You don’t need a scanner to turn paperwork into a PDF. Chances are, you already have one: Your iPhone has document scanning built into several apps, including Notes and Files. Starting with iOS 26, you can also scan documents with Preview. Whichever app you pick, scanning a document on an iPhone takes just a few taps.
The best way to scan a document largely depends on what you’re scanning and why. Receipts and meeting notes might not contain much sensitive information, but passports, contracts, tax records, medical documents, invoices, and business paperwork do. In business settings, a leaked copy doesn’t just expose you; it can breach client confidentiality, violate a contract’s data-handling terms, or create liability for your organization.
For sensitive documents, Proton Drive lets you scan and save directly to end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, then share them securely, without handing a copy to Big Tech.
- 4 ways to scan a document on your iPhone
- How to scan a document on iPhone using Notes
- How to scan a document to PDF using Files
- How to scan a document on iPhone using Preview
- How to securely scan a document with Proton Drive
- Can you scan multiple pages into one PDF on iPhone?
- Tips for getting a clear document scan
- Is the iPhone’s built-in document scanner safe to use?
- Scan sensitive documents with Proton Drive
4 ways to scan a document on your iPhone
| Method | Best for | Setup | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Quick scans and signatures | Already on your iPhone | Standard iCloud encryption; Apple holds the key by default |
| Files | Creating a standalone PDF | Already on your iPhone | Standard iCloud encryption; Apple holds the key by default |
| Preview | Scanning and working with PDFs | Already on your iPhone, starting with iOS 26 | Standard iCloud encryption where Apple holds the key by default, unless saved elsewhere |
| Proton Drive | Secure scanning, storing, and sharing documents | Free app download | End-to-end encrypted by design, only you hold the keys |
How to scan a document on iPhone using Notes
Apple Notes has a built-in document scanner, starting with iOS 26. To scan a document:
- Open Notes and create a new note or select an existing one.
- Tap the Attachment button, then Scan Documents.
- Let your iPhone capture the page automatically, or switch from Auto to Manual and tap the Shutter button. Adjust the corners if necessary and tap Keep Scan.
- Scan any additional pages.
- Tap Done. The scanned document is saved as a PDF inside the note.
How to scan a document to PDF using Files
The Files app is a good option if you want to create a PDF and save it directly to a folder rather than keep it inside a note. To scan a document:
- Open Files.
- Navigate to the location or folder where you want to save the scan.
- Tap the More (…) button.
- Select Scan Documents.
- Let your iPhone capture the page automatically, or switch from Auto to Manual and tap the Shutter button. Adjust the corners if necessary and tap Keep Scan.
- Scan any additional pages.
- Tap Done, choose where you want to save the PDF, then tap Save.
How to scan a document on iPhone using Preview
If you’re using iOS 26 or newer, Apple’s Preview app creates a PDF that you can then rename, annotate, fill out, sign, or share. To scan a document:
- Open Preview.
- Tap Scan Documents.
- Let your iPhone capture the page automatically, or switch from Auto to Manual and tap the Shutter button.
- Scan any additional pages. Tap a page thumbnail if you want to adjust its appearance.
- Tap Done.
How to securely scan a document with Proton Drive
Scanning with Proton Drive is quick and straightforward. Pages are detected and captured automatically, and you can crop, rotate, apply filters, or add more pages before saving. The app only receives access to the pages you choose to keep, and nothing else from your camera roll.
To scan a document in Proton Drive:
- Get Proton Drive for iOS.
- Sign in with your Proton Account. You can start with 5GB free.
- Go to Files and open the folder where you want to save your scan.
- Tap + in the top-right corner and select Scan document. Allow camera access if prompted.
- Position the document in the viewfinder. Proton Drive automatically detects and captures the page, or you can switch to manual capture.
- Scan any additional pages. You can retake or delete scans, apply filters, rotate pages, and adjust the document edges.
- Tap Save. Your scan is saved as an end-to-end encrypted PDF in Proton Drive.
You can keep the scanned document safely stored to end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, knowing that no one can access it but you — not even us. If you decide to share the scan with someone, you can invite people by email or create a sharing link with password protection and an expiration date. Recipients don’t need a Proton account to view or download your shared links, and they can even upload their own files to your cloud storage.
Can you scan multiple pages into one PDF on iPhone?
Yes. Notes, Files, Preview, and Proton Drive all let you capture multiple pages during the same scanning session. Keep scanning until you have captured every page, review them in the correct order, then save the document. Your pages will be combined into a single PDF.
Tips for getting a clear document scan
Your iPhone can automatically detect, crop, and straighten documents, but a few simple steps can help produce a cleaner scan:
Lay the document flat. Creases or curled edges can make the page harder to detect and can distort the text.
Use bright, even lighting. Shadows can obscure text and interfere with automatic edge detection.
Use a contrasting background. A white sheet of paper is easier to detect against a darker surface than another white surface.
Keep your iPhone parallel to the page. Scanning at an angle can distort the document.
Check the edges. A bad crop can cut off text, signatures, or other important details.
Use a filter when necessary. A black-and-white or high-contrast filter can make faded documents easier to read.
Review every page. Make sure important details such as names, numbers, and signatures are visible.
Check the finished PDF. Confirm every page has been saved, appears in the right order, and is readable.
Is the iPhone’s built-in document scanner safe to use?
For everyday paperwork, Apple’s built-in scanners are convenient. For more sensitive documents, it’s worth considering how the finished file is stored and shared. Scans stored in iCloud Drive or Notes are encrypted, but Apple retains the encryption keys by default, meaning the company can technically access them, including in response to a legal request. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) can close this gap, but it’s off by default and not available to all users, such as in the UK.
If the idea that someone else could look through your scans doesn’t sit right with you, a secure-by-default option like Proton Drive is worth switching to instead.
Scan sensitive documents with Proton Drive
Proton Drive protects scanned PDFs with end-to-end encryption, which means no one can access your sensitive data besides you and those you choose to share it with, not even Proton. You can also share documents using password-protected or expiring links and easily revoke access later. If you’re scanning on behalf of your company, our cloud storage for business extends the same protection to team storage and sharing.
