Step-by-step guide
How to Scan Documents to PDF
Scan docs to PDF
Document Scanner turns camera photos and gallery images into clean, professional PDF pages — like a mobile scanner app, but entirely in your browser. Capture receipts, signed forms, homework, and ID copies with your webcam or phone camera, or upload existing photos. Automatic edge detection crops and straightens each page; Magic color mode produces a crisp white-paper look, while high-contrast mode suits fax-style archives. Combine multiple pages into one searchable PDF when you enable text recognition. Everything runs in your browser on your device — your images stay on your device and are never uploaded for standard scanning.
Step 1 — Upload your file to Document Scanner
Open Document Scanner from PDFTrusted and you will see the upload screen shown here — the same layout you get in the live tool, with the orange drop zone and Select button.
You can add files in two ways: click Select file (or Select files) and choose from your computer, or drag files from your folder and drop them onto the dashed orange area. On phones and tablets, tap the button to pick from your gallery or files app.
Supported formats for this tool: PDF (.pdf), JPG / JPEG photos, JPG / JPEG photos, JPE, JFIF, PNG images, GIF images, BMP images, WebP images, AVIF, TIFF scans, TIFF scans, HEIC, HEIF, HIF, DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, NRW, ARW, ORF, RW2, PEF, SRW, RAF, RAW, ICO. If a file type is not listed, export it to a supported format first — for example save Word documents as PDF before merging.
After a valid file is added, the workspace moves to the options step automatically. If you see an error, check the format and file size (limits are listed at the bottom of this guide).
Step 2 — Choose your Document Scanner options
Once your file is loaded, the main options panel appears — this is what you use to control the result. The screenshot matches the real sidebar and controls in the workspace.
Read each option below before you click the action button. Picking the wrong preset is the most common reason people need a second attempt — especially with compression, split modes, and security settings.
When you are satisfied with your choices, press the primary action button (Document) and wait for processing to finish. Most files complete in seconds; long scans or many pages take longer.
Step 3 — Additional settings (when available)
Some tools show extra settings under More options, a style panel, or enhancement toggles. The screenshot shows the same secondary controls you will see after upload.
These settings are optional — only change them when you know you need tighter security, different output quality, or special formatting. Defaults work for most everyday tasks.
Step 4 — Download your finished file
When processing completes, you see a success screen with a green checkmark and a download button — exactly as in the screenshot.
Click Download to save the new PDF (or ZIP of files) to your device. The file goes to your usual Downloads folder unless you chose another location.
Use Process another file or Start over to run the tool again without refreshing the page. You can share the downloaded file by email, upload it to a portal, or open it in your PDF reader — the same as any file you save locally.
We do not store your document on our servers after browser processing. Keep your own copy safe; we cannot recover a lost download.
Privacy — browser-based processing
Document Scanner on PDFTrusted runs in your browser on your device whenever the tool supports on-device execution. In that mode, your document is processed on your own device — it is not uploaded for that step.
We apply a encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), access controls, and short retention for cloud jobs across our platform. Short retention for cloud jobs — When a tool uses cloud-assisted processing, uploaded files are handled only to complete your request and are automatically deleted within two hours. We do not keep a personal document library of your uploads. Always use a trusted device and network for sensitive material.
Works in the browser on phone, tablet, and desktop — no install required. No installation is required — open the tool, process, download, and close the tab to clear in-browser working data for that session.
Keep a backup of originals. Delete downloads from shared computers when you are finished.
Document Scanner — file size & page limits
The Document Scanner workspace is designed for everyday documents in your browser. These are practical limits — not marketing numbers — so you know what to expect before you start.
Limited by device memory and number of scanned pages you add in one session.
If your file exceeds these limits, split or compress it first, or process it in smaller parts.
When people use Document Scanner
- Expense receipt scans on the go
- Signed form photos for email submission
- Student homework and assignment packets
Tips for best results
- Shoot in bright light with minimal shadow.
- Review each page before Build PDF.
- Use Upload on mobile for the sharpest camera capture.
Common questions
No webcam?
Use the Upload tab — add photos from your phone, tablet, or gallery. This is the preferred workflow on mobile.
Searchable PDF?
Enable the searchable option before building — useful for finding text later in any PDF viewer.
What operating system does Document Scanner require?
Any modern browser works — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. No install required.
Is my file safe when I use Document Scanner?
When the tool runs in your browser, your file stays on your device for that step and is not uploaded to our servers. We follow a encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), access controls, and short retention for cloud jobs — see our Privacy Policy for full details.
Can I use Document Scanner on my phone?
Yes. Open Document Scanner in your mobile browser, pick the file from Files or Photos, set options, and download. Very large files often feel faster on a laptop.
How long until I can download?
Most browser tools finish in seconds on a modern phone or laptop. Cloud conversions usually finish within seconds to a few minutes depending on file size. Progress stays on screen.
Will the output file size change?
Multi-page scans and searchable PDF options can increase size. Use Compress PDF after export if a portal enforces a megabyte cap.
Do I need a paid plan?
Free to start — no account required for standard tools. Pro unlocks higher file limits and advanced cloud features on select tools — see Pricing when checkout is available.