It is easier than you thought if you were wondering how to scan from a Canon printer to a computer.
If you want to properly upload a document or a picture on your personal computer using your Canon scanner printer, this article is for you. If you need to know how to scan to a computer with a HP printer, click the link for our article on that.
In today’s article, we’ll walk you through a step by step guide that shows you how to scan to a computer on a canon printer using various methods. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Can Canon Printers Scan to Computer?
Many Canon printers can also scan photos and documents on your computer. However, not all of them are capable of doing so. Luckily, there are plenty of methods to make sure that your printer is capable of scanning too.
For starters, check your printer user manual’s “specifications and features” page and see whether it can scan.
You can also type in the model of the printer in Canon’s search bar on the official website and check the product page. As a rule of thumb, if your printer is an “all-in-one” printer, it should be able to scan.
How to Scan to Computer with Canon IJ Scan Utility:
One of the best things about Canon printer scanners is that they can skip the hassle of compatibility issues and scan all your files using a simple app called “IJ Scan Utility”.
In this section, we’ll show you how to use this app to scan images and files directly to your computer.
Step 1: Download and Install IJ Scan Utility
The best thing about IJ Scan Utility is that it works on both Windows and macOS, which makes it a highly convenient method to scan on computers. To download IJ Scan Utility, click here to navigate to Canon Downloads Portal.
Type your printer’s product name and choose your operating system in order to download the proper drivers for your printer along with IJ Scan Utility. Install the app on your computer before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Align Your Document for Scanning
After installing IJ Scan Utility, place the photo or document you want to scan on the glass scanner area, which is usually at the top of your printer.
The scanner area will have arrows pointing at the edges where you need to align your document or photo in order to display the scanned file properly later on.
While placing your photo or document, make sure that the side you want to scan is facing down, and close the lid of the scanner if necessary.
Step 3: Adjust the Settings Before Scanning
Type “IJ Scan Utility” in the search bar and click on it to get started. When the app launches, click on the “Settings” tab in the right bottom corner of the window. Choose the “Document Scan” tab.
There you’ll find all the settings that you can adjust regarding the scanned document or photo. This includes saving location, type of file, resolution and quality, colors, paper size, etc.
After adjusting all the settings to your personal preference, click “Ok” in the bottom right corner to proceed.
Step 4: Scan Your File
With all the settings and preferences adjusted, it’s time to start scanning. Choose the “Document” tile, from the app’s interface in order to scan your document or click on “Photo” if you’re scanning a photo.
You can also click on “Custom if you want to specify the size and number of items that you want to scan. After choosing and clicking, wait a few seconds until the scanning process is finished and the “Scan Complete” window shows up.
You can continue scanning new pages by replacing the document and clicking scan, or you can end the scanning process by clicking “Exit”. The scanned files should show up where you’ve set them in the previous step.
How to Scan to Computer Without Apps or Utilities (Manually:
Although dedicated apps like Canon IJ Scan Utility makes the scanning process much easier, some people prefer not to install extra apps to their computers.
Luckily, modern computers come with dedicated software to print and scan without needing extra apps. Here’s how to use this feature.
Step 1: Ensure That All Your Canon Printer Drivers Are Up to Date
The first thing you need to do is to make sure that all your printer drivers are up to date. The easiest way to do that is by using the driver CD that comes with the printer. Alternatively, you can find the latest printer drivers online using the Canon Driver Portal here.
Step 2: Prepare Your Document for Scanning
After installing the latest drivers, put the photo or document you want to scan on the scanner area of the printer and make sure to align the file properly so that all the edges are touching the side of the printer with arrows.
While placing your photo or document, make sure that the side you want to scan is facing down, and close the lid of the scanner if necessary.
Step 3: Use Built-in Scanning Features on Your Computer
You can scan directly by searching for “Devices and Printers” in the search bar, and launching the first result. Look for your printer’s model, and right click on it to choose “Start scan”.
In addition to “Devices and Printers”, you can scan by typing “Fax and Scan” in the search bar and choosing the first result. This will open a new window with the “New Scan” button on the top left corner. Click on this button to choose your printer model, then press “Ok”
Step 4: Adjust the Image Before Scanning
If you go with the first or second method, you’ll end up with the same page that enables you to adjust the settings of the file before scanning.
These settings allow you to adjust various scanning aspects, such as paper size, file type, color format, resolution, brightness, and contrast.
Step 5: Finalize the Scanning Process
After choosing the ideal settings for you, click on “Scan” to start scanning. An “Import Pictures or Videos” will appear if you’re saving the scanned file as a photo, simply click “next” and “Import” to proceed, or “more options” if you want to change the destination folder of your file.
Final Thoughts
This wraps it up for today’s step by step guide that shows you how to scan to a computer on a Canon printer.
Regardless of the method you’re going to follow in order to scan your documents and photos, remember to make sure that all your printer drivers are up to date to avoid any surprises.
