The iPhone's built-in Preview app has a hidden feature that makes scanning documents a breeze. This powerful tool was added with the release of iOS 26 in 2025, and it's fast, free, and well integrated with the Files app.
When you open a document in the Files app, your iPhone will automatically switch to Preview and load the document. However, if you open the Preview app directly, you'll see a "Scan Documents" button front and center. This feature was only recently discovered by the author, despite using the developer betas since their release.
When you tap Scan Documents in Preview, your iPhone will fire up the viewfinder, and you can point the device at the documents you want to scan. Like other scanning apps, the Preview app's scanner automatically identifies document borders, takes a picture to scan, and reopens the viewfinder so you can point the camera at the next page.
The scanned PDF will automatically be saved to your iCloud Drive folder, without the need to export it. This process is fast and intuitive, making it a great option for those who resist installing new apps or navigating complex scanning processes.
The Preview app's scanner offers a range of features, including the ability to toggle flash, set color filters, and toggle on the auto-shutter feature. The auto-shutter feature automatically scans a page the moment it detects borders, but it's not perfect, and users can disable it for more precise control.
The Preview app's scanner has several advantages over the one in Apple Notes. For one, it immediately saves documents to the Files app, making it easier to access and manage your scanned files. Additionally, the Preview app's scanner is faster and more convenient than the Notes app's scanner.
For those who want more features than Apple's document scanner, third-party apps like Adobe Scan may be a good option. Adobe Scan offers OCR, a generous free tier, and a range of features, including PDF editing and cloud storage.
However, even the free tier of Adobe Scan requires users to sign in with their Apple, Google, or Facebook accounts, which can be an unnecessary step for those who just want a simple scanning app.
