How to Scan Canon E470: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Are you ready to unleash the full potential of your Canon E470? This versatile printer isn’t just for printing; it’s also a powerful scanner! Whether you need to digitize old photos, create digital copies of important documents, or simply scan a recipe from a cookbook, the Canon E470 has you covered.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of using the Canon E470’s scanning capabilities, covering everything from basic scans to more advanced techniques. Let’s dive in!

Getting Started: Understanding the Basics

Before you begin scanning, it’s important to understand the fundamental components of your Canon E470’s scanning system. The scanner itself is a flatbed scanner, meaning it uses a glass plate to hold the item you want to scan. When you press the “Scan” button, a light source illuminates the document, and a sensor captures the image data.

Method 1: Scanning Directly from the Printer

The simplest way to scan with your Canon E470 is directly from the printer’s control panel. This method is ideal for quick scans of single documents or photos.
1. Power on your printer and load the document you want to scan onto the glass plate. Ensure the document is flat and aligned with the edges of the scanner bed.
2. Press the “Scan” button on the printer’s control panel. This will initiate the scanning process.
3. Choose your desired scan settings:

• Scan Type: Select “Document” for text-based documents or “Photo” for images.
• Resolution: Higher resolution means more detail, but also larger file sizes.
• File Format: Choose a format like JPEG, PDF, or TIFF based on your needs.

4. Confirm your choices and press “Start” to begin the scan.
5. Save the scanned file to your desired location.

Method 2: Scanning via the Canon IJ Scan Utility

For more advanced scanning options and control over your scans, the Canon IJ Scan Utility software is your go-to tool. This software is typically installed on your computer during the printer setup process.
1. Open the Canon IJ Scan Utility on your computer.
2. Select the “Scan” option.
3. Choose your desired scan settings:

• Document Type: Choose “Document” for text-based documents or “Photo” for images.
• Resolution: Higher resolution means more detail, but also larger file sizes.
• File Format: Choose a format like JPEG, PDF, or TIFF based on your needs.
• Color Mode: Choose “Color” for full-color scans, “Grayscale” for black and white scans, or “Black and White” for text-only documents.

4. Adjust the “Scan Area” to capture only the desired portion of your document.
5. Click “Scan” to start the scanning process.
6. Save the scanned file to your desired location.

Method 3: Scanning Using Your Smartphone

Did you know that you can scan documents using your smartphone? With the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, you can easily scan documents directly to your phone.
1. Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and connect your phone to your printer via Wi-Fi.
3. Select the “Scan” option in the app.
4. Choose your desired scan settings:

• Document Type: Choose “Document” for text-based documents or “Photo” for images.
• Resolution: Higher resolution means more detail, but also larger file sizes.
• File Format: Choose a format like JPEG, PDF, or TIFF based on your needs.

5. Place the document you want to scan on the printer’s glass plate.
6. Tap the “Scan” button in the app to start the scanning process.
7. Save the scanned file to your phone’s gallery.

Tips for Optimal Scanning Results

To ensure the best possible scans, follow these tips:

• Clean the Scanner Glass: A clean scanner glass ensures clear and sharp scans. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away any dust or debris.
• Use Proper Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for high-quality scans. Avoid scanning in direct sunlight, as this can cause glare.
• Avoid Shadows: Ensure that the document is flat and there are no shadows cast on the scanner glass.
• Experiment with Settings: The ideal scan settings will vary depending on the document you are scanning. Experiment with different settings to find the best results.

Beyond Basic Scans: Exploring Advanced Features

The Canon E470 offers advanced features that can enhance your scanning experience.

• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): For multi-page documents, the ADF allows you to scan multiple pages at a time.
• Two-Sided Scanning: Scan both sides of a document automatically by enabling the “Two-Sided” option in the scan settings.
• Scan to Cloud: Save your scanned documents directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
• Scan to Email: Send scanned documents directly to an email address.

Mastering the Art of Scanning: From Beginner to Pro

Whether you’re a novice scanner or an experienced user, the Canon E470 provides a user-friendly interface and powerful features. By following these guidelines, you can unlock the full potential of your printer’s scanning capabilities and create high-quality scans for all your needs.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I adjust the scan size?
A: Yes, you can adjust the scan size within the Canon IJ Scan Utility or the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. You can choose to scan the entire document or select a specific area to scan.
Q: What file formats can I save my scans in?
A: The Canon E470 supports various file formats, including JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and more. Choose the format that best suits your needs.
Q: Can I scan directly to a USB drive?
A: While the Canon E470 doesn’t have a built-in USB port for direct scanning, you can use the Canon IJ Scan Utility to save your scans to a USB drive connected to your computer.
Q: How do I scan a photo with the best quality?
A: For optimal photo scans, choose “Photo” as the document type, select a high resolution (300 DPI or higher), and ensure the photo is flat and free of wrinkles.
Q: Can I scan items other than paper documents?
A: Yes, you can scan various items using the Canon E470’s flatbed scanner, including photos, business cards, and even small objects.