Photos & files
Take a clear photo of a document to send
Sometimes someone asks you to send a paper. It could be a form or a bill. You do not need a special machine. A phone can do it for you. This can save you a trip. It feels great once you try it.
~5 min Always free
We will use a phone to take a clear photo of a paper. Then we will send it. There is no rush. Take your time.
Find your device below, then follow those steps. The buttons may look a little different on yours, that is okay.
On an iPhone
- Lay the paper flat on a table.
- Turn on a light or sit near a window.
- This makes the page bright.
- Open the app called Notes.
- Tap the plus button above the keyboard.
- Then tap Scan Documents.
- Hold your phone flat over the paper.
- Make the whole page show on the screen.
- Hold still.
- It may snap the photo on its own.
- Tap Keep Scan.
- Then tap Save.
- Open the saved scan.
- Tap the share button.
- It looks like a box with an arrow.
- Pick Mail or Messages.
- Then send it.
On an Android phone
- Lay the paper flat on a table.
- Turn on a light or sit near a window.
- This makes the page bright.
- Open the Google Drive app.
- Tap the plus sign.
- Then tap Scan.
- Hold your phone flat over the paper.
- Fit the whole page inside the lines.
- Tap the round button to take the photo.
- Tap the check mark to keep it.
- Then tap Save.
- Find the share button.
- It is often three dots or an arrow.
- Pick your email or text app.
- Then send it.
On any phone, using just the Camera
- Lay the paper flat on a table.
- Make the light bright.
- Watch for dark shadows on the page.
- Open your normal Camera app.
- Hold the phone straight over the page.
- Keep it flat, not tilted.
- Move the phone until the whole page fits.
- Tap the round button to take the photo.
- Look at it.
- If it is blurry or dark, take it again.
- Open your email or text.
- Attach the photo.
- Then send it.
If you have no phone with a camera
- That is okay. You have free choices.
- Most public libraries have a free scanner.
- Ask the front desk to help you use it.
- You can also ask a trusted helper to scan it.
- They can take the photo and send it for you.
Buddy’s tip
Buddy tip. Rest your elbows on the table. This keeps your arms steady. Before you send, check who gets it. Send it only to someone you trust. A bill can show private details.
Good light, a steady hand, and the right person to send it to.