How to scan to Mac (with pictures)

Learn how to scan a document on your Mac using a connected scanner or multifunction device (MFP). When you connect your scanner or MFP to your computer and install the required software, you can scan the document, and then use the Viewer to save the scanned document to your hard drive.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: How to Connect a Scanner

Step 1. Connect your scanner or MFP

In most cases, this can be done using a USB cable, which must be plugged into the scanner / MFP port and into the back or side of the computer.

• You can also use a scanner / MFP with a wireless module.
• If the scanner is connected to a computer wirelessly, set up the scanner. Make sure it is connected to the same wireless network as your computer.

Step 2. Open the Apple menu

Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen.

Step 3. Click System Preferences

This option is on the menu. The System Preferences window will open.

Step 4. Open the View menu

It's at the top of the screen.

Step 5. Click Print & Scan

This option is on the menu. A pop-up window will open.

Step 6. Click on ＋

It's in the lower-left side of the window. A list of available printers and scanners will open.

Step 7. Select your scanner

Click on his name in the list.

Step 8. Follow the instructions on the screen if prompted to set up your scanner

Step 9. Update the scanner software (if needed)

Once the scanner is set up, check its software to make sure it doesn't need an update:

• macOS Mojave and newer - Open the Apple menu

• 

  and click Software Update> Update All.
• macOS High Sierra and later - Open the Apple menu

• 

  , click App Store, go to the Updates tab, and click Update All (if available).

Part 2 of 2: How to scan a document

Step 1. Place your document in the scanner

In this case, the text of the document should be directed downward.

Step 2. Open Spotlight

Click the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

Step 3. Open the Viewer

Enter view in the Spotlight text box, and then double-click View in the search results.

Step 4. Click on File

This menu is in the upper left corner of the screen.

Step 5. Select Import from Scanner

This option is on the menu. A new menu will open.

Step 6. Click Enable Network Devices

This option is in the new menu.

Step 7. Select your scanner

When Viewer finds network scanners, do the following:

• Click "File".
• Select Import from Scanner.
• Click the name of the scanner.

Step 8. Click on File > Export to PDF.

The "Save As" window will open.

Step 9. Enter a name

In the Name text box, enter a name for the scanned PDF document.

Step 10. Select a folder to save

Click on "Where" and select the desired folder from the menu.

Step 11. Click Save

This button is at the bottom of the window. The scanned document will be saved in PDF format in the specified folder.

Advice

If you are using a wireless scanner and it does not work, check if it is connected to a wireless network