How to scan documents using the Google Drive app

You don't need a dedicated scanner to scan documents to Google Drive. However, a dedicated scanner could be helpful if you have many documents to scan in one go. But, if you only have a few pages to scan occasionally, then the scanning feature built into the Google Drive app for Android and iPhone is perfectly fine.

The scanning feature in the Google Drive app is much like taking a photo. Put your document on the table or floor and snap an image. The AI will frame the document, but you can adjust it if needed. You can then select whether the scan should be saved in colour or black or white. Once you're happy with the scan, you can save it directly as a PDF into Google Drive.

How to scan using the Google Drive App

  • Open the Google Drive App on your phone.

  • Tap the + button in the bottom right.

  • Select scan.

  • Line your document up as you would, taking a photo.

  • Take the scan, and adjust the scan as you require.

  • When you're happy, tap "Save".

  • Give the PDF file a name and location in Google Drive.

  • Then tap "Save". 

  • The PDF scan of your document will get uploaded to Google Drive.