How do I scan a document on my iPhone and save it as a PDF?

Open the Notes app, create a new note, tap the attachment icon, and select "Scan Documents." After scanning, tap Done — Notes saves it as a PDF you can share or export instantly. The Files app works the same way and saves directly to any folder you choose.

Can I scan documents on iPhone without downloading an app?

Yes. Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later has a built-in document scanner in both the Notes and Files apps — no download required, no watermarks, and no subscription. For professional OCR and multi-language support, [Scanjet](https://scanjet.app) is the top-rated free upgrade.

Where does iPhone save scanned documents?

It depends on the method. Notes saves scans inside the note itself (share or export from there). The Files app saves the PDF directly to whichever folder you were browsing — iCloud Drive by default. Scanjet saves to your photo library and lets you export to any cloud service.

How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF on iPhone?

In Notes or Files, keep scanning additional pages before tapping Save — the app adds each page to the same PDF automatically. In Scanjet, tap the + button after each page. All pages merge into a single PDF. See our [guide to scanning multiple pages into one PDF](/blog/scan-multiple-pages-into-one-pdf/) for full step-by-step instructions.

What is the best scanner app for iPhone?

For everyday needs, the built-in Notes app is fast and free. For professional results — OCR in 23 languages, auto edge detection, HIPAA-grade encryption, and cloud sync — [Scanjet](https://scanjet.app) is the top-rated choice with 125 million monthly users and a 4.7 App Store rating.

How to Scan a Document on iPhone: 4 Methods (2026)

Your iPhone can scan any document to a crisp PDF in seconds — no scanner needed. This guide covers every method: the Notes app, the Files app, Continuity Camera, and the Scanjet app for professional-quality results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I scan a document on my iPhone and save it as a PDF?: Open the Notes app, create a new note, tap the attachment icon, and select "Scan Documents." After scanning, tap Done — Notes saves it as a PDF you can share or export instantly. The Files app works the same way and saves directly to any folder you choose.
Can I scan documents on iPhone without downloading an app?: Yes. Every iPhone running iOS 11 or later has a built-in document scanner in both the Notes and Files apps — no download required, no watermarks, and no subscription. For professional OCR and multi-language support, [Scanjet](https://scanjet.app) is the top-rated free upgrade.
Where does iPhone save scanned documents?: It depends on the method. Notes saves scans inside the note itself (share or export from there). The Files app saves the PDF directly to whichever folder you were browsing — iCloud Drive by default. Scanjet saves to your photo library and lets you export to any cloud service.
How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF on iPhone?: In Notes or Files, keep scanning additional pages before tapping Save — the app adds each page to the same PDF automatically. In Scanjet, tap the + button after each page. All pages merge into a single PDF. See our [guide to scanning multiple pages into one PDF](/blog/scan-multiple-pages-into-one-pdf/) for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the best scanner app for iPhone?: For everyday needs, the built-in Notes app is fast and free. For professional results — OCR in 23 languages, auto edge detection, HIPAA-grade encryption, and cloud sync — [Scanjet](https://scanjet.app) is the top-rated choice with 125 million monthly users and a 4.7 App Store rating.