How to Scan Brother HL-L2390DW: Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

The Brother HL-L2390DW is a versatile multifunction printer that offers a range of features, including printing, copying, and scanning. While printing and copying are relatively straightforward, understanding how to scan Brother HL-L2390DW can be a bit more challenging. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, covering both wired and wireless scanning methods, along with helpful tips and tricks to maximize your scanning experience.

Scanning Basics: Understanding the Interface

Before diving into the specifics, let’s familiarize ourselves with the Brother HL-L2390DW’s interface. The printer features a control panel with a small LCD screen and buttons for navigating menus and selecting options. You’ll primarily use these buttons to initiate and manage your scans.

Scanning via the Control Panel: A Quick and Easy Method

The simplest way to scan documents is directly from the printer’s control panel. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Load your document: Place the document face down on the scanner glass or use the automatic document feeder (ADF) for multiple pages.
2. Press the “Scan” button: Locate the scan button on the control panel and press it.
3. Select scan settings: The LCD screen will display a menu with options for scan type, resolution, file format, and destination. Use the navigation buttons to choose your desired settings.
4. Start the scan: Press the “Start” button to initiate the scan.
5. Save or share: Depending on your selected destination, the scan will be saved to your computer, a network folder, or sent via email.

Scanning from Your Computer: Unlocking Advanced Features

While the control panel method is convenient for basic scans, scanning from your computer provides greater flexibility and control.
1. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan Software:

• Visit the Brother website and download the iPrint&Scan software for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
• Install the software according to the provided instructions.

2. Connect Your Printer:

• Wired Connection: Connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable.
• Wireless Connection: Ensure your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Launch the iPrint&Scan Software:

• Open the iPrint&Scan software on your computer.
• Select “Scan” from the menu or toolbar.

4. Configure Scan Settings:

• The software will display a window with various scan settings.
• Document Source: Choose “Flatbed” for single-page documents or “ADF” for multiple pages.
• Scan Type: Select “Color” or “Black & White” based on your document.
• Resolution: Choose the desired resolution (DPI) depending on the quality required.
• File Format: Select the desired file format, such as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF.
• Destination: Choose where to save your scan, such as your computer, a network folder, or email.

5. Start the Scan:

• Click the “Scan” button to initiate the scan.
• The software will process the scan and save it to your chosen destination.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

While scanning is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check the paper path: Ensure the document is properly loaded in the scanner or ADF.
• Clean the scanner glass: Dust and debris can interfere with the scanning process.
• Verify connection: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
• Update drivers: Outdated drivers can cause scanning problems. Visit the Brother website to download the latest drivers for your printer.
• Restart your computer and printer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve software glitches.
• Contact Brother support: If the issue persists, contact Brother customer support for assistance.

Maximizing Your Scanning Experience: Tips and Tricks

• Use the ADF for multiple pages: The ADF allows you to scan multiple pages automatically, saving time and effort.
• Experiment with scan settings: Adjust the resolution, file format, and other settings to achieve the best results for your specific needs.
• Use the “Scan to Email” feature: This feature allows you to directly scan documents and send them as email attachments.
• Save scans as PDFs: PDFs are a versatile and widely accepted format for sharing and archiving documents.
• Utilize the “Scan to Folder” feature: This feature allows you to save scans directly to a specific folder on your computer or network.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Scanning Features

The Brother HL-L2390DW offers advanced features that can enhance your scanning experience.

• Scan to Cloud Services: The printer supports scanning directly to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, making it easy to store and access your documents from any device.
• Scan to Mobile Devices: Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to scan documents directly to your smartphone or tablet.
• Document Editing Features: The iPrint&Scan software includes basic editing features, such as cropping and rotating scans.
• OCR (Optical Character Recognition): This feature allows you to convert scanned documents into editable text, making it easy to search and edit the content.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Scanning

Understanding how to scan Brother HL-L2390DW empowers you to leverage the full potential of your multifunction printer. From basic scans to advanced features, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to seamlessly integrate scanning into your daily workflow.

What You Need to Know

1. Can I scan directly to a USB drive?
No, the Brother HL-L2390DW does not support scanning directly to a USB drive. You can scan to your computer and then copy the files to a USB drive.
2. How do I scan a double-sided document?
The printer’s automatic document feeder (ADF) can handle double-sided documents. Ensure the document is loaded with the first page facing up and the pages are aligned. Select the “Two-Sided” option in the scan settings.
3. Can I scan photos?
Yes, you can scan photos using the flatbed scanner. Select the “Photo” scan type and adjust the resolution and file format accordingly.
4. What is the maximum scan resolution?
The Brother HL-L2390DW has a maximum scan resolution of 600 x 600 DPI.
5. How do I access the Brother iPrint&Scan software?
You can download the Brother iPrint&Scan software from the Brother website. Select your printer model and operating system to find the correct download link.