How to Scan on a Mac

Using Preview on your Mac to scan photos and documents in seconds

This How.com.vn teaches you how to scan a document into your Mac by using a connected scanner or multifunction printer. After connecting your scanner or multifunction printer to your Mac and installing any necessary software, you can scan the document and then use your Mac's built-in Preview app to save the scanned document to your hard drive.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Connecting Your Scanner

Download Article

1
Plug in your scanner or multifunction printer. In most cases, you'll connect it to your Mac with a USB cable that attaches from the scanner's (or printer's) port to the back or side of your Mac.
- Alternatively, you can use a wireless-enabled printer or scanner through your local Wi-Fi connection.
- If you prefer to communicate with the scanner wirelessly, go through the setup procedure on your scanner. Make sure it is connected to the same strong wireless network as your Mac.
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Advertisement
It's in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens the System Preferences window.
This menu item is at the top of the screen. Clicking it prompts a drop-down menu.
It's in the drop-down menu. A pop-up window will open.
This is in the lower-left side of the window. Clicking it opens a menu with the currently connected printers and scanners.
Click your scanner's name in the menu.
You may be asked to confirm the scanner's installation; if so, click through the on-screen prompt(s).
9
Update your scanner's software if necessary. Once your scanner is installed on your Mac, you can check its software to make sure it's up to date:
- macOS Mojave and up — Click the Apple menu
  , click Software Update, and click Update All if prompted.
- macOS High Sierra and down — Click the Apple menu
  , click App Store, click the Updates tab, and click UPDATE ALL if available.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Scanning a Document

Download Article

Your paper should go face-down in the scanner's tray.
Click the Spotlight icon, which resembles a magnifying glass, in the top-right corner of the screen.
Type preview into the Spotlight text box, then double-click the Preview result. Doing so opens the Preview window.
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen.
This is in the drop-down menu. A pop-out menu will appear.
It's in the pop-out menu.
7
Select your scanner. Once you've prompted Preview to look for networked scanners, you can do the following:^{[1]XResearch source}
- Click File.
- Select Import from Scanner.
- Click your scanner's name.
Doing so opens the Save As window.
In the "Name" text box, type in the name you want to use for your scanned file's PDF.
Click the "Where" box, then click the folder in which you want to save your PDF in the resulting drop-down menu.
It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will save your scanned document as a PDF in your specified location.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How do I write on the doucment I scanned?
Community Answer
You can use software like iSkysoft PDF Editor 6 Professional for Mac, which is free to download.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
Question
Where does the picture get saved on my Mac computer when I scan it?
Community Answer
Supposedly in the file designated by "SCAN TO" in the options menu, but you can also check "PICTURES."
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
Question
What do I do if I follow all the steps, but nothing happens?
Community Answer
Check to see if the box "use custom size" is checked. If so, uncheck and try again.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 5 Helpful 10

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you are using a wireless scanner and it is not working, check the scanner to make sure it is connected to the wireless network after a period of inactivity.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Use Image Capture on Mac, this is the easiest way to access the scanner and you can drag it to the Dock if you use it frequently.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0