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Most people know the Notes app can scan documents, but the iPhone's Files app can do it too, and it saves the PDF straight into the folder you choose. That makes it the fastest way to file receipts, forms and letters without extra steps. Here's how to use it, where your scans go and how to keep them organized.
Key takeaways
- Open Files, tap the More button (three dots) and choose Scan Documents.
- The PDF saves directly to iCloud Drive, On My iPhone or a folder you choose.
- Use good light and a contrasting background, and check each page before saving.
- Rename and tag scans so they're easy to find later.
Where the scanner is
Open the Files app, go to the location where you want the scan to land (for example a "Receipts" folder in iCloud Drive), tap the three dots (the More button) at the top of the screen, and choose Scan Documents. The camera opens with the same scanner used in Notes.
Step by step: scan to a folder
- Open Files and tap Browse.
- Choose a location: iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, or a connected service such as a shared drive.
- Open or create the folder you want. To create one, tap the More button, then New Folder.
- Tap the More button and choose Scan Documents.
- Position the document in view. In Auto mode the iPhone captures when it detects the page; in Manual mode tap the shutter.
- Drag the corners to adjust the crop if needed, then tap Keep Scan.
- Scan more pages for a multi-page document, then tap Save.
- The PDF appears in the folder, usually named "Scanned Document." Rename it right away.
Why use Files instead of Notes?
The PDF saves directly to iCloud Drive or a folder of your choice. With Notes, the scan lives inside a note, and you need to share or export it to get a standalone PDF. Files gives you a real PDF in your folder system from the start, which is easier to email, upload to a website, or open on a Mac or PC through iCloud Drive.
| Files app | Notes app | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the scan goes | A folder you choose, as a PDF | Inside a note |
| Best for | Filing documents, uploading forms | Quick scans alongside notes |
| Syncs to other devices | Yes, with iCloud Drive | Yes, with iCloud Notes |
| Extra steps to get a PDF | None | Share or save as PDF |
For the Notes method, see how to scan documents with Notes.
Getting a clean scan
- Use bright, even light and avoid shadows from your phone or hand.
- Place the page on a dark, contrasting surface so edges are detected.
- Hold the phone parallel to the page.
- Choose a filter after scanning: Color, Grayscale, Black & White or Photo. Black & White makes text-heavy pages crisp and smaller.
- For receipts, flatten curled paper first.
Rename, tag and organize
- Touch and hold the scan and choose Rename. Use a consistent pattern, for example "2026-10 Electric bill."
- Add a tag (touch and hold, then Tags) such as "Tax" or "Medical."
- Create folders by year or category.
- Use the search bar in Files to find documents by name. iOS can also find text inside many scanned PDFs.
Editing a scan after saving
Open the PDF in Files and use Markup to add a signature or notes. See how to sign a PDF on iPhone. On iOS 26 and later, you can also open PDFs in Apple's Preview app to fill and sign forms. To combine PDFs, select several files in Files, tap the More button, and choose Create PDF.
Storage and privacy
Scans saved to iCloud Drive count toward your iCloud storage (Apple gives 5 GB free). Choosing On My iPhone keeps a scan on the device only, but it won't sync or be backed up the same way. For sensitive documents, such as IDs or medical records, consider who can access your iCloud account and use a strong password with two-factor authentication.
When you might need more than Files
The built-in scanner covers most needs. A dedicated scanner app can help with automatic uploads to accounting tools, advanced text extraction, or sending faxes. See do you need a scanner app?
Scanning on iPad and Mac
The same Scan Documents option appears in Files on iPad. On a Mac, you can use Continuity Camera: in Finder or many apps, choose File or right-click, then "Import from iPhone," then "Scan Documents," and your iPhone's camera opens as a scanner. The PDF lands on the Mac. This is handy when you're filing paperwork at a desk.
A simple filing system that works
Create a few top-level folders, such as "Home," "Car," "Health," "Taxes 2026" and "Receipts." Scan each document into the right folder as soon as it arrives, name it with the date first, and shred or recycle the paper copy if you don't legally need the original. Once a year, move old folders into an archive.
Frequently asked questions
Can the iPhone Files app scan documents?
Yes. In Files, tap the More button (three dots) and choose Scan Documents. The scan saves as a PDF in the folder you're viewing.
Where do Files app scans save?
In the folder you had open when you started the scan, such as a folder in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone.
How do I rename a scanned document on iPhone?
In Files, touch and hold the scan, choose Rename, type a new name and tap Done.
Does the iPhone scanner make PDFs?
Yes. Scans from the Files app save as PDFs, and scans in Notes can be shared or saved as PDFs.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.