This article shows you how to scan a paper document using a multifunction printer or scanner connected to a Mac. Once you have connected the device to your computer and installed all the software necessary for it to function correctly, you can scan and use the Preview program. to save the file to the Mac hard drive.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Connect the Scanner
Step 1. Connect the multifunction printer or scanner to the Mac
In most cases, you'll need to use the USB cable that came with the device, connecting one end to your scanner or printer and the other to a free USB port on your Mac.
- Alternatively, if available, you can use the device's wireless connection by relying on your home or office Wi-Fi network.
- If you have chosen to use the wireless connection, go through the scanner or printer setup procedure. Make sure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network your Mac is connected to.
Step 2. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 4. Enter the View menu
It is placed at the top of the screen. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 5. Choose the Print & Scan option
It is one of the items in the drop-down menu that appeared. A pop-up will appear.
Step 6. Press the ＋ button
It's at the bottom left of the window. A menu will appear listing the printers and scanners currently connected to your Mac.
Step 7. Select the scanner to use
Click the name in the menu that appeared.
Step 8. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen
You may need to confirm that you want to install the scanner. If so, simply follow the instructions that will appear on the screen.
Step 9. Update the scanner drivers and management software if necessary
When the scanner installation is complete, check that the device management software is updated to the latest version available:
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macOS Mojave and later - access the menu Apple clicking the icon
Macapple1 choose the option Software Update Update, then select the item Update everything if requested.
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macOS High Sierra and earlier - access the menu Apple clicking the icon
Macapple1 choose the option App Store, access the tab Updates and choose the voice Update everything if available.
Part 2 of 2: Scan a Document
Step 1. Place the document to be scanned inside the scanner
The sheet of paper should be placed on the scanner glass with the side to be processed facing down.
Step 2. Open the "Spotlight" search field by clicking the icon
The latter is characterized by a magnifying glass and is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Start the Preview program
Type the keyword preview into the "Spotlight" text field, then double-click the icon Preview which will appear in the list of results. The program window will appear.
Step 4. Access the File menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 5. Choose the Import from Scanner option
It is one of the items listed in the "File" menu. A small submenu will appear.
Step 6. Select the Include Network Devices item
It is one of the options present in the secondary menu that appeared.
Step 7. Select the scanner to use
After enabling the Preview program to use network scanners, follow these instructions:
- Access the menu File;
- Select the option Import from scanner;
- Click the name of your scanner.
Step 8. Open the File menu again and choose the voice Export as PDF….
The dialog box for saving the file will be displayed.
Step 9. Name the document
Type the name you want to give the PDF file in the "Name" text field.
Step 10. Choose the destination folder
Select the "Located in" drop-down menu, then choose the folder where you want to save the PDF file.
Step 11. Press the Save button
It is located at the bottom of the window. The scanned document will be saved as a PDF file in the specified folder.
Advice
- If you are using a wireless scanner and are unable to scan, make sure the device is properly connected to the Wi-Fi network.
- You can use Image Capture on the Mac, it's the easiest way to access the scanner, and you can move it to the Dock if you use it often.
