How Do I Get My Canon Printer To Scan To My Computer?

Over time, Canon printers have gained popularity and are being used by many people to do a variety of tasks. It is one such printing device that can handle multiple operations including copying, faxing, scanning, and printing. 

But if you are wondering how to scan your photos or documents from a Canon printer to your computer, then this article will guide you through it. 

Let us go through the systematic steps to set up and scan files using a Canon printer. 

Instructions to Set Up a Canon Printer

Below are the steps you need to follow systematically in order to scan your documents to your computer using a printer.

Perform basic checks

Ensure that your Canon printer has scanning capabilities. Your printer can scan if it is an “all-in-one” model. You can read the printer’s manual or product page to confirm whether your printer is able to scan or not. 

If your printer supports scanning, then the first step is to connect your computer and printer. The majority of Canon printers with touch-screen control panels can connect wirelessly. But in some cases, you may also need to use a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer.

Install the appropriate drivers

You can use the CD or DVD that came with your printer to install the Canon scanner drivers. Use the instructions below to get the drivers for the printer if it didn’t arrive with a CD or DVD.

1. Go to Canon’s official website. Then, tap on Printers.
2. Choose the model number or type it into the search bar and hit Enter.
3. Utilize the drop-down menu near the “Operating System” option to choose your operating system.
4. Now, hit the Select button near the drivers you wish to download. Then, press the Download button.
5. Next, open the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install drivers successfully. 

Place the documents in the scanner

To turn on the printer, insert the power adapter into a socket and press the power button.

Then, carefully lift the lid of the scanner and you will find a glass scanner base.

Put your document with the face down in the scanner. Make sure that the document is aligned with the indicator in the back left corner. Also, the left and top edges of your paper should line up with the glass.

If the printer has an automatic document feeder, place the document in the tray facing up. The guides on the sides should line up with the document’s width. Once the document is placed properly, you would hear a beep. Then, make sure to close the scanner lid properly.

If you’re having trouble using the built-in scanner, refer to your Canon’s instruction booklet.

Perform the scanning process on Windows

You may scan documents using the IJ Scan Utility, which is included with the printer drivers. However, here, we will outline the instructions to perform scanning manually on Windows. 

Follow the steps given below to do so.

1. Go to the Start menu on your desktop. Type “windows fax and scan” in the search bar and hit Enter. 
2. Choose the appropriate option from the search results. In the Fax and Scan window that opened up, click on the New scan option at the top of the screen.
3. Now, look at the scanner name and its model number. If you find it correct, move ahead. If not, you may tap on the Change option and select your printer. 
4. Click on the “Profile” drop-down menu and choose your preferred document type. Next, click on the “Color format” drop-down menu and choose a color for your document. You may choose either Black and White or Color.
5. Also, you may choose your document’s file type in the “File type” drop-down menu box. There are numerous options available to select your scanning modifications. Set the choices and preview your document.
6. Finally, hit the Scan button available at the bottom of your screen to start the scanning process.

To find your scanned document, follow the path —- Start > File Explorer > Documents > your scanned file. 

Perform the scanning process on Mac

Follow the instructions given below to do so.

1. Click on the Apple menu and select the System Preferences option from the drop-down menu.
2. Now, select the Printers and Scanners option at the right-hand side of the window. On the left side of the screen, choose your Canon printer.
3. Click on the Scan option and then select the Open Scanner option. In the next window that opens up, click on Show Details. 
4. From the “Format” drop-down option, you can choose your desired file format. Next, click on the “Kind” drop-down menu and choose a color for your document.
5. Now, select the “Save to” drop-down menu and choose the location you wish your scanned file to get stored. 
6. You can also modify other settings such as the “Orientation” value or the “Resolution” value here based on the type of file you’re scanning.
7. Now, at last, hit the Scan button to begin the scanning process. 

After scanning, you can find your scanned document in your selected location.

Also Read: How to Setup Graphics Card In My CPU

Conclusion

So, to conclude, through the above-mentioned steps you can effectively use the Canon Scanner to scan any photo or document, convert it into the required file type, and then store it on your computer for later use.