How to Scan on a Mac (MacOS 13+ Ventura and later) [2023]

Introduction

This tutorial provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to scan documents using your Mac computer with macOS 13 Ventura or later. It will help you utilize the built-in scanning options available for most multifunction printers and scanners without the need for additional software. By following these steps, you can streamline your scanning process and avoid common mistakes.

Step 1: Connect Your Scanner or Printer

• Ensure your multifunction printer or scanner is properly connected to your Mac.
• You can connect via USB or over a Wi-Fi network.
• To check the connection:
  • Go to System Preferences.
  • Select Printers & Scanners.
  • Verify that your device appears in the list.

Step 2: Open the Preview App

• Launch the Preview application on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or by searching in Spotlight (press Command + Space and type "Preview").
• Once opened, navigate to the File menu at the top.

Step 3: Select Your Scanner

• From the File menu, choose Import from Scanner.
• A list of available scanners will appear. Select your connected scanner or multifunction printer.

Step 4: Adjust Scanning Settings

• After selecting your scanner, a new window will open with various settings:
  • Scan Mode: Choose between Black & White, Color, or Text.
  • Resolution: Set the desired DPI (dots per inch) for the scan. Higher DPI results in better quality but larger file sizes.
  • Size: Select the paper size (e.g., Letter, A4).
• Make any necessary adjustments based on your scanning needs.

Step 5: Preview the Scan

• Click the Overview or Preview button to see a preview of what will be scanned.
• Adjust the scan area by dragging the corners of the selection box to fit the document you want to scan.
• Ensure the document is properly aligned and clear in the preview.

Step 6: Perform the Scan

• Once satisfied with the preview, click the Scan button.
• The scanning process will begin, and you’ll see a progress bar indicating the status.

Step 7: Save the Scanned Document

• After the scan is complete, a new window will prompt you to save the scanned document.
• Choose a file name and location. You can also select the file format (PDF, JPEG, etc.) from the dropdown menu.
• Click Save to store the scanned document on your Mac.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ensure your scanner is powered on and properly connected before starting the process.
• Double-check that the document is placed correctly on the scanner bed.
• Avoid scanning at excessively high resolutions unless necessary, as this can lead to large file sizes.

Conclusion

You have now successfully scanned a document using your Mac. By following these steps, you can easily digitize your documents for storage or sharing. Remember to explore the different settings available to enhance your scanning experience. For further assistance, consider checking the user manual of your specific scanner or printer model for additional features or troubleshooting tips. Happy scanning!