I use this free and easy way to scan documents all the time.

I was rummaging thru some memorabilia this morning and ran across a 6 page letter, handwritten, by an old friend from 1974. I wanted to preserve it, and send her a copy. The best format for that is a .pdf file. How to accomplish this?

I use my Samsung (Android) phone and the Google Drive app. Just tap the + and choose Scan. That opens up the camera and you can snap a photo of your document - make sure to get the entire document in the frame and use a contrasting background. You can scan multiple pages by tapping the + button. When you're done, tap the Next button, then you can save it anywhere in your Google Drive - notice that it is a .pdf file. 

Here's a video that shows the entire process:

On iPhones, use the Notes app

Unfortunately, the Drive app on iPhones does not have this feature. But, the Notes app that comes with iPhone does. Open the Notes app and tap the button to start a new note. Find the camera button, tap that and choose "Scan." Frame your document in the camera screen and it will automatically snap a photo (unless you turn Auto off in the upper right.) 

When you're done snapping all the pages, tap Save. That will save it as a "Note." If you want to share it as a .pdf, just make sure to tap on the document, bringing it up full screen before tapping share. 

Learn more ...

Button Show #156. How To Use a Smartphone to Scan and Create PDF Documents.  Premium members can review detailed written notes in addition to watching the 45 minute video.

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