How to scan on Mac using Preview

How to scan on Mac using Preview
(Image credit: Everpresent)

Scanners used to be awkward devices but knowing how to scan on Mac using Preview takes the sting out of the whole process. In fact, Preview makes scanning really easy and it comes with a wealth of built-in options that ensure documents are perfectly replicated on your Mac's display.

Here we're going to take a look at how it all works, assuming that you already know how to connect your scanner to your computer (check the instructions which came with the device but it's often as simple as plugging it in via the USB port). 

Of course, this process also works if you have one of the best all-in-one printers which is generally the case for most people who own a scanner. So without further ado, let's take a look at how to scan on Mac using Preview.

Scan documents on a Mac using Preview

Preview is an app built into macOS so you don't need to download any extra software.

1. Grab a document

(Image: © Future)

Once you've identified something you want to scan, be it a letter, receipt, magazine page and so on, place the document on to the scanner bed (or into a scanner's document feeder, depending on the type of device you own).

2. Launch the Preview app

(Image: © Future)

Now open the Preview app and select File. Select Import from Scanner. You may find that your scanner's name is displayed instead (for example, our scanner is the Epson XP-900).

3. Show more details

(Image: © Future)

While the scanner is getting ready (which shouldn't take all that long), you can click Show Details. This will display a range of options, giving you more control over your scan.

4. Select the options

(Image: © Future)

The scanner automatically kicks into action and scans your document as a preview. This will display to the left of the import window. Look to the right, however, and you will be able to fine-tune the scan.

5. Choose the document type

(Image: © Future)

One of the most important options to pay attention to is Kind. Click the Kind drop-down menu and you can select Text (perfect for documents that are predominantly made up of words), select Black & White if you're after a grayscale image or select Color for colour images.

6. Make your amends

(Image: © Future)

You can then continue down the list. 

Select Resolution if you want your scan to less or more sharp (the DPI stands for dots per inch and the more dots there are, the higher quality your image is going to be – higher quality images also have larger file sizes).

You can also alter the size in inches, centimetres or pixels. And you can choose a file format (including JPEG, HEIC, TIFF, PNG, JPEG 2000, GID, BMP and PDF).

7. Correct the image

(Image: © Future)

It is also possible to manually alter an image. Although Image Correction is turned on by default, change Image Correction to Manual for more options. You can alter the brightness, tint, temperature and saturation of an image. If you make a mistake, click Restore Defaults.

8. Scan your document

(Image: © Future)

Once you are satisfied with your amendments, click Scan. Preview will ask you to select an area you wish to scan so use your mouse or a trackpad to draw a box around the part of the image you want to retain. 

9. See the completed result.

(Image: © Future)

Once done, click Scan again and an image will be created to your specifications which you can then save.


And there you go. You now know how to scan on Mac using Preview but there are many things you could do with your scanned images from this point. You could learn how to edit photos on Mac using macOS Photos or maybe figure out how to resize an image for sharing online. If you've scanned a document, then discover how to edit a PDF on Mac. But what if you don't have a scanner? Well, here's how to use your iPhone's hidden document scanner instead. In fact, why not check out these 17 hidden iPhone features that will make your life easier?

TOPICS
David Crookes
Contributor

David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.

Read more
MacBook Pro 2021 (16-inch) on a patio table
It's easy to edit PDFs on your Mac — here's how to do it for free
MacBook Pro M3 Pro on bench
Stop using Command+Shift+3 — try these Mac screenshot shortcuts instead
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
How to scan a QR code on your iPhone 16 — follow these simple steps
AirDrop settings on an iPhone with a MacBook in the background.
How to transfer files from an iPhone to Mac — every method explained
MacBook Pro M3 Pro on bench
Your Mac has a built-in screen recorder — here's how to use it
An iPhone 16 in hand in front of MacBook Air 13-inch M3 on table
I paired an iPhone 16 with my MacBook Air — and now I pity Android users who are missing these features
Latest in Software
and image of the Google Chrome logo on a laptop
Google Chrome just updated its rules to stop future Honey scandals: here's what's changed
How to tour the Super Bowl stadium virtually with Google Maps
Google Maps glitch is purging Timeline data — what we know
Mac Studio on a desk hooked up to a Studio DIsplay
Mac Studio M3 Ultra: 3 reasons to buy and 2 reasons to skip
Gboard app logo on mobile phone resting on a keyboard
Google Gboard redesign has already angered users — and I can see why
Waze app on iPhone in car
Forget Google Maps — Waze just got a huge upgrade that will help millions of drivers
How to tell if you've been blocked on WhatsApp
WhatsApp and Messenger were down — updates on the quick outage
Latest in How To
Ninja Air Fryer
Air fryer dos and don'ts — 7 safety tips for everyday use
The coolest things the Apple Watch can do
7 best Apple Watch features you're probably not using, but should
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
I test ChatGPT for a living — 5 game-changing prompts to try next
Cleaning with a mop in yellow bucket
Your cleaning tools are spreading dirt — here’s how to disinfect them properly
Bouquet of spring flowers, Irises and yellow ranunculus, yellow tulips with white daffodils
Expert florist hack makes your cut daffodils and other flowers last longer
dishwasher cleaning tablet
This viral TikTok cleaning hack just revealed why your dishwasher tablet isn't working — and it makes total sense