productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I scan documents directly to my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, you can scan documents wirelessly using the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. What file formats can the scanner save documents in?
The Brother MFC-L2700DW supports a variety of file formats, including PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and more.
3. How do I scan a document to email?
You can scan a document directly to email recipients using the printer’s control panel or the Brother software on your computer.
4. Can I use the scanner with my Mac?
Yes, the Brother MFC-L2700DW is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
5. What is the maximum scan resolution?
The Brother MFC-L2700DW offers a maximum scan resolution of 600 x 600 dpi.