What To Know
- Locate the USB port on the back of your scanner and connect the USB cable to it.
- Once the USB cable is connected, you’ll find a small power button on the front of the scanner.
- If your computer doesn’t detect the scanner, ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the scanner and your computer.
The Canon LiDE 120 is a compact and efficient flatbed scanner known for its ease of use and reliable performance. But even with its user-friendly design, you might find yourself wondering how to turn it on. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can start scanning documents and photos in no time.
1. Powering Up Your Canon LiDE 120
The first step in using your Canon LiDE 120 is to connect it to a power source. The scanner comes with a USB cable that also provides power. This means you don’t need a separate power adapter. Here’s how to connect and power up your scanner:
1. Connect the USB cable: Locate the USB port on the back of your scanner and connect the USB cable to it. The other end of the cable should be plugged into a USB port on your computer.
2. Turn on the scanner: Once the USB cable is connected, you’ll find a small power button on the front of the scanner. Press this button to turn the scanner on. You’ll know it’s powered on when the green LED light on the front of the scanner illuminates.
2. Installing the Scanner Software
To use your Canon LiDE 120 to its full potential, you’ll need to install the necessary software. The software provides you with a user-friendly interface for scanning and managing your scans. Here’s how to install the software:
1. Locate the software disc: The Canon LiDE 120 comes with a software disc that contains the necessary drivers and applications.
2. Insert the disc: Insert the software disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: The installation process will begin automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Restart your computer: After the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
3. Connecting to Your Computer
After installing the software, you’ll need to connect your scanner to your computer. This may seem like a redundant step after connecting the USB cable, but it’s crucial for establishing the communication between the scanner and your computer.
1. Open the software: Once the software is installed, open it on your computer. You can typically find the software icon in your Start menu or Applications folder.
2. Select the scanner: The software will display a list of available scanners. Select the Canon LiDE 120 from the list.
3. Connect to the scanner: The software will guide you through the process of connecting to the scanner. You might need to click a “Connect” or “Scan” button to establish the connection.
4. Scanning Your Documents and Photos
With the scanner connected and the software ready, you’re now ready to scan your documents and photos. Here’s a step-by-step guide to scanning:
1. Place your document or photo: Open the lid of the scanner and place your document or photo on the glass platen. Ensure the document is flat and centered.
2. Select the scan type: The software will offer different scan types, including document, photo, and mixed. Choose the appropriate scan type based on the item you are scanning.
3. Adjust scan settings: You can adjust scan settings like resolution, color mode, and file format. For high-quality scans, choose a higher resolution and a suitable color mode.
4. Start the scan: Once you’ve selected the scan type and adjusted the settings, click the “Scan” button to start the scanning process.
5. Save the scan: The software will display the scanned image. You can then save the scan to your computer by selecting a file format and location.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the Canon LiDE 120 is generally reliable, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Scanner not detected: If your computer doesn’t detect the scanner, ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the scanner and your computer. Try plugging the cable into a different USB port on your computer.
- Software not working: If the software isn’t working correctly, try reinstalling it. You can also check for updates to the software on the Canon website.
- Scan quality issues: If the scan quality is poor, try adjusting the scan settings. You can also clean the scanner glass with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris.
6. Optimizing Your Scanning Experience
To get the most out of your Canon LiDE 120, here are some tips for optimizing your scanning experience:
- Use the right lighting: When scanning documents, ensure the area is well-lit to avoid shadows.
- Clean the scanner glass: Regularly clean the scanner glass to ensure a clear scan.
- Experiment with scan settings: Play around with different scan settings to find the best settings for your specific needs.
- Utilize the software features: Explore the features of the software, such as automatic document skew correction and image enhancement tools.
7. Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features
The Canon LiDE 120 offers some advanced features that can enhance your scanning experience:
- Automatic document feeder (ADF): Some models of the Canon LiDE 120 include an automatic document feeder (ADF) that allows you to scan multiple documents without manually placing each one on the scanner bed.
- Scan to cloud: The software may allow you to scan documents directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- OCR capabilities: Some models of the Canon LiDE 120 include OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities that allow you to convert scanned documents into editable text.
The Final Scan: Mastering Your Canon LiDE 120
Turning on your Canon LiDE 120 is just the first step in a world of scanning possibilities. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily scan documents and photos, and with the additional tips and features, you can unlock a whole new level of efficiency and creativity.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Do I need a separate power adapter for the Canon LiDE 120?
A: No, the Canon LiDE 120 is powered through the USB cable. You don’t need a separate power adapter.
Q: What are the different scan types available on the Canon LiDE 120?
A: The software will offer different scan types, including document, photo, and mixed. You can choose the appropriate scan type based on the item you are scanning.
Q: What is the maximum resolution of the Canon LiDE 120?
A: The maximum resolution of the Canon LiDE 120 is 4800 x 4800 dpi.
Q: How do I clean the scanner glass?
A: You can clean the scanner glass with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Q: What are some of the advanced features of the Canon LiDE 120?
A: Some models of the Canon LiDE 120 include an automatic document feeder (ADF), scan to cloud capabilities, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) features.
