Short answer: On Android, install the Arcanize app, tap Scan Document, point the camera at the page and save the scan as a PDF. On an iPhone, use the scanner built into the Files app. On any phone, you can also photograph the pages and convert the photos to PDF at arcanizepdf.com/tools/image-to-pdf.
Which method should you use?
| Your phone | Best method | Needs internet? |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Arcanize app scanner | No |
| iPhone | Built-in scanner in the Files app | No |
| Any phone, no app | Take photos, then convert them in the browser | Only to open the page |
How to scan to PDF on Android with the Arcanize app
The Arcanize app turns your phone into a document scanner and saves the result on your device.
- Install Arcanize from Google Play.
- Open the app and tap Scan Document.
- Point the camera at the page. The app detects the edges and crops the page.
- Scan the next page if the document has more than one.
- Save the scan as a PDF.
The scan is stored on your phone and is not uploaded. From the same app you can compress the PDF or merge it with other files.
How to scan to PDF on an iPhone
The iPhone has a document scanner built into the Files app, so you do not need to install anything.
- Open the Files app and go to the folder where you want to save the scan.
- Tap the More button (the circle with three dots).
- Tap Scan Documents.
- Hold the phone over the page. It captures the page automatically, or you can press the shutter button.
- Repeat for more pages, then tap Save.
The scan is saved as a PDF in that folder. Menu names can differ slightly between iOS versions.
How to scan without an app on any phone
If you would rather not install anything, take photos and turn them into a PDF in the browser.
- Photograph each page with your phone's camera.
- Open arcanizepdf.com/tools/image-to-pdf.
- Tap Select Files and choose the photos.
- Use the up and down arrows to put the pages in order.
- Tap Create PDF, then Download File.
Each photo becomes one A4 page. The photos are converted on your phone and are not uploaded. This method does not crop or straighten the page for you, so frame each photo carefully.
How to get a sharp, readable scan
- Use even light. Daylight from a window or a lamp directly above works best. Light from one side throws a shadow across the page.
- Put the page on a dark, plain surface. Contrast helps the scanner find the edges.
- Hold the phone flat above the page. Shooting at an angle stretches the text.
- Flatten folds and curled corners. Creases show up as dark lines.
- Check every page before saving. Rescanning one blurred page is quicker than redoing the document.
After scanning
| If you need to | Use |
|---|---|
| Make the PDF smaller for a form or email | Compress PDF |
| Join the scan with other PDFs | Merge PDF |
| Keep only some pages | Split PDF |
| Lock the scan before sending it | Protect PDF |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scan a document to PDF with my phone for free?
On Android, use the scanner in the Arcanize app. On an iPhone, use Scan Documents in the Files app. On any phone, you can photograph the pages and convert the photos with the Arcanize Images to PDF tool.
Can I scan several pages into one PDF?
Yes. Scan or photograph each page, keep them in order, and save them as a single PDF.
Is a phone scan good enough for official forms?
For most online forms, yes, as long as the text is sharp and the whole page is visible. Check the form's own rules for file size and format.
Why is my scanned PDF so large?
Scans are images, and images take up space. Compress the PDF afterwards and choose the Recommended level so the text stays readable.
Are my scans uploaded anywhere?
With the Arcanize app, scans are stored on your device. The Arcanize web tool converts photos in your browser without uploading them.