Discover the Best Way to Scan on Brother HL-L2350DW

Main points

This printer boasts a flatbed scanner that allows you to scan a wide range of materials, including.

Once the scan is complete, the software will prompt you to save the file to your computer.
Navigate to the network settings and configure the printer to scan to a specific network folder.

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Brother HL-L2350DW? This powerful printer isn’t just for printing; it’s also a versatile scanner. But navigating the world of scanning can be a bit daunting, especially for beginners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, equipping you with the skills to scan documents, photos, and more with ease.

Understanding Your Brother HL-L2350DW’s Scanning Capabilities

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand what your Brother HL-L2350DW can do. This printer boasts a flatbed scanner that allows you to scan a wide range of materials, including:

Documents: Scan important documents like invoices, receipts, letters, and more.
Photos: Capture your cherished memories in digital format, ready for sharing or archiving.

Business Cards: Quickly digitize contact information for easy storage and retrieval.
Books: Scan pages from your favorite books, making it easy to create digital copies or share excerpts.

Method 1: Scanning Directly to Your Computer

This method is ideal for quick, single-page scans that you want to save directly to your computer.
1. Connect Your Printer: Ensure your Brother HL-L2350DW is connected to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi.
2. Place Your Document: Carefully place the item you want to scan on the flatbed scanner glass. Make sure it’s flat and aligned.
3. Open Brother’s Software: Launch the Brother iPrint&Scan software on your computer. You can usually find it in your Start menu or Applications folder.
4. Select “Scan” or “Document”: Choose the appropriate option from the software’s interface.
5. Adjust Settings: Customize the scan settings to your needs. You can choose the scan resolution, color mode (color, grayscale, black and white), file format (PDF, JPEG, etc.), and more.
6. Start Scanning: Click “Scan” or “Start” to initiate the scan process.
7. Save Your File: Once the scan is complete, the software will prompt you to save the file to your computer. Choose a location and file name.

Method 2: Scanning to a Networked Folder

This method is perfect for sharing scanned documents across multiple devices on your network.
1. Network Setup: Ensure your printer is connected to your network and has access to a shared network folder.
2. Configure Network Settings: Open the Brother HL-L2350DW’s control panel (usually accessed via the LCD screen). Navigate to the network settings and configure the printer to scan to a specific network folder.
3. Place Your Document: Place the item you want to scan on the flatbed scanner glass.
4. Select “Scan” or “Document”: Choose the appropriate option from the printer’s control panel.
5. Choose Network Scan: Select the option to scan to a network folder.
6. Select Folder: Choose the specific network folder where you want to save the scanned document.
7. Start Scanning: Initiate the scan process. The scanned document will be saved directly to the chosen network folder.

Method 3: Scanning to Email

This method is ideal for quickly sharing scans with others via email.
1. Configure Email Settings: Access the Brother HL-L2350DW’s control panel and navigate to the email settings. Enter your email address and password, and configure the SMTP server settings for your email provider.
2. Place Your Document: Place the item you want to scan on the flatbed scanner glass.
3. Select “Scan” or “Document”: Choose the appropriate option from the printer’s control panel.
4. Choose Email Scan: Select the option to scan to email.
5. Enter Recipient Details: Enter the email address of the recipient(s) and a subject for the email.
6. Start Scanning: Initiate the scan process. The scanned document will be attached to an email and sent to the specified recipients.

Method 4: Scanning to a USB Drive

This method is convenient for storing scans directly on a portable USB drive.
1. Insert USB Drive: Connect a USB drive to the printer’s USB port.
2. Place Your Document: Place the item you want to scan on the flatbed scanner glass.
3. Select “Scan” or “Document”: Choose the appropriate option from the printer’s control panel.
4. Choose USB Scan: Select the option to scan to a USB drive.
5. Select Drive: Choose the USB drive connected to the printer.
6. Start Scanning: Initiate the scan process. The scanned document will be saved to the chosen USB drive.

Tips for Optimal Scanning

Clean the Scanner Glass: A clean scanner glass ensures clear scans. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust or smudges.
Use the Right Paper: For best results, use high-quality paper that is free of wrinkles or creases.
Adjust Brightness and Contrast: If the scan looks too dark or too light, adjust the brightness and contrast settings in the software or on the printer’s control panel.

Experiment with Resolution: Higher resolution scans create larger files but produce sharper images. Choose a resolution that suits your needs.
Use the Appropriate File Format: PDF is generally the best choice for documents, while JPEG is ideal for photos.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

No Connection: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer or network. Check the USB cable or Wi-Fi settings.

Blank Scan: Make sure the document is placed flat on the scanner glass and there are no obstructions. Try cleaning the scanner glass.
Error Messages: Refer to your printer’s manual for troubleshooting specific error messages.
Scan Quality Issues: Adjust the scan settings, such as resolution, brightness, and contrast, to improve the scan quality.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Scanning Features

Your Brother HL-L2350DW offers a variety of advanced scanning features to enhance your workflow:

Multiple Page Scanning: Scan multiple pages at once, creating a single multi-page document.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Use the ADF to quickly scan multiple pages without manually placing each one on the flatbed.

Two-Sided Scanning: Scan both sides of a document automatically.
Scan to Cloud: Send scanned documents directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

Embracing the Power of Scanning: Your Brother HL-L2350DW Is More Than Just a Printer

The Brother HL-L2350DW is a versatile machine that can streamline your workflow and simplify your daily tasks. By mastering the art of scanning, you unlock its full potential, transforming it from a printer to a powerful document management tool.