How to Scan from Brother HL-L2390DW: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Results

The Brother HL-L2390DW is a powerful and versatile printer that can handle both printing and scanning tasks with ease. Whether you need to digitize important documents, create digital copies of photos, or archive old papers, understanding how to scan from your Brother HL-L2390DW is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different methods, tips, and tricks to make scanning a breeze.

Setting Up Your Brother HL-L2390DW for Scanning

Before you start scanning, ensure your Brother HL-L2390DW is properly set up and connected to your computer or network. Here’s a quick checklist:
1. Connect the Printer: Connect your printer to your computer via USB cable or wirelessly through your network. Refer to your printer’s manual for detailed instructions.
2. Install Drivers: Install the latest drivers and software for your Brother HL-L2390DW from the official Brother website. This ensures compatibility and access to all scanning features.
3. Load Paper: Place the document you want to scan face down on the scanner glass, ensuring it’s flat and positioned correctly.

Method 1: Scanning from the Brother HL-L2390DW Control Panel

The control panel on your Brother HL-L2390DW provides a simple and intuitive way to scan documents directly to your computer. Follow these steps:
1. Press the “Scan” Button: Locate the “Scan” button on the control panel. It might be labeled with an icon of a document or a scanner.
2. Select Scan Destination: Choose the destination for your scanned document. Common options include:

• “PC”: Sends the scan to your computer.
• “Email”: Sends the scan directly to an email address.
• “USB”: Saves the scan to a USB drive connected to the printer.

3. Choose Scan Settings: Adjust the scan settings according to your needs. Options include:

• “Document Type”: Select the type of document being scanned, such as “Text,” “Photo,” or “Mixed.”
• “Resolution”: Determines the image quality and file size. Higher resolution means better quality but larger file size.
• “Color Mode”: Choose between “Color,” “Grayscale,” or “Black and White.”

4. Start Scanning: Press the “Start” button to initiate the scanning process. The printer will scan the document and save it to your chosen destination.

Method 2: Scanning from Your Computer Using Brother iPrint&Scan

The Brother iPrint&Scan software provides a more versatile and feature-rich way to scan from your computer. It allows you to control scan settings, manage scanned documents, and even scan directly to cloud services. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open Brother iPrint&Scan: Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan software on your computer. You can typically find it in your Start menu.
2. Select “Scan” Option: Click on the “Scan” icon or option within the software.
3. Choose Scan Settings: Adjust the scan settings to your preferences. You’ll find options for:

• “Scan Type”: Choose “Document” or “Photo” based on the content being scanned.
• “Resolution”: Control the image quality and file size.
• “Color Mode”: Select between “Color,” “Grayscale,” or “Black and White.”
• “File Format”: Determine the file format for the scanned document, such as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF.

4. Select Scan Destination: Choose where you want to save the scanned document. Options include:

• “Computer”: Saves the scan to a folder on your computer.
• “Cloud”: Uploads the scan to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
• “Email”: Sends the scan directly to an email address.

5. Start Scanning: Click the “Scan” button to begin the scanning process.

Method 3: Scanning Directly to Cloud Services

The Brother HL-L2390DW supports scanning directly to popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. This feature eliminates the need for saving to your computer first, making it an efficient option for sharing documents online. To scan directly to a cloud service:
1. Configure Cloud Settings: Within the Brother iPrint&Scan software, navigate to the “Cloud Settings” or “Cloud Storage” section.
2. Connect Cloud Accounts: Connect your cloud service accounts to the printer. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize access and grant permission.
3. Select Cloud Destination: During the scan process, choose the cloud service you want to save the document to.
4. Start Scanning: Initiate the scan, and the document will be automatically uploaded to your chosen cloud service.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

While scanning from your Brother HL-L2390DW is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check the Connection: Ensure the printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
• Update Drivers: Install the latest drivers from the Brother website to resolve compatibility issues.
• Restart the Printer: Sometimes restarting the printer can fix temporary glitches.
• Clear the Paper Jam: If the printer is experiencing a paper jam, clear it before attempting to scan.
• Clean the Scanner Glass: A dirty scanner glass can affect scan quality. Clean it with a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaning solution.

Advanced Scanning Techniques

For more complex scanning needs, explore these advanced techniques:

• Scanning Multiple Pages: Use the document feeder to scan multiple pages automatically.
• Two-Sided Scanning: Your Brother HL-L2390DW supports two-sided scanning, which allows you to scan both sides of a document in one go.
• Scanning Photos: Optimize scan settings for photos to capture details and colors accurately.
• Using Preset Scanning Profiles: The Brother iPrint&Scan software often includes pre-configured scanning profiles for different document types, making scanning even easier.

Optimizing Scan Quality

Achieving high-quality scans depends on several factors. Here are some tips to optimize your scan results:

• Use Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when placing documents on the scanner glass. Avoid shadows or glare.
• Clean the Scanner Glass: A clean scanner glass ensures clear and accurate scans.
• Adjust Scan Resolution: Select a higher resolution for detailed documents or photos.
• Use the Correct Document Type Setting: Choosing the appropriate document type setting helps the printer optimize the scan process.

The Final Word: Embracing the Power of Your Brother HL-L2390DW

Understanding how to scan from your Brother HL-L2390DW unlocks a world of possibilities. From digitizing important documents to creating digital copies of photos, this versatile printer can streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity. By mastering the different methods, exploring advanced techniques, and optimizing scan quality, you can fully leverage the power of your Brother HL-L2390DW for all your scanning needs.

What You Need to Know

1. Can I scan directly to a USB drive from my Brother HL-L2390DW?
Yes, you can scan directly to a USB drive connected to the printer. Simply select “USB” as the scan destination on the control panel or within the Brother iPrint&Scan software.
2. What are the different file formats I can save my scans in?
The Brother HL-L2390DW supports various file formats, including PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and BMP. You can choose the desired format based on your needs and compatibility with other applications.
3. How do I scan a two-sided document?
Your Brother HL-L2390DW offers a two-sided scanning feature. Select the “Two-Sided” option during the scan process, and the printer will automatically scan both sides of the document.
4. Can I scan photos using my Brother HL-L2390DW?
Absolutely! Your Brother HL-L2390DW can scan photos. Adjust the scan settings to “Photo” and choose a high resolution for optimal quality.
5. What should I do if my scans are blurry or have lines?
If your scans are blurry or have lines, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Clean the scanner glass.
• Ensure the document is flat and free of wrinkles.
• Adjust the scan resolution to a higher setting.
• Check for any paper jams or obstructions in the scanner.