Scanning documents or photos is a common task in homes and offices and Canon printers are among the most popular for combining printing and scanning functions in one device. Whether you need to scan a contract for work, digitise old photographs or send a document by email, knowing how to scan correctly on your Canon printer can save you time and effort. This guide will explain the step-by-step process for scanning with Canon printers including different methods and troubleshooting tips.
Canon offers a wide range of printers with scanning capabilities, from entry-level PIXMA models to more advanced MAXIFY and imageCLASS devices. While features may vary slightly between models, the basic scanning process remains similar. This article covers scanning using the printer’s control panel, Canon software on your computer and mobile apps for remote scanning.
Preparing to Scan on Your Canon Printer
Before you start scanning, make sure your printer is connected to your computer or mobile device via USB or Wi-Fi. Confirm that the Canon printer drivers and scanning software are installed. These can usually be downloaded from Canon’s official website if not already present.
Place the document or photo you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Align it with the markings around the edge of the glass to ensure it scans correctly. If your printer has an automatic document feeder, you can use this for multi-page scans or thicker documents.
Scanning Using the Printer Control Panel
Many Canon printers allow you to scan directly from the device without a computer. Use the control panel or touchscreen to access the scanning function.
Start by pressing the Scan button or selecting Scan from the main menu. Choose the destination for your scan such as computer, USB drive or email depending on what your printer supports. If you select computer, the printer will usually send the scanned file to your connected PC or Mac.
Adjust scan settings if available, including resolution, colour mode and file format. Higher resolution is best for photos or detailed documents but results in larger file sizes. Once ready, press the Start or OK button to begin scanning.
The printer will scan the document and save it to the chosen location. If scanning multiple pages, follow prompts to add additional sheets.
Scanning from a Computer with Canon Software
For the best control over scan quality and file management, use Canon’s scanning software on your computer. This is often called IJ Scan Utility or MF Scan Utility depending on your printer model.
Open the scanning utility on your PC or Mac. Place your document on the scanner glass or in the document feeder. In the software, select the type of scan you want such as document, photo or custom.
Choose settings like resolution, colour, scan size and file format (PDF, JPEG or TIFF). Click Scan to start. Once complete, the scanned image or document will appear on your screen. You can then save it to a folder of your choice, edit it or send it by email.
The software also allows you to scan directly to cloud services or applications depending on your setup.
Scanning Using Mobile Devices
Canon offers mobile apps like Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY which enable scanning from smartphones or tablets. This is ideal for on-the-go users who want to digitise documents without using a computer.
Download the Canon PRINT app on your iOS or Android device and connect it to your Canon printer via Wi-Fi. Open the app and select the scan option. Use your device’s camera or the printer’s scanner to capture the document.
Adjust settings if necessary and save or share the scan directly from your mobile device.
Common Scanning Issues and Fixes
If your scan is coming out blurry, check that the document is placed correctly and that the scanner glass is clean. Dust or smudges on the glass can affect image quality.
If the scanner is not detected by your computer, ensure the printer drivers are up to date and that the USB or Wi-Fi connection is working properly. Restarting both the printer and computer can sometimes resolve connection issues.
If scans are too dark or too light, adjust the brightness and contrast settings in the scanning software before rescanning.
Final Thoughts
Scanning on a Canon printer is a simple process once you know the steps and options available. Whether you prefer to scan directly from the printer, use your computer software or scan remotely from a mobile device, Canon provides flexible solutions to suit your needs. By preparing your documents properly and selecting the right settings, you can achieve clear and accurate digital copies every time.