A completed scan is useful only when every required page is readable, in the correct order and saved where you expect. Decide on those requirements before feeding a whole document through the scanner.

Choose the scan source and output

Connect and turn on the scanner or multifunction printer. In System Settings, Printers & Scanners, select it and choose Open Scanner where available. Image Capture is another built-in route for supported scanners.

Choose the document feeder for a compatible stack of pages or the flatbed for material that should not pass through a feeder. Remove staples and follow the manufacturer's media-handling instructions. Fragile originals deserve particular care.

Show the detailed options and choose the destination folder, filename and format. For one multi-page document, select PDF and the option to combine pages if your scanner interface offers it. Duplex and text-recognition options depend on the scanner and software; their absence does not by itself indicate broken hardware.

Inspect a short trial before the full document

Scan one or two representative pages first. Check small text, faint marks, colour information and the edges of the page. Adjust settings if essential details are missing rather than simply increasing file size without inspecting the result.

After the full scan, open the saved PDF from its destination folder. Compare its page count with the originals, inspect page order and orientation, and confirm that both sides were captured when required. A feeder completing its movement does not prove that every sheet was captured correctly.

If searchable text matters, test searching for a visible phrase. Do not assume a PDF contains searchable text merely because it looks clear.

Keep the originals until the digital copy meets your needs and has been backed up. When sharing, verify that the selected attachment is the final combined document rather than a trial page or an earlier partial scan.

Sources: Apple's Mac scanning instructions and Image Capture guide.

For help with your Mac, contact AEPC in East Auckland or call 027 908 8880 to discuss your requirements.