If the document is on paper, scan it with your phone: the iOS Files or Notes app (Scan Documents), Google Drive’s scanner or Adobe Scan all create a PDF. If the document is already digital (a PDF, JPG or PNG), you do not need to print it: PDF2Scan gives it a realistic scanned look in your browser in under a minute, with 1 free export per day.
- Paper document → phone scanner app.
- Digital document that must look scanned → a scan-effect tool, no printing needed.
- Copy shops and libraries are an option when quality must be high.
- Check the portal’s accepted formats and size limit before exporting.
Option 1: Scan paper with your phone
- iPhone/iPad: Files app → … → Scan Documents, or Notes → camera icon → Scan Documents.
- Android: Google Drive → + → Scan.
- Any phone: Adobe Scan and similar apps.
Place the page on a dark, flat surface in even daylight, avoid your own shadow, and let the app detect the edges. Save as PDF.
Option 2: Use a copy shop, library or office
Libraries, copy shops and many offices have flatbed or multifunction scanners. Ask for grayscale at 200–300 dpi, saved as PDF. This is the best choice for official originals where quality matters.
Option 3: Give a digital file a scanned look (no printing)
If the document already exists as a PDF, JPG or PNG and the recipient simply expects it to look like a scan, printing it just to scan it again wastes time and paper.
- Open the PDF2Scan scan tool and drop the file. It stays in your browser.
- Choose the Office preset (or Subtle for small print).
- Compare Original and Scanned, then fine-tune.
- Export as PDF, JPG or PNG. 1 export per day is free, with no signup.
Which option should you choose?
| You have | Need | Best option |
|---|---|---|
| A paper document | A quick copy | Phone scanner app |
| A paper original | High-quality official copy | Copy shop, library or office scanner |
| A PDF or image | It should look scanned | PDF2Scan in your browser |
| Several digital files | One scanned-looking PDF | PDF2Scan PRO merge |