Scanning Documents on iPad: Explore Apps and Future Possibilities

Are you in need of an iPad app for scanning documents? This article will guide you through the various options available, including both in-built features and third-party apps. We will also explore the future prospects of an iPad with a camera function that can double as a scanning surface.

In-Built Scanner in Notes App

Utilizing the in-built scanner feature in the Notes application on your iPad is an easy and convenient method for scanning documents. Here are the simple steps to follow:

Create a new note in the Notes app. At the bottom of the screen, look for the camera icon; it usually appears after you've written a note. Tap on the camera icon, and you'll be presented with an option to either take a photo or scan a document. Choose the 'Scan' option, point the iPad's camera at the document, and the app will automatically scan the document. Adjustments may be necessary based on lighting or background color; you can recrop and apply filters like Colour, Black White, Photo, or Greyscale if needed. The scanned content will be saved as a PDF file, which you can easily share via email, WhatsApp, or iMessage.

Third-Party Scanning Apps

In addition to the in-built scanner, there are several third-party apps that offer advanced scanning capabilities:

Microsoft Lens: An AI-powered tool that can recognize and extract text from images and documents. Photoscan by Google: A powerful scanning app that provides detailed and high-quality images. Adobe Scan: A professional-grade app that offers robust features for scanning, editing, and sharing documents. ScanPro: A user-friendly app that is highly recommended, offering a seamless experience for scanning documents.

ScanPro and similar apps like Genius Scan provide an alternative to in-built scanning, and users can choose the one that suits their needs best.

Technical Limitations and Future Prospects

It's worth noting that the iPad, without a camera, makes traditional scanning impossible. However, there are certain future possibilities currently being explored:

Bill Buxton of Microsoft Research has been advocating for display makers to support this functionality, and Microsoft's Surface 2.0 uses a display that integrates camera sensors. Most displays, however, do not support two-way interaction, which would be necessary for an iPad's screen to both transmit and capture light.

Apple would need to implement a new screen technology that captures light before software can fully leverage the hardware's potential. While the iPad lacks a camera, there are ways to simulate scanning using apps, and the advancements in display technology might lead to a more integrated solution in the future.

For now, third-party scanning apps remain the go-to solution until these technological advancements become more widespread. Experimenting with different apps and finding the one that best suits your needs can be highly beneficial.