You don’t require a document scanning app; your iPhone already has that capability.

      Whether you're looking to keep your invoices in order for tax season or simply want a digital backup of important documents, scanning papers on your iPhone is a useful habit that pays off later.

      This is why document scanning apps have gained popularity in the App Store. However, many users are unaware that there’s no need to download a third-party scanner app. Your iPhone comes with several built-in features that work effectively, and I’m going to explain how to utilize them.

      ### Scan Documents Using the Notes App

      If you primarily use Apple Notes for your notes and documents, you’ll be pleased to know that you can scan invoices directly within the Apple Notes app. It offers two options for scanning a document, both of which are equally effective depending on your needs.

      If you want to scan something quickly without worrying about which note it goes into, press and hold the Notes app icon on your Home Screen and select "Scan Document." This will open the built-in scanner immediately. You can allow the app to automatically detect the edges of your document and scan it, or you can manually capture it by tapping the shutter button.

      If you’re not satisfied with the result, use the Retake button to try again. Once the scan looks good, you can refine the edges by dragging the corner handles. If you have multiple pages to scan, just repeat the same procedure for each page.

      Once you’re finished, tap the yellow checkmark button, and the app will compile the pages into a single PDF and save it in a new note. If you prefer to have separate files instead of a single PDF, tap the button after each scan rather than waiting until the end.

      To save a document in a specific note, open that note and tap the paperclip icon in the keyboard toolbar. Then, tap the "Scan Documents" button and follow the steps to scan your documents.

      ### Scan Documents Using the Files App

      The Files app offers a similar process and might actually be a better option if you want to organize your scans by folder. Long-press the Files app icon on your Home Screen and select "Scan Documents" to go directly to the scanner.

      The scanning process is the same as in Notes: capture the image, adjust the corners if necessary, and repeat for additional pages. The only difference is that after tapping "Save," you'll need to choose the folder where you want to save the file before confirming in the top-right corner.

      If you know exactly where you want to save your scan, there's a quicker method. Open that specific folder in the Files app, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select "Scan Documents." Your file will save directly into that folder without any extra steps.

      ### Scanning Documents Is Easy

      Personally, I prefer using the Files app to scan and store invoices and documents. Each type of document is categorized into its own folder, keeping everything organized and easily accessible. If you've been using a third-party app until now, I suggest trying out the built-in option to potentially eliminate a subscription from your expenses.