---
# System prepended metadata

title: How to Scan Using HP Printer?
tags: [how to scan using HP printer, HP scanner flatbed vs ADF, scan from HP printer to phone, HP Smart scan tutorial, HP scan settings DPI resolution, scan from HP printer to computer, scan to PDF HP printer]

---

# How to Scan Using HP Printer?

Scan documents from any device today — **1-844-957-6312** Scanning with an HP printer is fast and flexible: you can scan from the printer’s control panel, from a Windows PC, a Mac, or a mobile device using HP Smart. This guide walks you through preparation, the different scanning methods (flatbed vs ADF), step-by-step instructions for each platform, common settings (resolution, file format), and troubleshooting tips so your scans come out crisp and usable.
![Screenshot 2025-08-20 174238](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/B15BzuFKxe.png)

### 1. Prepare before scanning

• Clean the glass: Wipe the flatbed glass with a lint-free cloth and a little glass cleaner applied to the cloth (not directly on the glass). Dust or smudges show up as streaks.
• Check document condition: Remove staples, smooth out folds, and flatten pages for ADF (automatic document feeder) scans.
• Choose the right media: Use plain paper for documents and appropriate photo paper for high-quality photo scans.
• Connect and update: Ensure the printer is connected to your network (or via USB) and that firmware and HP Smart (if used) are up to date.

### 2. Scan using the printer control panel

Most HP multifunction printers let you scan directly without a computer.

1. Place the document face down on the flatbed glass or face up in the ADF.
2. On the printer’s touchscreen, tap **Scan** (or **Scan to Computer/USB/Email** depending on model).
3. Choose the destination: **Computer**, **Email**, **USB drive**, **Network folder**, or **Cloud** (if supported).
4. Select options: file type (PDF, JPEG), color mode (Color/Grayscale), and resolution (DPI). Typical document scans use 150–300 DPI; photos use 300–600 DPI.
5. Tap **Start** or **Scan**. If scanning to a computer, the computer may need to accept or save the incoming scan.

### 3. Scan to a Windows PC

There are two popular ways: HP Smart app and Windows built-in functions.
**Using HP Smart (recommended)**

1. Install HP Smart from Microsoft Store.
2. Add your printer (both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network).
3. Open HP Smart > **Scan** > choose **Source** (Flatbed/ADF).
4. Preview, crop, rotate, and choose **Save as PDF/JPEG** or send to email/OneDrive/Google Drive.
   **Using Windows Fax and Scan or File Explorer**

* Open **Windows Fax and Scan**, click **New Scan**, select your HP scanner, choose settings, and click **Scan**. Save when done.
![Screenshot 2025-08-19 170947](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rkdwMuttex.png)

### 4. Scan to a Mac

Macs work well with AirPrint-enabled HP printers and HP Easy Scan.
**Using Apple’s Image Capture**

1. Connect the printer via network or USB.
2. Open **Image Capture** (Applications > Utilities).
3. Select your HP scanner, choose options (format, DPI), click **Scan**, and save.
   **Using HP Easy Scan/HP Smart**

* Install HP Easy Scan or HP Smart, follow the on-screen prompts to select the scanner and desired file type, then scan.

### 5. Scan from mobile devices (iPhone / Android)

**HP Smart app** (iOS & Android) is the easiest:

1. Install HP Smart and add your printer.
2. In the app, tap **Scan**, choose Camera (scan from phone) or Printer (use the printer’s scanner).
3. Adjust cropping, file type, and save/share to email, cloud, or local files.
   AirPrint (iOS) supports printing, but scanning via AirPrint is limited—use HP Smart for full scanning features.

### 6. Scan to email, cloud, or network folder

• **Scan to Email**: Configure SMTP settings in the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) or HP Smart. Some models support direct email with minimal setup.
• **Scan to Network Folder**: On the printer EWS, set the UNC path (\server\folder) and credentials. On the control panel choose **Scan to Network Folder** and select the saved destination.
• **Scan to Cloud**: HP Smart connects to OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox—authorize the account in HP Smart, then save scans directly.

### 7. Recommended scan settings

• **Text documents**: 150–300 DPI, PDF, black & white or grayscale.
• **Mixed text + images**: 300 DPI, PDF or high-quality JPEG.
• **Photos**: 300–600 DPI, color, JPEG or TIFF for high quality.
• **OCR (editable text)**: Scan to PDF (300 DPI) then run OCR with Adobe Acrobat, Google Drive OCR, or HP Smart’s text recognition features if available.
![Screenshot 2025-08-19 170841](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJrOGdFKxe.png)

### 8. Troubleshooting common scan issues

• **No scan found on computer**: Ensure HP software is installed, both devices on same network, and the computer accepts incoming scans. Restart printer and PC.
• **Blank pages or lines**: Clean scanner glass and ADF rollers; run a test scan.
• **Slow scans**: Reduce DPI or use ADF for multipage jobs; use a wired Ethernet connection for large files.
• **File too large**: Lower DPI, convert color to grayscale, or split into multiple files.

### 9. Advanced tips

• For multi-page searchable PDFs, scan at 300 DPI and run OCR.
• Set up scan shortcuts in HP Smart for recurring tasks (e.g., Scan to Finance folder).
• Use ADF for high-volume scanning; use flatbed for photos, books, and delicate originals.
• Reserve a static IP for network scanners to avoid reconfiguring destinations after DHCP changes.

### 10. Maintenance to keep scans clean

• Clean the glass and ADF rollers monthly or as needed.
• Replace worn ADF rollers to avoid jams and skewed scans.
• Keep firmware and HP Smart app updated for best performance and new features.

Scanning with an HP printer is a blend of hardware prep and choosing the right software path for your workflow. Whether you use the printer panel, HP Smart, or the OS tools, following the steps above will get consistent, high-quality scans. If you run into setup quirks or need guided help during configuration, reach out for live assistance.
