How to scan using your 2-in-1 PC

Scanning documents on your 2-in-1 device means you can annotate, highlight, and save documents directly on your computer, so you can ensure they don’t get lost in the shuffle of papers again. Whether it’s saving a copy of an important receipt, sharing a document with colleagues, or keeping a backup of personal records on OneDrive, scanning has become an integral part of your document management. Learn how you can transform your documents from paper to pixels in seconds with Microsoft Surface.

Ways to use the camera scanning feature

The camera scanning feature is invaluable in numerous scenarios. For students, it can be used to quickly digitize notes or textbook pages for studying. Professionals might use it to scan important documents for emailing or digital filing to help reduce paper clutter. It's also perfect for anyone looking to preserve family photos or personal documents without the need for a bulky, traditional scanner.

How does the device camera help you scan?

A built-in camera offers a seamless scanning experience without the need for additional scanner apps or physical scanners. This is particularly beneficial for users who need to scan documents on the go or for those who are looking to minimize their device footprint. The combination of the camera and intelligent software is designed to recognize, isolate, and enhance documents, making it an ideal tool for scanning receipts, forms, and even photos.

Benefits of using your 2-in-1 PC for scanning

The advantages of using your 2-in-1 PC for scanning include convenience, speed, and high-quality results that you can get anywhere. Let’s look at how a 2-in-1 PC with incredible speed, battery life, and game-changing AI experiences like Surface Pro 11ᵗʰ Edition can simplify document management and become an essential scanning tool for both work and personal use.

Convenience and accessibility

The primary benefit of this scanning method is its convenience. There's no need to invest in or carry around a separate scanner or download third-party scanner apps. Everything you need is already integrated into your device, making it an all-in-one tool for your computing and scanning needs.

Speed and efficiency

Scanning with your 2-in-1 PC's camera is fast and efficient. You can quickly capture, edit, and save a high-quality digital version of your document or photo. This speed is particularly beneficial for students and professionals who often work under tight deadlines.

Quality and versatility

Even with this method being a camera-based solution, the quality of scans produced is still remarkably high. Software enhancements within the camera app ensure that documents are clear, legible, and ready for sharing or archiving. Additionally, this method offers versatility in scanning various types of documents and photos, from receipts and handwritten notes to contracts and family pictures.

How to scan with a Surface 2-in-1 PC

To begin scanning, follow these simple steps:

1. Position the document or photo. Place the item you wish to scan on a flat surface with good lighting.
2. Open the app. Select the Camera app and then choose the Document Tool feature.
3. Capture the image. Take a photo of the document or photo. The software will automatically detect the item's edges and adjust the perspective.
4. Edit and save. The camera app may offer additional editing options, such as cropping or brightness adjustments. Once you’re satisfied, save the scan to your device.

The integration of scanning capabilities into 2-in-1 Copilot+ PCs exemplifies how technology has become more accessible and efficient; one of the very best examples of this is Surface Pro 11ᵗʰ Edition. Surface Pro 11ᵗʰ Edition features a Quad HD front-facing Surface Studio Camera and a 10MP Ultra HD rear-facing camera. This 2-in-1 PC also comes with up to 14 hours¹ of local video playback and up to 10 hours¹ of active web usage to ensure your PC can handle hours of scanning and document management. With AI-accelerated Copilot+ experiences and features built to keep you on the go, Surface Pro 11ᵗʰ Edition, a Copilot+ PC, is a laptop reimagined.²

To explore more 2-in-1 devices, and beyond, browse and compare the latest from Microsoft Surface.