Main points
- Place the document you want to scan on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF), depending on your printer model.
- Use the printer’s keypad or touch screen to enter the email address where you want to send the scanned document.
- The app will prompt you to confirm sending the scanned document to the specified email address.
Are you tired of manually scanning documents and sending them as attachments? Want a seamless and efficient way to digitize your paper documents and share them instantly? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to scan documents from your Brother printer to email, making your life easier and your workflow smoother.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s understand the core concepts involved in scanning documents to your email:
- Brother Printer with Scanning Capability: You need a Brother printer with a built-in scanner. Most modern Brother printers come equipped with this feature.
- Email Account: You need an active email account to receive the scanned documents. This can be any email service like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, etc.
- Network Connection: Your printer needs to be connected to your network (either wirelessly or via Ethernet cable) for the scanning process to work smoothly.
Method 1: Using the Brother Printer Control Panel
This method is the most straightforward and often the simplest way to scan documents directly to your email.
1. Power On Your Printer: Ensure your Brother printer is powered on and connected to your network.
2. Load the Document: Place the document you want to scan on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder (ADF), depending on your printer model.
3. Access the Scan Menu: Locate the “Scan” button on your printer’s control panel. Press it to access the scan menu.
4. Select “Scan to Email”: Look for the option labeled “Scan to Email” or something similar. This option may be under a “Destination” or “Settings” menu.
5. Enter Email Address: Use the printer’s keypad or touch screen to enter the email address where you want to send the scanned document.
6. Choose File Format: Select the desired file format for the scan (e.g., PDF, JPEG, TIFF).
7. Set Scan Settings (Optional): Adjust scan settings like resolution, color mode, and document size if needed.
8. Start Scanning: Press the “Start” or “Scan” button to initiate the scanning process.
9. Confirm Sending: Your printer will likely prompt you to confirm sending the scanned document to the specified email address.
Method 2: Using Brother’s iPrint&Scan App
Brother’s iPrint&Scan app provides a convenient mobile interface for scanning documents and sending them to email. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download the App: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Connect to Your Printer: Open the app and follow the instructions to connect your smartphone or tablet to your Brother printer.
3. Select “Scan”: In the app, choose the “Scan” option.
4. Load the Document: Place the document on the scanner glass or in the ADF.
5. Choose Scan Settings: Select the desired scan settings, such as resolution, color mode, and file format.
6. Select “Email”: In the app, choose “Email” as the destination for your scanned document.
7. Enter Email Address: Enter the email address where you want to send the scanned document.
8. Start Scanning: Tap the “Scan” button to begin the scanning process.
9. Confirm Sending: The app will prompt you to confirm sending the scanned document to the specified email address.
Method 3: Using Brother’s Web Services
Brother’s web services offer an alternative method for scanning documents to email, particularly useful if you prefer using your computer.
1. Access Brother’s Website: Visit the Brother website and navigate to the “Support” or “Downloads” section.
2. Find Your Printer Model: Locate your Brother printer model and download the corresponding software or drivers.
3. Install the Software: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Brother software on your computer.
4. Open the Software: Launch the Brother software.
5. Select “Scan”: Choose the “Scan” or “Scan to Computer” option.
6. Select “Email”: Choose “Email” as the destination for your scanned document.
7. Enter Email Address: Enter the email address where you want to send the scanned document.
8. Choose File Format: Select the desired file format for the scan (e.g., PDF, JPEG, TIFF).
9. Set Scan Settings (Optional): Adjust scan settings like resolution, color mode, and document size if needed.
10. Start Scanning: Initiate the scanning process.
11. Confirm Sending: Your computer will prompt you to confirm sending the scanned document to the specified email address.
Tips for a Successful Scan
- Clean the Scanner Glass: Ensure the scanner glass is clean and free of dust or debris to prevent blurry scans.
- Use the Correct Document Type: Select the appropriate document type (e.g., photo, text, document) in the scan settings for optimal results.
- Check Network Connection: Verify that your printer is connected to your network and that your internet connection is stable.
- Confirm Email Address: Double-check the email address you entered to ensure it is correct before initiating the scan.
- Test with a Simple Document: Start with a simple document to test the scanning process before scanning more complex documents.
The Final Word: Unleashing the Power of Scan-to-Email
Scanning documents from your Brother printer to email can be a game-changer for your productivity and efficiency. By mastering these methods, you can streamline your workflow, eliminate manual handling, and enjoy the convenience of sharing documents instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my Brother printer doesn’t have a “Scan to Email” option?
A: If your printer doesn’t have a dedicated “Scan to Email” option, you can still scan to your computer and then attach the scanned document to an email.
Q: Can I scan multiple documents at once?
A: Yes, most Brother printers allow you to scan multiple documents at once using the ADF (automatic document feeder).
Q: What if I need to scan a document in color?
A: You can typically choose the color mode (color, grayscale, black and white) in the scan settings.
Q: Can I password-protect scanned documents?
A: Some Brother printers and software allow you to password-protect scanned documents for added security.
Q: What if I’m having trouble connecting my printer to my network?
A: Refer to your Brother printer’s user manual or contact Brother support for assistance with network connectivity issues.