Scanning has become an essential task for many homes and businesses, whether it is preserving old photographs, digitising important documents or sharing signed forms quickly by email. Epson printers are some of the most popular models on the UK market, known for their versatile all in one designs that combine printing, copying and scanning in a single device. If you own an Epson printer with a built-in scanner, you can make the most of it to improve productivity and reduce reliance on paper. This guide will take you through how to scan with an Epson printer, explaining the key features, the setup process, software options, and the different ways you can save and share your scans.
Understanding the scanning function
Most Epson all in one printers include a flatbed scanner that allows you to place documents or photos face down on a glass surface before capturing the image digitally. Higher end models may also feature an Automatic Document Feeder, often called an ADF, which can process multiple pages in one go, making it much more convenient for business users or anyone dealing with larger volumes. Scanning is essentially the process of converting a physical page into a digital file, usually saved as a PDF, JPEG, TIFF or PNG depending on your requirements.
Setting up your Epson scanner
Before you start scanning, it is important to ensure that your printer and scanner are correctly connected to your computer or mobile device. Most Epson printers use a wireless connection, which means you should connect your printer to your Wi Fi network and make sure your computer or phone is on the same network. Alternatively, you can use a USB cable to connect directly to a PC or laptop. Once the printer is connected, you will need to install the Epson software. Epson provides its Epson Scan 2 utility and the Epson Smart Panel app, both of which make scanning straightforward. These can usually be downloaded from the Epson support website if they are not already pre installed.
Scanning with Epson Scan 2 software
For Windows and macOS users, Epson Scan 2 is the primary application that controls the scanning process. When you open the software, you will be given a choice of scanning modes. The most common is the Home Mode, which is user friendly and offers simple options such as document type, resolution and file format. Office Mode provides more advanced controls such as duplex scanning for double sided pages, image correction and specific destination settings. Professional Mode is aimed at those who need precise control over colour correction, brightness and detailed file output. Once your settings are in place, you can preview the scan, adjust the cropping, and then proceed to finalise the file. The scan can then be saved directly to your computer in a folder of your choice.
Using the control panel on the printer
If you prefer not to rely on a computer, many Epson printers feature an LCD touchscreen that allows you to scan directly from the device. By selecting the Scan option, you can choose whether to send the file to a connected computer, a USB drive, a cloud storage service or even an email address. This is particularly useful in office environments where multiple staff members need to scan documents quickly without installing software on every workstation. Depending on your model, you may also be able to set one touch shortcuts for your most common scan destinations.
Scanning with the Epson Smart Panel app
Mobile devices have become central to the way people work, and Epson recognises this with its Smart Panel app, available for both iOS and Android. The app connects your phone or tablet to the printer wirelessly and provides full access to scanning functions. You can capture a scan and immediately save it to your phone, upload it to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or send it as an email attachment. The app also allows you to make adjustments such as resolution, colour or file type, and offers an intuitive way to manage scanned documents without needing to be at a computer.
File formats and resolution settings
When scanning, it is important to choose the right file format for your needs. For photographs, JPEG is the most common format as it balances quality with file size, while TIFF is a better option for those who want high quality images without compression. For documents, PDF is usually best as it keeps pages in order and is widely compatible with most devices and software. Resolution is also worth considering. For basic text documents, 300 dpi (dots per inch) is sufficient, while photographs or detailed images may require 600 dpi or higher. Choosing too high a resolution can result in very large files, so it is about striking the right balance between quality and practicality.
Maintenance and best practices
To keep your Epson scanner producing clear and sharp results, it is a good idea to clean the flatbed glass regularly with a soft cloth and ensure that there is no dust or residue that could leave marks on your scans. If you are using an Automatic Document Feeder, checking for dust or small paper fragments will help prevent jams or streaks. Keeping your software updated is also important, as Epson regularly releases driver and firmware updates to improve compatibility with new versions of Windows and macOS.
Value of scanning with Epson
Epson printers and scanners are designed to be accessible for both casual home users and business environments. The ability to scan directly to email, to network folders or to cloud services can save time and streamline workflows. For families, being able to scan school forms or old family photographs is a practical way to keep everything organised. For businesses, scanning invoices, contracts and other documents ensures that digital copies are always available and easy to retrieve.
Conclusion
Learning how to scan with an Epson printer is a straightforward process once you know the available methods. Whether you are using Epson Scan 2 on a desktop, the touchscreen control panel on the printer itself, or the Epson Smart Panel app on your phone, there are multiple ways to capture and share digital copies of your documents. By understanding resolution, file formats and the different destinations available, you can make the most of your Epson device and keep both your personal and professional documents organised.